Question for gun enthusiasts

[deSelys]

Hello from Belgium!


The law here is about to change concerning the right to own old historical firearms without license, and I would like to buy a bolt-action rifle before it's too late.

I've seen a spanish mauser 'La Coruna' in 8x57 priced at 300€ (around 400$). The bolt works smoothly, trigger action is crisp and I'll be able to shoot it a few times before buying it to check that everything is working fine.

Wood is marked with dents but no sign of rot. One small piece of wood missing near the muzzle.

Does anybody know something about those particular rifles? Are they reliable? If yes, what are the points I should be checking before buying it?...


Thanks in advance 

[AHTbolt]

Good gun buy it.

[PFactorDave]

Good gun buy it.

I agree.  You'll want to take a good look at the inside of the bore.  Look for corrosion or pitting from rust.  If everything looks good and you get the chance to put a few rounds through it and it shoots well, then I would definitely buy it.

[Reschke]

Sorry to hear that they are restricting your right to own a rifle without a license. Otherwise the Spanish Mauser is a great rifle to have in the fold. Very capable weapon and a very good shooting one at that.

[mbailey]

I have one that was "Sporterized" (ie, re stocked and made into a hunting gun) back in the 50's......... I dont hunt with it, but enjoy shooting it immensly.

[adam1]

Get a Mosin Nagant

[kilo2]

Hey I have a Spanish Mauser. Great gun.

[Treize69]

Any of the Mausers are usually reliable, accurate and fun to shoot, as long as they have been moderately well cared for. Repair and restoration is pretty simple as well, as long as you have a basic skillset to work with. Even if the gun you get isn't in perfect condition, you should be able to gets parts to get it set up the way you want pretty easy.

[superpug1]

Everyone else has pretty much said it. Check the bore for pitting, remove the bolt and look down the barrel to be sure there isnt pitting and rust in the barrel and check the rifling, as well. They are extremely reliable. Don't get a mosin if you can only have one rifle. The mauser is more refined and enjoyable to shoot and own, unless you can find a good Finnish version.

Sorry you are losing that as a right.

[deSelys]

Thanks for all the info, I will do as you suggest and if the bore is clean from corrosion and it shoots decently, I'll buy it (and post pics )

They don't have Mosin-Nagant for sale at the moment. They also a few Schmidt-Rubin K31, and I've heard mostly good things about them, but I prefer a 'real' bolt-action

About our loss of rights, well, it's Yurop'...  


<edited for typos>

[cpxxx]

Well that's nothing, you even have to get permission from the local police to even own a deactivated rifle in this country

[deSelys]

Word.

[VonMessa]

If it is in nice shape, buy it.

Learn how to use a bow and arrow, too...

[SmokinLoon]

If it is in nice shape, buy it.

Learn how to use a bow and arrow, too...

better yet how to use a sling and rocks.   

[VonMessa]

better yet how to use a sling and rocks.   

Quite effective, as well