Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 Well, I have been given an intereting "artifact" - a 1916 Spandau Gewehr 98 action. Actually a basket case, but what the heck - it's interesting. And could be the basis for a long-term project. Anyway, someone has done some really cruel things to the critter. First off, at some point, it was nickel plated. But prior to that, the bridge was ground down, as if to make clearance for a receiver sight perhaps? Then, the bolt stop was removed and the "ears" ground off. But the oddest of all, the bolt handle was cut off and a replaced with the strangest thing I've ever seen: a stub with a captured steel "ball bearing" (last picture). This sphere is evidently secured with a horizontal pin that allows it to spin vertically in it's "cage." Any ideas wotinell this might be about?? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 That is weird! I did a search for “ball bearing in rifle bolt handle” thinking this may have been a fad, but found nothing. Also, it’s odd that the “gunsmith” didn’t change the angle of the bolt handle, which is usually the most sought after bolt mod, from what I understand. Perhaps a prior owner had little dainty easily blistered finger tips? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tex Jones, SASS 2263 Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 Reminds me of the line: "It seemed like a good idea at the time". 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 well , that be STRANGE looks like a paper weight , gonna take a lot of work to try to make it useable again CB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watab kid Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 (edited) nice paper weight , need a krag to go with it Edited November 29 by watab kid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rip Snorter Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 Guy was probably on a roll. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted November 29 Author Share Posted November 29 (edited) Seriously pondering taking this on as a project ~ easy enough to remove the nickel, a bit of judicious welding could build up the bridge and replace the bolt-stop ears - an alternative worth exploring would be a Ruger 77 bolt stop. And as far as the weird "ball bearing" goes, I prefer Model 70 style bolt handles anyway. Here's a "Yugo" Mauser I sporterized a bunch of years ago: Bell & Carlson stock, Beuhler safety, mounts and rings, Timney trigger, ancient Weaver K4-w scope. Metal work done by the late John McCrae of Vallejo; barreled action and Beuhler accessories were Parkerized my my old pard Hank. That said, I does likes me a good Mauser ~ having one with "Spandau" stamped on it might be kinda cool! Hm. If I did this... what caliber...? Edited November 29 by Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 3 hours ago, Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 said: If I did this... what caliber...? .270 Winchester. Reason? I just like the round. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted November 29 Author Share Posted November 29 (edited) 35 minutes ago, Pat Riot said: .270 Winchester. Reason? I just like the round. LOL... I would consider it... but I awreddy gots one - Ruger No. 1. Been pondering it, and one caliber that caught my eye is the 9.3X57. Basically an 8X57 expanded to 9.3mm. 🙂 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/9.3×57mm_Mauser Edited November 29 by Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 IF I were to think on the bolt catch studs , I would think of using EDM to punch the holes then, have someone TIG the studs and drill for the pin I am NOT be any stretch a welder , MIG , TIG , GAS , Electric or wire the big cut out , would be make a block shaped to fit , then welded in bolt handle , whack it off flat and make a butter knife handle as to cal , 30-06 or 7x57 if ya want ODD think about a 6.5 X 57 Mau. CB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyesa Horg Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 5 hours ago, Rip Snorter said: Guy was probably on a roll. But had lost his bearings! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot Posted November 29 Share Posted November 29 1 hour ago, Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 said: LOL... I would consider it... but I awreddy gots one - Ruger No. 1. Been pondering it, and one caliber that caught my eye is the 9.3X57. Basically an 8X57 expanded to 9.3mm. 🙂 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/9.3×57mm_Mauser A .36 caliber. Interesting. Went searching out of curiosity. Found some 9.3x57 stuff. https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/12622 https://www.norma-ammunition.com/en-us/products/dedicated-hunting/centerfire-rifle/norma-oryx/norma-oryx-93-x-57-232gr---20193092 https://bullshop.weebly.com/-36-caliber-cast-bullets.html https://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?s=111c76e4293d78698a1f2382013ffb4b&attachmentid=225382&d=1534021956 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steel-eye Steve SASS #40674 Posted Saturday at 04:50 AM Share Posted Saturday at 04:50 AM You might want to consider 9.3x62, a bit more powerful and ammo is more available. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horace Patootie, SASS #35798 Posted Saturday at 05:10 AM Share Posted Saturday at 05:10 AM Speaking of plated guns, a couple of days ago I was at our local Cabela's and on the used gun rack was a 1866-74 French Gras rifle that had been plated. Horace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted Saturday at 06:55 AM Author Share Posted Saturday at 06:55 AM 1 hour ago, Horace Patootie, SASS #35798 said: Speaking of plated guns, a couple of days ago I was at our local Cabela's and on the used gun rack was a 1866-74 French Gras rifle that had been plated. Horace I gots a Gras ~ picture is my son holding it. A college buddy gave it to me fifty some years ago. Story was that some relation of his had brought it back as a souvenir from WW I. It passed down until he got it; he had no interest - but I did. Long booger with the bayonet on it! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horace Patootie, SASS #35798 Posted Saturday at 02:51 PM Share Posted Saturday at 02:51 PM 7 hours ago, Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 said: I gots a Gras ~ picture is my son holding it. A college buddy gave it to me fifty some years ago. Story was that some relation of his had brought it back as a souvenir from WW I. It passed down until he got it; he had no interest - but I did. Long booger with the bayonet on it! I believe Buffalo Arms has ammo for them also. Horace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyesa Horg Posted Saturday at 03:14 PM Share Posted Saturday at 03:14 PM 8 hours ago, Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 said: I gots a Gras ~ picture is my son holding it. A college buddy gave it to me fifty some years ago. Story was that some relation of his had brought it back as a souvenir from WW I. It passed down until he got it; he had no interest - but I did. Long booger with the bayonet on it! Wouldn't make for a handy brush gun. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life Posted Saturday at 03:47 PM Share Posted Saturday at 03:47 PM 32 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said: Wouldn't make for a handy brush gun. Put a machete on it instead of the bayonet and it would do the job! LOL 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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