How to Rebarrel a Mauser

Mauser rifles were the most common rifle on the European battlefields during World War I and World War II. The most famous Mauser rifle of all was the Mauser model 98; later modifications gave way to the shortened version K98 or Karabiner Kurz used by the German Army from 1935 until the end of World War II. Many military surplus enthusiasts collect Mauser rifles. As with all weapons, modifications or maintenance may be required from time to time. Replacing a Mauser barrel can be done using appropriate gunsmith tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Slotted screwdriver
  • C-clamp
  • Nylon punch and hammer
  • Padded barrel vise
  • Mauser action wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pull the bolt to the rear. Visually inspect the weapon to ensure that no live ammunition is present.

    • 2

      Pull the bolt release lever out to the side. This is located on the left side of the rear sight aperture. Pull the bolt rearward and out of the action.

    • 3

      Turn the weapon upside down. Press down on the magazine release detent with a slotted screwdriver. Lift and pull out the magazine cover-plate.

    • 4

      Unscrew the forward receiver screw. This is the screw closest to the muzzle visible after you remove the magazine cover-plate. Unscrew the rear receiver screw. This is located just behind the trigger guard.

    • 5

      Pull up and out on the trigger guard. Remove the trigger and magazine well from the stock.

    • 6

      Slide the cleaning rod out from under the barrel. Set the rifle on its left side, with the muzzle resting off of the bench.

    • 7

      Clamp the rifle to the bench using a large C-clamp. Hold a nylon punch onto the front barrel-band. Tap the nylon punch lightly until the front barrel-band comes off. Remove the front barrel-band and barrel-band spring.

    • 8

      Lightly tap the rear barrel-band forward towards the muzzle using the nylon punch and hammer. Lift the receiver and barrel assembly out of the stock.

    • 9

      Lift up the sight tangent to its vertical position. Lift up on the wooden hand guard and turn it perpendicular to the barrel. Lift the hand guard up and off of the tangent sight and barrel.

    • 10

      Lock the barrel tight into a padded barrel vise. Attach a Mauser action wrench to the barrel lug located just in front of the receiver. Turn the wrench counterclockwise using firm pressure. Unscrew the barrel from the receiver.

    • 11

      Slide the new barrel into the barrel vise and lock down tight. Attach the receiver to the barrel and screw on hand tight. Attach the action wrench to the barrel lug and tighten firmly back into position. Reassemble the weapon.