How to Shorten a Mauser Action

Most Mauser bolt-action rifles were manufactured as long-action rifles to accommodate military rounds. However, many hunters and sport shooters who use Mausers today use shorter loads. The long action results in a heavier gun and a slower chambering action owing to the longer bolt. With some effort and precision, a long action can be shortened in a home machining shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Cutting torch
  • Angle grinder or belt sander
  • Vise
  • Silver brazing solder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the stock, barrel, bolt and trigger from the chamber assembly.

    • 2

      Cut the chamber in half just in front of the rear bridge using a tight flame with an oxy-acetylene cutting torch. Remove an additional 0.85 inch section from the front half of the chamber assembly.

    • 3

      Burnish the cut edges using an angle grinder or belt sander using 220-grain aluminum oxide paper. Smooth out any burrs or drops caused by the cutting process.

    • 4

      Clamp the two pieces together in a vise, making sure all the edges are lined up perfectly. Braze the pieces together using a silver brazing solder and the cutting torch, applying a continuous thin bead along the entire seam. Burnish the solder smooth using the grinder or belt sander.

    • 5

      Cut a 0.85 inch section from the end of the bolt assembly and burnish smooth. File a notch in the end of the bolt to match the notch at the end of the cut piece of bolt using a square rasp.

    • 6

      Reassemble the rifle.