Re-Barreling an M1896 Mauser

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by TennBill2

I threaded my 9mm blank to 1/2-18 which matches the old barrels threads.....I think a rather unusual thread.

Sure is. 1/2 x 13 is UNC; 1/2 x 20 is UNF; and 1/2 x 28 is UNEF. I use 1/2 x 28 UNEF (same as AR-15/M16 flash hider thread) for most of my re-barrels. But if it's whatcha got, you have to go with it.

I've ordered a tap so as to re-thread the receiver straight.

Is that even possible??? I know Travers has that size (they have pretty much any size) but that is definitely a special size...

How is your receiver thread not straight??? Off-center or angled???

My question: Got a close-up pic of the rear receiver mandrel you made or, an explanation? The rear striker hole with the bolt inserted may, or may not, be a proper way to line it up.

Trying to recall how I did it...OK, here's pics of two different ways...For the second, you might have to make up a long (or two short) barrel bushing to hold a common size aircraft-extension drill bit...

First way uses an internally-tapered aluminum vise insert (made especially for the barrel used), second uses a long drill to spot-mark the brass plug, take it out & center drill it, re-insert and drill it through, then reverse it & center drill the other end...

FWIW, I used way #1.