Re-Barreling an M1896 Mauser

[TennBill2]

Sheepherder, I'm studying your info and have a problem with my conversion. The 'original' shotout re-barrel on mine appears to have been threaded slightly off. I threaded my 9mm blank to 1/2-18 which matches the old barrels threads.....I think a rather unusual thread. I've ordered a tap so as to re-thread the receiver straight. 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. Any help appreciated! Bill

[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.

[TennBill2]

I see how you did it, thanks! I have enough brass to make this type of jig. The barrel when screwed in angles upward slightly, enough to be noticeable....if your looking! It would be a problem though to accurately chamber it. I have to get a reamer, rent or buy, and preferably 'short chamber' the barrel, while off. As far as the tap, I ordered it off ebay, Merlin Tools, China.....of course. In my research, it appears 1/2-18 is used in some auto applications. Supposedly.....they say....a 1/4NPT is the same,those taps are tapered. I think I will wind up grinding the tap into a bottoming tap. the taper may have caused the problem to start with. I will mount the receiver on the lathe as you have. I've had various C96's since I was about 14.....could buy them then for $25....nobody wanted them. Top drawer Luger, $100! Thinking of the guns I've sold....I just hate myself!

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by TennBill2

I see how you did it, thanks! I have enough brass to make this type of jig. The barrel when screwed in angles upward slightly, enough to be noticeable...

Travers has all 3 taps in that size, @ ~$20 each...

4D and Elk Ridge both have the 30 Mauser reamer, IIRC. ~$35 to rent for 4 days or something like that...I was able to turn down a Craftsman 3/8" drive x 6" extension to fit inside the Mauser barrel extension...You can ream it with the new barrel in place...

Getting rid of that up-angle is a challenge...Please post how you do it!