HIDEOUS Guns with SURPRISING Ability

[@Stigstigster]

This gentleman's attitude towards the hobby of collecting in general as well as his well-observed and truthful viewpoints on the firearms in hand are a refreshing change from the nonsense that goes on at many KZbin channels. This channel is gold.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you for writing. I appreciate your support so much! All the best to you.

[@cdavidlake2]

The guy's a class act for sure. Great channel.

[@BenJamInn-q3o]

​@@UnitedStatesOfGunsI j7st wanted to tell you that the AG in the names of German/ Austrian/ Swiss companies is an acronym for Aktiengesellschaft which basically means That the company's shares are open to the public for the stock market.. It is a policy that was increased under Hitler so that the public could benefit more from industry and was also so that monopolies were limited or removed. Hitler didn't invent AG but he made it better for civilians

[@leifhoklin2681]

This video is proof that this gentleman truly loves rifles and is a connoisseur of firearms. He appreciates the history of firearms, even the post-war period when a lot of folks self-sporterized military rifles.

[@patriot-hz1dy]

I haven't been keeping up with the channel lately but love this format and love the seamless teaching and no rush approach. Absolutely love seeing these old rifles in action. This gentleman is a class act, loves and enjoys his craft and wish he was my neighbor! Thanks for the video

[@craigthescott5074]

I recently picked up a Winchester lever 1887 12 gauge. Metal was good but somebody had hacksawed the barrel down from a 30 inch to probably 24 inches. It was botched so I took a precise pipe cutter and cut it down to 18 1/2 inches buffed out the sharp edges and cold blued the end of the barrel. Then I re-finished the wood. Wow big difference. Now I’ve got the Terminator’s shot gun.

[@longlowdog]

Sir, you produce great videos full of information delivered very clearly. You should be proud of your shooting accomplishments with those vintage scopes and peep sights. You are not a 'large human error', you are a treasured member of the shooting community. Thank you for these productions and warmest regards from Scotland.

[@Dalesarty]

I’ve never seen a ugly Mauser and even after watching this I can still say I haven’t. Best part is there already sporterized so no harm done if refinished. Would take very little, mostly time and love to put these rifles back to there former beauty.

[@bozaiwarrior]

As a sporter or in military dress?

[@brittakriep2938]

Last year i was in Oberndorf am Neckar, to visit the Waffenmuseum/ weapons museum. The guns of Heckler & Koch and Feinwerkbau ( target weapon company) are in good condition, but some of the Mauser rifles are in bad condition ( the former Mauser collection was in 1945 stolen by US and French soldiers). The entrance ticket is also for Heimatmuseum/ home region museum. There you can see weapons in realy bad condition, the swords and Speer tips from allemanic warriors graves.

[@greybone777]

Good luck finding original stock and parts.

[@markstewart9305]

...or just improve them a little or customize them further to use as hunting rifles. None of these, with missing and non-matching parts etc. would be good candidates for returning to military configuration as collectibles. I think sporterized military rifles are far more interesting, though some were badly mutilated. Tip - keep original stock for accuracy or try to get one, sporterized or otherwise.. These were fitted far better than any aftermarket wood or plastic M98 sporter stock will be unless you go to the expense of glass bedding.

[@lavanice]

Or Modern touch , I did this with one of my 2 rifle in 9.3x62, gave it new synthetic stock, muzzle brake, 2.5x10 scope , timney trigger, glass bed. I love it more as I use it atleast couple of hunt every year. Only diffrence was husky FN98 in original was too good to disturb, and M98 stock was broken plus 1 sight missing but found that cheap so hard to passby , I am happy now.

[@jimivy6019]

They are a heck of a lot prettier in my eyes than many of the AR clones I see on KZbin.

[@morpheusgreene2704]

i used to think ARs were ugly, but they do inspire creativity in the build itself. every one is different because of the modularity. you just have to look past cosmetics.

[@mikegreen2214]

Couldn’t agree more. 🍻

[@richardcrocker6604]

@@morpheusgreene2704 p[

[@richardcrocker6604]

@@morpheusgreene2704 ⁰

[@phillycheesetake]

That aperture-sighted mauser was fine. I wouldn't hesitate taking something like that hunting.

[@FernandoChaves]

My father was from Peru. He trained in a military school. Then he immigrated to the US. I was born in the US and he taught me to shoot when I was 8 years old. I still remember him talking about the Mauser he shot when he was in school. I have now been collecting and shooting since 1984. Thanks for invoking the memories.

[@isserfiq]

I do appreciate you featuring the more affordable "diamond in the rough" for us bottom feeders. Not sure where you are located but here in southern Maine deals like that have not been seen in twenty years. These days they are getting 400U$ for worn out Mosins. Closest you'll come to the 200$ mark are the Carcanos, and ammo for those is rather scarce at present.

[@thekalamazookid4481]

Same in NY

[@MikeGuadango]

He’s in British Columbia Canada

[@TELEFUNKENU47458]

And Uncle Henry's is a joke.

[@deandeann1541]

@@TELEFUNKENU47458 I hear Uncle Henry is charging for ads now. That might be their demise.

[@binalith4898]

hey bud

[@samtruesdale6348]

I love taking old guns like those and putting them back in service. A lot of satisfaction in cleaning, bedding, refinishing, load development and then putting meat on the table.

[@yanceyrobertson2414]

I'm like you. No better feeling than taking a tired old rust bucket with a sticky stock and poor action and after 3-4 hours disassembling and cleaning them up. It's like a new gun. You can hear them sigh and say 'Thank you'. And then shooting them. What could be more fun.

[@doctortimepmd3339]

I've never seen an ugly rifle just some prettier than others.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

That's the "line of the day." Thank you!

[@stefanschug5490]

Great video as always! Just to let you know that the advantage of these old wood stocks is that you can make them fit to your personal body physic rather than saving weight. We used to say: " The barrel shoots but the stock hits". Especially at fast running game like wild boars in a driven hunt it is essential that the stock fits your body. Anybody can hit non-moving game even with the most awkward fitting stock from a blind rest but it is a totally different story if you wish to hit a boar, running 45 miles/hour across a small opening. The latter takes a well fitted stock and lots and lots of practice.

[@michaelderyder426]

You are such a wealth of knowledge. Thank you kind sir for all you do for our community. Your videos are by far, my favorite on KZbin.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you Michael. I am humbled by such kind and generous words.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for your Mauser reviews. I recently picked up a Chilean Mauser in 7x57 made by Oberndorf. It's finished out nicely and I happen to be a fan of 7x57.

[@reddmutt1916]

I couldn't agree more. My first rifle that I owned was a model 93 Spanish Mauser. I really enjoyed shooting it.

[@georgesheffield1580]

I have on ,Lowe ,M95 , cut down stoch bent bolt handle .shoot sub minute groups all day long

[@joelclark2130]

I absolutely love that video. It was different it had some great stories huge fan the Mauser action , long live the k98

[@Rugerfiend]

When I was a teenager I had an old WW2 veteran as a neighbor. He called these type of guns "Fugitives" he had a pile of them. I became the beneficiary of many of them through yard work, barn painting, car washing good times.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Terry - I'd have liked to have been there!

[@joem4145]

That's awesome, I'm sure you heard some great stories as well.

[@markscherm5512]

It’s the stories these guns could tell that really capture the imagination.

[@mateoocampo3165]

From some of the hack jobs I've seen, if those guns could talk, they would file charges for assault and battery.... 😝

[@greatlakespowerstrokefx4]

If only they could talk

[@carlosferreira6152]

@@mateoocampo3165 lll

[@roeng1368]

Until it gets to bubba, the cheap hacksaw and the dremel tool !

[@petrotmyrcz308]

Perfect title for the video. That 7x57 actually had me laughing when I first saw it. Turns out to be a hidden gem. Thanks Mike.

[@patrickgriffitt6551]

Took my 1st deer with surplus 7x57 Maurer. Wish I still had it.

[@tlloyd9325]

I love to see the old Mausers. The sound they make is unlike the commercial bolts of today. Even after untold number of rounds through them they are slick.

[@teddyfartypants]

I have a Turkish mauser that cycles like silk it's unbelievable.

[@tlloyd9325]

@@teddyfartypants mine is a Oberndorf 98. The closest thing to it is a Tikka.

[@grassroot011]

I've got a Husqvarna Mauser blot action in 30:06, with a schnabel fore ended stock. Nice gun @ 6.5lbs. Swedish made.

[@dannelson8768]

"Adventures happening here with the wood" classic deadpan positive spin ... that is why I like your videos. Keep up the fine work. Kudos !

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Dan : )

[@binalith4898]

laughed at that too

[@12port77]

My first deer rifle was a sporterized Mauser (Chilean 95). It was likely converted in the 1950's. I later got sentimental, replaced the corroded and shot out barrel with a Lothar Walther in 6.5x55. It is one of my most accurate guns today. I also have a high condition original Chilean Mauser I would have likely never purchased had it not been for the old sporter. I would never alter an original, but would not hesitate to pick up another one similar to your fine examples. Great video!

[@mongosafariadventure]

The 7x57 looks like a solid hunting, no frills rifle. I've always wanted an original, unaltered Israeli 7.62 Mauser 98. Still my favorite military rifle is my Remington 1903A3 unaltered.

[@losonsrenoster]

That 8x57 looks a lot better than my old battle scarred Lee Enfield number 1 mark lll * BSA made in 1941. (Bought 2019 for the equivalent of 175 USD) But my old ugly shoots fine, I love it.

[@tomfrommichigan]

I have a soft spot in my heart for these kind of guns. I can enjoy them for their intrinsic value. I can let inexperienced shooters fire them without fear of scratching a pristine collectable.

[@stevailo]

The second one looks actually quite pretty, and the combination of the timney (or whatever) trigger and the diopter sight would make for a very fun informal target rifle in my opinion.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I'm seeing more and more beauty in these rifles.

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

If a gun is ugly but allows someone to get into the sport then its a good gun. The "ugly" guns are good for hunting with because you don't have to worry about banging them up. I knew some people that bought a bunch of these and even had ads on armslist because they needed projects for class while attending gunsmith school.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Great post Jake. God Bless.

[@Lou.B]

I liked this video, Mike! It's great to see you out in the field of course, and I also appreciated your evaluation and diagnostic process of the guns. It was almost like watching a Doctor go on rounds with a bunch of interns (like me!). Keep up the great work! Those deer don't stand a CHANCE!!!

[@johnrisinger7484]

You’re having a great time. And it shows. I would be proud to have any of them.

[@winfieldholbrook5167]

Very good observation. It’s in the same category as you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. One never knows when a 100.00 dollar rifle will outperform a premium high end rifle. As usual another fact brought to light by your knowledge of firearms.

[@petebribble4651]

This is the best "gun guy" on KZbin in my opinion. I always enjoy his work. Big thumbs up!

[@theoriginalOSOK]

About 18 years or so I came across a Swedish 1894 carbine that had been badly sporterized. The stock inletting was such that rounds would not feed. It was a full-length stock (Mannlicher type) and the fore end had warped. The scope mount was cheap and the mounting screws stripped out so it was loose. I bought it and it became a project gun for me. I was actually able to fix everything and it is now a really nice lightweight deer rifle - perfect for Texas. I really like it because of the extensive work I did on it and how well it turned out. Great vid and thanks for sharing!!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Those projects are so great to have. I did a few. Some worked out; some didn't - but I liked them all. Your Swedish carbine is about ideal for most North American hunting - and no one else has a gun quite like yours. Some people have to spend a lot of money to have scarce things.

[@TheQCollection]

Oh I'll gladly pay you $60 + Shipping...lol Finding good old rifles below $200 is almost a thing of the past.. I have a ruger M77 in 7x57 that I picked up many years ago for $175.00 and it's one of my favorite hunting rifles, nice and gentle on the old shoulder.. great video as always..

[@jeffreyfernandes2662]

Always a pleasure to see you at the range. Great passing on of the knowledge. Take care and God bless.

[@garysorrells8133]

Another great video. And I love that you went straight to the range with these rifles. My favorite has to be the 7×57 as that is what I have. I think that you could remove the wire and possibly the top wooden shroud and re-engineer a front sling swivel and it would be a sweet little rifle to carry in the field.

[@leifhoklin2681]

It’s awesome as it is. It’s a fabulous example of a mid century kitchen gunsmith military sporter. It’s a functional meat-getter, but also art.

[@paulregner5335]

In my experience, the first round flyer is attributed to a cold bore.

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

Like the haircut 👍

[@captainzeb1969]

Great tip about the masking tape. Thanks for sharing the video with us.

[@wadeeubanks4560]

Great video as always. Your demonstrations and explanations of the firearms are always so clear and to the point. Can’t say I’ve ever seen an ugly rifle but have loved guns since I saw the first one. If a person is pleased with a rifle it matters not what someone else may think of it. I would never buy a gun to try and impress or please someone else. If I’m happy with it that’s all that matters. Keep making these wonderful and informed videos. 👍👍

[@dave_1958]

It’s always refreshing to watch videos like this. I’m a little tired of all the tacticool guys out there now days 👏

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you David - I appreciate you being here. My best to you.

[@jefferywilliams7687]

Great video. When I teach Hunters Education Classes I have brought in some old Mauser and Enfield’s as an example of a low cost hunting rifle. I remind them they have to use expanding bullets when hunting. I remember in the 1960’s and 70’s sporting goods stores would sell war surplus rifles for less than $20. I still have a 1939 8X57 that shoots extremely well.

[@patwatson2454]

I have a fully original fully functional 7x57 Mauser that at some point was set up and designated as a sniper rifle,I paid$75 for it at a pawn shop about 20 years ago with Norma ammo it prints 1 inch groups at 200 not bad for a rifle built late 1800's

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Brilliant rifle and buyer!

[@patwatson2454]

@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I enjoy your channel,very respectful and clean and educational thank you,I especially like that model 8 Remington 35 Cal in your intro not only is the 35 rem my all time favorite hunting cartridge but the model 8 was way advanced for the time

[@hamishbarker4117]

Hi Thanks for the video, I love old guns with alot of history and we have a lot of old 303brit here in New Zealand, and I found most of them still shoot just fine. I also love the 7x57. Thanks again

[@garyK.45ACP]

When I was a young man, one of my hunting companions was from a family that was not very financially well off. His family's only "hunting rifle" was a surplus 1903A3 Springfield rifle, which were quite inexpensive at that time. (mid 60s) It was 100% peep-sight-OMG-heavy-original. But that rifle was incredibly accurate just as it was and he killed a lot of deer, wild hogs with it. I don't think he would have traded it for anything "better" or more expensive. When he got a little older and a little better off financially, he managed to afford a Remington Model 788...another ugly, heavy, cheap rifle...and another one that was incredibly accurate! He was still using that rifle until we both got too old and arthritic to hunt anymore.

[@tiffanyscott4823]

Scope ''flying'' off! That was a good one but true......you just never know, do you? I will say for me personally I wouldn't hesitate taking either of those to the ''deer'' woods but you're a better shot than me, lol. I did however take a decent 8 pt. several yrs. ago offhand with a Rem.700 Mnt. Rifle in 280 cal. about 160 yds. I was impressed with myself! Your videos are truly a joy to watch especially in these times we're in! God bless you and yours my friend in this New Year! Bobby from N.C. P.S. - I have one of these Mausers in 8mm that belonged to my dad.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Tiffany, That Rem. 700 in .280 is as good as it gets - wonderful caliber - as you know. Great shot BTW! Thanks for the kind words and for being here. God Bless you and yours.

[@JoshuaE-BiblePatriot]

Any wood stock bolt action gun can never be ugly to me

[@andrewmoens8614]

Thanks. Surprisingly how well these rifles still operate and accurately place rounds on the target. Thanks ounce again.😊

[@timclark8596]

another great video, excellent low-key delivery, the enthusiasm & affection for these old guns really comes across 👍

[@kalaharimine]

That 7x57mm is the sweetest shooting, caliber goes back to the Boers (farmers) taking on the mightiest Empire with those.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Bee Cee - All things considered it probably is the best cartridge.

[@maverickpaladin4155]

Pretty sure that second rifle is a commercial Mauser. I don't recall them putting the Mauser banner on military rifles. Pretty interesting rifle for sure.

[@greybone777]

Mauser actions were surface hardened and most are super smooth. Most don't compare. Tikka are close for bolt slickness . Excellent video.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you Randall

[@jmfa57]

I absolutely love old Mausers, even the sporterized ones. Great video, I love your channel and your delivery!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I am a big fan of historical firearms. I love the wood stocks and the challenge of a bolt action.

[@jessepitt]

One of my favorite videos of yours so far and I would probably keep the wire, it lends character.

[@gusloader123]

Hello Mike. You are over 18 and it is your rifle, but --- per the first one with the wire holding the stock to the barrel,,,, I am a follower of the concept of: "If it ain't broke, DO NOT fix it" idea. It shot the best, so leave the wire alone! Better to turn it over and put some glue or rubber cement on the wire point and let it dry, or affix some "Duct" or electrical tape to the ends of the wire, or use a shooting glove on your left hand! What I would do is add a front sight, a rear sight such as a "Lyman" attached to the rear of the action, then get rid of the glass tube. That would be a really good "deer in the trees" rifle. You got a great deal for $40. As another gent in Maine posted: military surplus weapons here in the States have gone crazy high, price wise. My 1944 .303 Lee-Enfield made at Long Branch, Canada cost me about $110. back in about 1995. Now they are at least $500, and sadly almost all have been gutted ( aka: "sporterized" boo-hiss 🥵). I got an 1891 Argentine Mauser 7.65 x 54mm, made in Berlin by Loewe, from the G - B site. Very well-made firearm. (The bullet is a .312 or .313 caliber.)

[@davidkovach9175]

The second rifle is the best one. Like the target sight that was added and the custom stock job is nice as well.

[@SandsArmory]

God bless you brother ! been watching your videos for years since I was a early teenager now (23) mike your a truly generous teacher you gifted me one of the hagn faling block receivers a few years back it’s more work to complete than I thought it would be but I’m determined to finish it in the next years I have a walnut blank for the stock and been looking for a 375 H&H barrel I will most definitely keep you updated and send some pictures when it’s done I still have your email just wanted to thank you again for your lessons and generosity! God bless and happy New Years mike !!!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you so much! I remember you. I'm glad you have the action and they are tricky to populate with parts - very difficult actually : ) Messages such as you sent make my day. Take good care, safe shooting brother and God Bless.

[@sickboy703]

Love this. It has plenty of wear but someone loved and relied on that mauser and did whatever they could to keep it running. Take care of it and keep it running.

[@MBCDC1]

You were right. If the bullet completely disapears in the muzzle this means that there is no or minimal rifling left. But there might be a second reason. The muzzle could be counterbored. In this case it could very well be that the rifle shots decent. So a close examination should be undertaken. A remark concerning the Israeli Mausers. Especially the .308 rebarreled pieces were literally assembled from a bin of parts in Israel and it is therefore some kind of a "trademark" of these rifles that they seldomly have matching parts. Oh and by the way... how ugly or incomplete each of the rifles may be, they all shot excellent - considering their military heritage!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Excellent post - thank you!

[@joeguzman3558]

Older rifles make such a beautiful sound when you work the action

[@richarddixon7276]

I think that I would be happy with any of those rifles , that first rifle needs a bit of TLC but it appears to shoot pretty well and a couple of them with a little attention to details such as wonky pic rail could potentially be not just an accurate rifles but Very accurate rifles . Your shooting at 200 yards with open sights is excellent ! . To echo the comments of the Patriot 777 , I really like this format , but I think in inclement weather conditions nobody would complain if You stayed indoors . Thanks for another excellent video . Shoot Straight Stay Safe & Stay Well .

[@Mike-cc2eu]

Thanks for these videos and it brings back memories of my Dad and uncle’s they would go and buy surplus guns for deer hunting and seemed to always have deer on the deer pole at camp . And few of these gun looked pretty bad but always performed

[@lawrencefrancis350]

Great video thank you. Don’t judge a rifle by its looks!

[@rupertmcnaughtdavis3649]

I would be happy to own that peep-sighted 8 mm! Interesting how the iron sighted 308 had the best grouping.I rest my case!

[@wilberthreehundred6402]

Loved that they were all Mauser’s,something about them that I never loose interest because I own one made in 1943…

[@TheExplosiveGuy]

I actually really love my beater guns, I tend to use them more than anything and don't mind making any Bubba-esque changes or repairs, like my 16" barrel Mosin lol. Like you showed to test for in the video, a bullet would loosely fit in the muzzle, _plus_ the neck of the case, the first foot of the muzzle was solid rust when I got the gun, so the hacksaw came out. After a new stock, muzzle crown and 1.5 pound timney trigger it shoots surprisingly tight groups for a 106 year old rifle and has zero mechanical problems, the bolt is slick and doesn't stick or grind (unless I use Czech ammo, the rims are a few thou thicker on those and throws the headspacing off). All in all I enjoy my Mosin over any other bolt gun I own and despite it being the cheapest firearm I own it is one of my favorites, there's just something about a crap old gun that works great lol.

[@birddog0077]

Shocked to not see a K31 in this video. I really believe it would out-shoot all of these rifles both in rapidity and accuracy. Thanks for the content, I really enjoy your videos.

[@smitty3624]

Gotta love a rifle held together with JB weld and bailing wire.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

😁😁 excellent quality control

[@TELEFUNKENU47458]

i just bought a Mannlicher schonauer M71 chambered in 7x57 with a zeiss scope last month. Didnt have to touch the sights or the scope. It is shooting dead nuts. Its only money I guess but thanks USOG for turning me on to a whole new way of looking at guns and ammo. Great vid as usual. Ill just keep looking in the racks at the local gun shops for diamonds in the rough. A bit pricey perhaps, but not compared to the crap being sold today.i

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Kirk - Congrats on that purchase - that rifle / cartridge is one I've been looking for - for many years. The 7x57 in the MS is perfection! Bravo - and thanks for the kind words. God Bless.

[@timkraft4583]

That may be the funniest description of a rifle I've heard. "Something started growing in there so I just left it"

[@northwind9505]

Not only was it a walk in past but those who made them work for their present needs. Thank you for making this video.

[@kdm6287]

Good tip on the bore check thanks

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

👍👍

[@bobscruggs8886]

There is just something fascinating about old guns . I recently did some repair work for a customer as I mention I was going to the gun range the next day shooting black powder pistols she said wait a minute I want to show you something . Out comes something rolled in a blanket I just could not believe it a Civil war dated 1864 Springfield trapdoor rifle in pristine condition . She said one of her relatives fought with the Mississippi volunteers and took it from a Yankee during a battle . I had to go pray and ask God to forgive me for lusting for this beautiful piece of metal . LOL

[@myparceltape1169]

Forty Dollars, that's a bargain. You could play games with it and not lose much. It makes me smile.

[@NeSPyS]

I love these old ugly sporters. They show all of their use and experience and I have a feeling they will still be kicking long after many modern polymer budget rifles have withered away.

[@kenlansing1216]

A buddy had a Franken-gun built on an M96 Mauser chambered in 6.5 x 55 mm with a half round half octagon barrel set into a Remington stock (I think) a poorly welded on bolt handle, and the stock was painted some hideous shade of green. He called it The Ugly Duck but it shot like a house on fire.

[@kevinwilson9589]

At the first part of the video, I was saying DUDE, DON'T FORGET YOUR SAFETY GLASSES! Then half way through you put them on. I made that mistake once with a Chinese JW-15 .22 lr bolt action rifle about 20 years ago. Something spit back into my right eye, and my right eye waters exessively now. Really annoying especially on cold days when my glasses fog on a cold day. Always protect you eyes!

[@rickbattle5706]

Those rifles are too ugly to stay in Canada. I suggest you send them to Florida. Great video, great groups. :-)

[@yeetyeet8365]

Damn I’m here for the rifle education but nice haircut you look 20 years younger. Thanks for another great video

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Yeet Yeet - my barber went berserk with some kinds of clippers when I dozed off and most of my hair was on the floor when I woke up. I like him though and I guess there is a chance my hair will grow back 😁

[@jonhill4580]

good vid. did the 7x57 keyhole?

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Jon - We thought so too - but shot different groups at various ranges and couldn't find another - so decided the tape was so thick it gave that appearance. I like that rifle a lot. : )

[@kirkboswell2575]

Your 8x57 is a commercial mauser. Yes, it has had some modifications, but it's commercial, not military. The very first commercial 8x57's had a 318 bore. This was changed to 323 bore, and many 8x57's were changed to match. However, there are still some 318 bore rifles around, and commercial guns may or may not have been changed. Normal 8x57 ammo won't chamber in a 381 bore. So, if it's stamped 8x57 and modern 8x57 ammo won't fit, you have one of the 318 bore rifles. The 3rd rifle had the stock rasped so a better cheek alignment could be achieved with a low mounted scope. That high mounted scope isn't the first one it had. The "forcing" of the bolt might be related to a long bullet engaging the rifling, but you had commercial ammo, so my thinking is that you have some rough bolt races that need cleaned and reshaped.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Wonderful advice - thanks Kirk!

[@cornbreadburgess1950]

Great video brother,I really appreciate and enjoy these types of videos and guns, have a blessed day.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thank you and God Bless.

[@shawnhulke7385]

Mike as always great video and as far as the rifles are concerned I’ve had a lot of them and would still buy them. Each one has a story to tell if they could only talk. Keep up the great work and thank you.

[@bushleague3472]

Just a great episode, enjoyed it very much.

[@stoneblue1795]

I enjoyed this quite a bit. Those are all great deer slayers yet in my eye. Great rainy-day gun or truck gun. This would be a great topic to continue, beater of the month, etc.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Good idea Stone Blue

[@NycktheDyck]

Awesome video and content, keep up the great work!!!

[@giles-df9yu]

Spain also coverted thousands of mouser rifles to 308 as did most of Europe after the war when the US went to the 308 instead of the 30 06. The one the weaver scope was originally at a 90 degree angle and the bolt would have been straight up. They did not rebarrel for the 308. They took the barrel off the receiver and removed enough off of the chamber end to make a 308 chamber.

[@timnavarrette3274]

Things to do that help accuracy. Glass bed the action . Free float the barrel channel. Just enough for a dollar bill passing between the barrel and wood . Fold the dollar in half. Double thickness. Clean up he bore real well. Bet those groups right up some.

[@Keystoneexperience]

What a great video concept! Well done.

[@marcusd2380]

Great video out on the rang seeing the shooting.

[@oncall21]

I wouldn’t hesitate to take any of those rifles deer hunting. I have to agree though that the 7x57 would be my pick also. Thanks for sharing!

[@efrencarrasquillo1077]

I hope the blue resting block is not wood, it is hurting me seen that bounce in wood. Is an old rifle but still take care if it. Anyways, I enjoyed the video, thanks

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Efren, Thanks for noticing - it is just old foam - gentle on the guns. My best to you!

[@dudebroski9460]

i have a mauser. a 1909 argentine that was sporterized by sears in the 1920s i think. it has no import markings, all its crests and its numbers matching. they rechambered it in 30-06 and roughly reshaped the front of the original stock. it is a beautiful gun, the blue on it is impecable and deep dark blue. the craftsmanship, even the lettering for made in berlin is beautiful. just wish i knew a little more about the history of it.

[@ku4ap]

I loved this video SOOO much! Some reason I’m drawn to the “ugly” rifles. I like taking something unloved or abused and making something fantastic from it. I’d love any of those. I’m sure that was a fun day.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Such a great day! I'm like you - ugly may not be as it seems; may not be ugly at all. Cheers ku4ap

[@rickwebb4244]

What a gentleman there is hope not a no nothing load mouth keep it up

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Rick : )

[@rickwebb4244]

Yes i also have a soft spot for old bolt rifles .

[@pseudopetrus]

Awesome Mike!

[@dapsapsrp]

Another entertaining and informative video to watch. Like you said these old war relics do indeed have a story to tell and from the grouping results you got all would easily be worthy big game hunting rigs. First and foremost I like rifles that are reliable and reasonably accurate shooters. Only very recently have I gotten into cosmetically pleasing rifles like my Weatherby Mark V Deluxe and Beretta 686. My rifles are functional and accurate first. I also prefer them to be as original as possible but lets face it, after 75 to 100 years or more things happen.

[@regsparkes6507]

As much as I like to buy and enjoy new rifles, I enjoyed this video too. Makes me feel a little better now, that I've bought an old Mauser that has been re-barreled for 308. I had it checked out by 'my' Gunsmith, he gave it a thumbs up, even though it's not a 'pretty' looking rifle. I do enjoy watching the shooting and seeing the results on the target . Nothing wrong with those groups, in my opinion. Cheers Mike.

[@wgs6606]

One of your best! Those rifles are still more handsome than 99% of what’s manufactured today. Sheesh, talk about falling out of the ugly tree and hitting every branch on the way down….

[@gusloader123]

Yep. And the makers/sellers are charging top dollar for stuff with ugggglyyyyy plastic "stocks" and no sights, and not even blued and polished. No thanks.

[@margaretschaff9174]

My husband would not hesitate to go deer hunting with any of these rifles,

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

That makes 2 wise people in your house : )