Gentlemen,

I'm thinking about getting one of the Mauser M71/84 parts guns from Old Western Scrounger and then scouring the gun shows for a bolt and other parts. Before I do, wanted to check on what ammo this would take. Is it 43 Mauser? If so Midwayusa had Lee dies for this for $21.99. I know this is a basic question, but I'm just a little confused by all the different 43 cal cartridges. I really want one of these guns, thanks for any help.

SSB

71/84, is not standard 8mm! Big money to rebuild! I wouldn't!
http://www.militaryrifles.com/Germany/71-84Mau.htm

The newest of these is around 118 yrs. old! Great rifle and lots of fun, but not real likely you will find the parts necessary to complete it. Gun Parts Co. did list parts several years ago, but what they really had is in question. Likely if the bolts, especially, were available these guns would be being completed and sold as such instaed of incomplete.

I'd give singleshotbuff a little credit and assume he already knows that .43 is not 8mm!!!!!!!!!!!

The proper cartridge is 11.15x68mm Rimmed, otherwise known as 11mm Mauser or .43 Mauser. Bullet diameter is .446. Dies are available from CH-4D for a reasonable price. The RCBS .44-370 FN is the correct bullet. Brass is available, but expensive. Usable cases can be made from .458 Win Mag with the belt turned off and a Spira-loc snap ring installed in the extractor groove for headspace. They shoot fine, but won't feed through the magazine. (The snap ring rim is too small for the cartridge stop to keep them in the magazine).

I'd check with Gun Parts, Atlanta Cutlery and OWS to see if a bolt is likely before investing too much.

I've had mine, an Infantry Rifle built at Spandau in 1888, for about 43 years. I was at the NRA Museum in 1967, and mine is in better condition than the one they had displayed then.

Thanks Alk,

Not sure where I mentioned 8mm, I'm well aware that these guns are 11mm. I just wanted to be absolutely sure of the exact cartridge.

As far as parts, there are a couple of guys that have tables at local gun shows that have lots of pre-M98 mauser parts. I think they'd be able to get what I need. Thought it might be a fun project rifle.

SSB