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First off I know very little about Non US Rifles. A friend brought one around today and asked if I might get some info. Hence this post.
The rifles receiver is marked as follows, Top line to bottom:
TC
AS (then a five point star) FA
ANK (then a quarter Moon) ARA
K.KALEE
1945
Serial # is 203591 on the receiver, bolt, floor plate and rear sight
Just behind the front sight is marked M1938 German 8MM - Is this the standard/common 8MM Mauser (.323) round??
Thanks for any help
Your friend's rifle is chambered for the .323 8 mm round. The military switched from the .318 diameter bullet to the .323 bullet in 1905, so being that the rifle is dated 1945, you are safe. A few commercial sporters were made after 1905, but they are not very common. Your friend's rifle is safe to shoot .323 8x57 mm ammunition. Sounds like a nice rifle and it is definitely Turkish.
xvigauge
It's probably a Model 1938. Check out this link: Turk Mauser - Model of 1938
Thanks for the info Gents. The old guy bought it at a farm auction for $35.00 last month. I checked Gunbroker "sold" rifles and it appears rifles in similier condition are now selling for about 175.00 to $200.00. Thanks again!!
Mike
They go for a lot more than that at the shows. More like $200-$300. Of course I don't know the condition of your friends rifle. In any case, he got a steal and a good solid shooter. 8mm is pretty easy to get and Turkish rounds are the hottest and cheapest of the bunch.
My friend lives in Littlestown, Pa. The overall exterior condition of metal is 50% blue with the balance turning to patina/gray, no visable exterior rust/pits. Wood is solid but with lots of dings, no cracks. Bore & chamber are bright & clean with strong rifling, no pitting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
Since I don't know if surplus 8MM is corrosive or not I suggested if he wanted to shoot it he should use moden 8MM until I can research the Ammo more.
It's not like he's gonna shoot it much anyway. He's 85 yrs old....Thanks for your post!!...Mike Haas