Stored Mauser - Bolt in or Out?

[Calif-Steve]

Pull the trigger while closing the bolt. If you store the bolt out of the gun expect the wife to toss the bolt. Keep the bolt in the gun.

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Keep the bolt in the gun.

Good advice, and it prevents that feeling of utter futility when you drive halfway across the county to a range, and unpack all your gear: mat, jacket, pads, cap, spotting scope, ammo, rifle - but no bolt!

Patrick

[Gibbs505]

Good advice, and it prevents that feeling of utter futility when you drive halfway across the county to a range, and unpack all your gear: mat, jacket, pads, cap, spotting scope, ammo, rifle - but no bolt!

Patrick

Oh yeah, I can see that happening!!

[jmoore]

Oh yeah, I can see that happening!!

Been there! Just ONE stupid omission amogst, well more than a few...ammo, targets, spotting scope, rifle scope, staples, tape, etc. Oh, and have brought the WRONG rifle more than once.

So, yes, bolts now stay in the rifles.

[Aurelius]

So how does that work? Start the bolt and as it is closing, pull the trigger? What about dry firing in that case? I have a very rudimentary knowledge of rifles, just started collecting, so I appreciate your forbearance . . . thank you.

---------- Post added at 12:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:01 AM ----------

Also, I would like to take it out and shoot it, but need advice on what steps I need to follow. For example, I got most of the cosmoline off, but does the action need to be completely dismantled and cleaned? What about a safety check by a gunsmith? What is the usual process, in other words?

---------- Post added at 12:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:03 AM ----------

Are there Mauser clubs where I can meet and talk to someone about getting it out on the range to try the rifle out?

[Patrick Chadwick]

P.S. for Aurelius.
As you say you a beginner with Mausers, I think you deserve a little more explanation.

The know how in the books helps you to
1) Recognize that the "Original mint K98" you are being offered is, in fact, a mixmaster of restamped Yugo bits.
2) Recognize that the beat-up 1893 offered at a wallhanger price was in fact a rather rare Boer Mauser.
3) Reject the ones that look externally OK, but are in fact useless, or even dangerous, for shooting.

You did not say WHICH type of Mauser you purchased. I am cautious, even suspicious when you mention cosmoline, as this does not sound original. And sometimes sellers will smother the rifle in grease a) to make it look as if it came out of an arsenal b) to hide nasty stuff under the waterline. In any case, the gunge must be completely removed if you want to actually use the rifle, as the heat of firing will melt the grease so that it soaks right through the wood, ruining both finish and (eventually) the wood.

And finally, a check by Mauser experts is probably more reliable than a check by the typical gunsmith who has no specific knowledge of old service rifles. He will just pop in SAAMI headspaces gauges and tell you your rifle is unsafe, thus saving his butt, to use an expression common on your side of the pond. If you find a gunsmith who regularly handles 98-action hunting rifles, that would, of course, be different. So if there is something like a Mauser club in your area, get in touch!

Patrick