Siamese mauser

[Groupie]

I recently picked up a second Siamese 98 Mauser, believe it is the 66 model and in 8x52R ? I had the type 45 which I believe is 8X50 R. Seems I've seen some place the main way to tell them apart is the T-45 has a raised peice of wood on the right side along the bolt and the T-66 doesn't ? Is this correct? Seems odd they would change calibers for such little difference ?

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[m4a3sherman]

Wow, that is intense. Hmmmm... the next time you are in Thailand you might consider sending a care-package back to the states.... haha. Actually, the sad thing is, if someone brought back even 100 rounds of original ammunition, I would not shoot it! It would remain in my collection and slowly get sold off I'm sure. Although... the temptation to fire just one might be too great. And how about the Spencer... that is nice and very surprising. Indeed the Thai/Siamese must have been interested in only the best; the Siamese Mausers were certainly at the height of technology in 1903 and made in rapidly industrializing Japan meant they could guarantee quality. I wonder how common the rifles are over there, especially in unconverted condition, i.e. in 8x50R. I love Thai food.... maybe I have a new reason to take a vacation....

[DaveN]

When visiting Thailand who needs to go to a gun shop, just look under the bed?

[m4a3sherman]

It is my understanding the changing of calibers was more of an 'upgrade' because they all seem to have been converted rather than factory built. When you find them in the 8x52 they have their rear sight ground and readjusted while the 8x50s naturally retain the original sight increments. As for the furniture, I don't know if the raised wood is true or not; I'll have to check mine later to see if it has what you're talking about. I am only aware of one variant on the Siamese Mauser and that is the carbine length version which is pretty nifty looking.