Mauser 71/84 magazine tube stuck

[boristhepig]

Hi
I have been given a 71/84 Mauser and have been trying to take it apart to give it a good clean. I found a disassembly guide on line at militaryrifles.com this shows the mag tube just sliding out. I have removed the flat cross pin and barrel bands etc. But the magazine tube is stuck fast. How do you remove it ? Am I missing something is there a knack to it.

Thanks

Information

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[Aragorn243]

It is advised to not remove the magazine tube from the M71/84 unless there is a problem with it. They are a very thin metal and easily bent and once bent they will not feed correctly and it is a hard repair to make. I had to repair the tube on mine after I purchased it. It took a lot of work.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Aragorn is quite right. Removing a stuck tube is very likely to damage it. A case of "pulling up the plant to see how the roots are growing".
I have "unbent" thin walled tubes (for a dented French horn, would you believe?) and can only say, if you have the mechanical skiils to do it, you will also have the understanding to leave it alone if it works!

[boristhepig]

Hi
The action of the rifle is at fault, the cut off selector does not move, the cartridge spoon lifter is stuck in the down position. The problem with the tube if I have not missed anything? is probably the same as its other problems due to rust and corrosion sticking it in place. Add to this the rear tang and front trigger screw heads being completely destroyed and needing to be drilled out. And also a number of missing/lost by my uncle small parts, barrel band spring and screw and front band cross pin locking screw.
The rifle in its current condition if I am kind I would give it a 3 out of 10, but I can see some possibility in it being more than just a non functioning wall hanger. I have taken on a number of restorations in the past and I am determined if possible to get this one functioning and bring it up to at least a 5 or 6.

[Calif-Steve]

The 71/84's are hard to fix. Parts are very hard to find. You may have to try to make the guard screws. May find some in Europe. This is one to always buy the best one available.

[Aragorn243]

Broken cut off selectors are very common with these due to people trying to force them and they are just weak to begin with. Reproduction selectors are available and cheap. As far at the tube goes, take the spring out and if the cap slides up and down freely, I would not mess with it. Bent tubes are probably the second most common problem with these after the broken selector and they are bent from being removed. Normally the lifter will lift with a sharp pull to the bolt, there is about an 8th inch extra the bolt has to go back. I don't remember if the broken selector prevents lifting or dropping but that's the first thing I'd address.

I find the rifles fascinating and can't help but think the French copied the lifter and tube magazine for their Lebels from it. Very similar. Of course both could be copied from the Swiss, but not as similar.

Good luck with the restoration

[Ax.303]

I have had a number of these over the years. The magazine tube was removed in every one as part of the clean and lube.

If I remember correctly the tube has to at least come out a 1/2" or so, or it will hold the action from being removed from the stock.

I have never had a bent tube, but have had some that where corroded. So it is usually a good idea to take it out and clean it up.

Not likely in your case, but I`ll mention it anyway.
I picked up a 71/84 a few years ago that someone had run a small finishing nail through where the small pins would have been to hold the centre band in place.
Where the nail went through it pinched the tube, and that one would not come out until I figured out what was going on and pulled the nail.

[Calif-Steve]

Year ago Springfield Sporters had a small supply of parts. Call them and tell them what is going on and see if they will look around the shop for parts. Good luck.

[boristhepig]

Hi
I think obtaining spares from the States will be a problem, as I am in the UK. No one seems to want to send anything gun related out side of the States these days, even a screw or a spring. Or if they will the cost of shipping is prohibitive.
But I will try Springfield Sporters to see if they have any parts and if they will ship to the UK, will also try a WTB post when I have the rifle apart and know exactly what parts I require.

Thanks

[Patrick Chadwick]

Over years, I have fairly well scoured the internet looking for spare parts for BP-cartridge rifles.

I think your best bet is here:

guns-and-more.com - Historica Shop - Ihr Waffen Fachgeschäft im Odenwald | Mod. G71 u. 71/84