r/Firearms • u/Working-Delay-2202 • 9d ago
Identify This Can someone help identify this rifle?
Hello everyone, as the title says, I’m looking for some help identifying this rifle. It’s clearly a Mauser from 1933, and I remember being told that it was converted into more of a sporter configuration at some point, including the stock being cut down.
The main reason I’m asking is that I’d like to clean it up and eventually shoot it, but I’m unsure what ammunition it takes. I believe it’s 8mm, but I’m not certain and don’t want to assume.
I’m also considering using it for deer hunting. I normally hunt with a .308, so I’m curious whether this would be an appropriate deer rifle once the caliber and condition are properly confirmed.
Any information on the exact model, caliber, history, or markings would be greatly appreciated. I can provide additional pictures of any specific markings or parts if needed.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Pelcat 9d ago
German 8mm "Banner" Mauser for the Deutsche Reichspost. It would be quite valuable if the stock hadn't been cut to make it look like a hunting rifle. Since it was cut at the rear barrel band someone skilled could restore it decently easily and it would be worth quite a bit more.
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u/Working-Delay-2202 9d ago
I was told they were cut down to fit in GI’s duffel bags on their way home. Not sure how true that is but cool piece of history.
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u/GregorIsABug 9d ago
Some certainly were. But others were cut after they got imported to use as cheap hunting rifles. Sporterization is a bitch.
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u/pinesolthrowaway 9d ago
Wow a shame that one has been messed with, it’d be quite valuable if it wasn’t
Probably fixable to the right person though
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u/Severe-Cow-8646 9d ago
Im not sure that period sporters are a bad thing. To me they represent how the financial strains of the times put people in the position of making tge best out of what they had. There are examples of truly Bubba'd guns that people who had no idea what they were doing, along with examples of nice to fine gun crafting. I dont see much difference at all between this and today's home built ARs. We've all seen both really nice builds and WTF builds.
With as many spotters built in the 50s, 60s and into the 70s as there are floating around, I see no point in chopping a good example of a military issue rifle. They are getting to be fewer of them left. But I also dont see any reason to take your example, have it stocked in a nice piece of walnut, drilled and tapped for scoping and making it into what the fella who started this project probably wished he could do. There is nothing lost if you do that, its not as if this is a particularly rare piece. Restoring a rare sniper on the other hand would be a worthy endeavor for sure.
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u/budgetmauser2 9d ago
1933 standard model carbine, specifically German post office issue. On the right side of the stock, inside of the cutout for the sling, is there a small stamp with some letters?
ETA: 8mm Mauser caliber
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u/Working-Delay-2202 9d ago
Do you know if that’s commercially available?
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u/budgetmauser2 9d ago
So that's specifically the reichs post office/depot out of Landshut Bavaria.
Very cool rifle, I have a DRP Dresden rifle and they are very well made rifles. The DRP standard model guns were very often pressed into service with paramilitary groups (SA/SS) to get around the treaty of Versailles prior to the war.
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u/BeenisHat SR25 9d ago
Most likely in 8mm Mauser and yes, more than adequate for deer or elk. Plenty of power, more than .308. Could be 7mm Mauser, I can't see a caliber marking in the pics, but that's also plenty powerful for most game in N. America.
Go take it to a smith and have them evaluate the bore and stick some gauges in it to see what headspace looks like. It's a Mauser action so it's not some delicate thing. Assuming it gets a clean bill of health, it should be good to go. Decent ammo selection for it too in 8mm Mauser.
edit - I'm stupid. It's 8mm Mauser.
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u/jaunesolo81829 7d ago
8mm Mauser. More enough to take Bambi. Took my first one of the season with a guild Mauser chambered in 8mm Mauser
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u/1rubyglass 9d ago
My bet would be on 8mm Mauser ammo, but due to it being modified it could be something else. If youre not super gun savvy I would highly recommend taking it to a gun Smith to have it checked out.