fyrd Posted December 7, 2015 Report Share Posted December 7, 2015 Hello, I am Fyrd and I am new here. I have a topic that is probably broadly familiar and I need some input. I am about to purchase one of those guns we all come across from time to time. Not one on my want list, but too good a deal to pass up. This one is a Loewe Berlin 1891 Argentine Mauser. It has the crest ground and is sporterized, probably by a professional. That rich German Blue is about 90%,and the perfect fit and finish. With a classic Weaver K-4 with a post it reeks of that between the wars classic sporter. I have never been a fan of the 1891, but this specimin is just too good to pass up. The problem: I don't load 7.65x53 nor do I care to do so. I have done some research and would ask for opinions and suggestions about how to proceed. Plan 1. Rechamber the gun to 7.7 jap, a caliber I already load. From the reloading manuals I have scene the chamber should clean up nicely. The information I have indicate that mild loads of the 7.7 shouldn't overpower the 1891. Thoughts? Plan 2. I have heard of there being a chamber insert that allows one to fire 7.62x39 in these guns. Anyone heard of this? Any clue where to find one? Plan 3. Rebarrel to 7x57 Mauser, which we also currently load. (Note: the way I am getting this gun precludes me from selling it right away......) Thanks Fyrd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken98k Posted December 7, 2015 Report Share Posted December 7, 2015 Personally, I would leave it as 7.65x53 and buy factory ammo (or get a set of dies to go with it.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clemson Posted December 7, 2015 Report Share Posted December 7, 2015 I agree. You will spend way more to rechamber than to buy cases and dies. Also, that magazine is purpose-built for the 7.65 cartridge. Getting anything else to feed is not going to be easy or inexpensive. Bill Jacobs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzRednek Posted December 7, 2015 Report Share Posted December 7, 2015 I haven't seen those cartridge adapters for years. It was more common to find 32ACP adapters but I do recall seeing some hitting the market back in the days of 762X39 being sold very cheap. 765 like your 7.7 can be very easily made from 06 or even 7.7 brass. I'm with Clemson, you'll spend more than a set of dies. I rarely pass an opportunity not to discuss my mishap with my 91. The 91 does not have the vent hole later Mausers did. I had a bad round blow the hot gas right into my face. No exaggeration, it literally fried the lens of my shooting glasses. Had I not been wearing the glasses one can only speculate what it may have done to my eyesight. It should apply to all shooting but be extra cautious with your 91 Argie. NEVER shoot it without good safety glasses. Been nearly 30 years since the incident. I've only fired my Argie a few times since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzRednek Posted December 7, 2015 Report Share Posted December 7, 2015 Still have these in my picture files. My 91 is some what of an oddball. It was manufactured for Peru. Nearly identical to the Argie except it used the earlier GEW 98 type rear sight and different type handguard.<br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/user/dnisbet/media/peru-1a.jpg.html" data-cke-saved-href="http://s2.photobucket.com/user/dnisbet/media/peru-1a.jpg.html"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/dnisbet/peru-1a.jpg" data-cke-saved-src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/dnisbet/peru-1a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/user/dnisbet/media/peru.jpg.html" data-cke-saved-href="http://s2.photobucket.com/user/dnisbet/media/peru.jpg.html"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/dnisbet/peru.jpg" data-cke-saved-src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/dnisbet/peru.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s2.photobucket.com/user/dnisbet/media/peru-4.jpg.html" data-cke-saved-href="http://s2.photobucket.com/user/dnisbet/media/peru-4.jpg.html"><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/dnisbet/peru-4.jpg" data-cke-saved-src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/dnisbet/peru-4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Lost my handguard picture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiris Posted December 7, 2015 Report Share Posted December 7, 2015 I agree with others here, leave it in 7.65x53. It's at least the equal of the 303 British round for power, and ammo and reloading accessories are available. My friend bought one in the early sixties and was my introduction to Mausers. In pristine condition, it was a thing of machined beauty and shot well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzRednek Posted December 7, 2015 Report Share Posted December 7, 2015 I'll try it again!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzRednek Posted December 7, 2015 Report Share Posted December 7, 2015 Despite the rough exterior on my 91. The bore is bright and shiny and surprisingly accurate. The Peruvians re-lined the bores and spray painted all the metal parts. I bought it in the late 70's from Springfield Sporters. If I remember right it was about 70 or 80 bucks. Being pre-98 it was delivered to my door without using a FFL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyrd Posted December 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2015 I understand the reasons to leave it 7.65x53 but it really isn't feasible for me to inventory another caliber like that. Five boxes of factory ammo are the same cost as a 7x57 barrel from Midway. (Have used one, a really big fan). As well that same $100 will rent a finish reamer and gauges to adjust to 7.7 Jap, (which I already load). Thank you all for the time to respond, especially the warnings about the limitations of the 1891. Fyrd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Hess Posted December 8, 2015 Report Share Posted December 8, 2015 Well, given your choices, I'd go 7x57, but then I kinda like that caliber. There's a thread in the Sporterizing section on my Spanish 7x57, and I think I got the barrel from Midway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzRednek Posted December 8, 2015 Report Share Posted December 8, 2015 If you have the tools and skills to do it yourself. Being that your Argie has little or no value as a collector's piece. The barrel swap is likely the most economical path. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brokengun Posted December 8, 2015 Report Share Posted December 8, 2015 If you don't mind this is my opinion on the subject. If you can do the work yourself or have someone you trust that can do the work then re-barreling to 7x57 would be the best option. If you do not have the ability to do the work yourself then leaving it in 7.65x53 becomes the best option. Its hard for me to recommend someone paying $300- $400 dollars to get the gun re-barreled. Plus... Please understand that the old barrel has been on the receiver for over 100 years and its possible to crack the receiver removing the barrel. It doesn't happen often but a lot of people would take an old receiver and cut the barrel with a lathe. Doing that ruins the old barrel in some cases. but its better than ruining a receiver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyrd Posted December 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 12, 2015 Thanks everyone, I am fond of 7x57 as well, and like I said we already load it. I ran across a place that says that for $38.00 they will sell me an insert that will allow 7.62x39 (AK/SKS ammo) in the rifle. I have heard about such things for years. I have read rave reviews, I have read total condemnations of them. Has anyone hear had any first hand knowledge or know someone with first hand knowledge of these inserts. For $38 I am tempted to try it.... Not sure this is allowed, but here is the link. (Moderator, please delete if this is against rules) http://www.mcace.com/ Fyrd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzRednek Posted December 12, 2015 Report Share Posted December 12, 2015 No problem posting links. I fooled with some adapters about 30 years ago. Slow and messy and some times a real pain removing the cartridge. I fooled with 30 Carbine and 32 ACP in an 30/06 Winchester 670 and an 03 Springfield. Have to extract the adapter then punch out cartridge. Doesn't take long for the adapter to heat up get a bit hot to handle. The cartridges can get sticky and difficult to remove. Foolishly I used some old fashion sticky re-sizing lube hoping it would make punching out the cartridge easier. The powder residue and sizing goop got all over my hands making a mess. Possibly there have been some improvements since I used them in the 70's. Possibly somebody demonstrating one on Youtube. I suggest you do a net search before dropping the bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fyrd Posted December 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 13, 2015 Will do, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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