Gunsmithing Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

[dangerdan87]

I posted this on ARFCOM...I forgot to post it here for you guys.

Just got my barreled action back from Satterlee Arms. The workmanship looks really great.
It started out as a 1909 Argentine Mauser in 7x57mm. I wanted to go all-out and build a one of a kind sporting rifle to enjoy and pass down to my kids or grand kids when I'm all old and wrinkley and stuff

I'm going to get some of the main metal parts engraved with scrolls and maybe a little gold inlay. One thing for sure is I will have the graver touch up the text on the action and replace "Modelo 1909 Argentina" that was on the front ring, which had to be removed to successfully grind the action smooth. I will be making a few changes once I aquire more funds when I send it back to get stocked. No telling how long I will be. The changes include welding the scope bases on the action so it will look "one-piece", possible extended rear tangs, and possible a quarter rib.

Barrel is a premium Douglas in .280 Remington.

I was able to get one of the last original Blackburn triggers before Swift Bullets bought the design from Blackburn. This trigger is fucking amazing.
Also added a "button" release on the 1909 bottom metal.

As you can see, I have custom contoured scope bases.

Original bolt release/ ejector with custom serrations. Also original saftey mech, but custom machined for a horizontal 2-position safety.

Did you notice the serial number was missing on the pics above?
That's because it's here now (also note the blind rear tang screw hole and flared tang groove):

2-sided teardrop checkered bold handle

Sights are from New England Custom Gun and the barrel band sling swivel are Satterlee Arm's

Here is a basic list of things that were done:
- True action
- Lap lugs
- Surface grind action
- Polish receiver raceway
- Relocate serial number to rear tang groove
- Blind rear tang screw hole
- Modify action for .280 Rem
- Custom contoured Talley scope bases
- Weld up and serrate bolt stop
- Modify action for bolt
- Install 2 possition saftey
- Install Blackburn trigger
- Sporterize bottom metal
- Modify bottom metal for .280 Rem
- Chamber and istall Douglass bbl
- Istall NECG bbl adjustable rear sight
- Install bbl band sling swivel
- Install NECG front sight
- Install bolt handle

Now just need to find the money for some wood and to get the barreled action inletted. Still have a long way to go.

Excuse any crappy pics and grammar errors. I did this in my iPhone.

 

[alibi]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

Very nice!

 

[gunnergirl81]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

Gorgeous work! We've got an 09 Argy action in the safe that'll be built some day, but nothing like the heirloom gun you're building. All very classic. Can wait to see what wood you're going to set that in.

 

[Carolina Shooter]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

Man, that's beautiful.

Can anyone speak to the legality of relocating the serial number? I'm working on two Mausers for school at the moment. One of the receivers has the serial number on the side of the receiver rather than the front ring, so I was able to grind the front ring completely smooth.

The serial number on the other one is on the front ring and I had to grind around it and smooth it out the best I could with stones, etc. It would look so much better if I could take it off and put the serial number on the tang.

But I was under the impression it's illegal to alter the serial number in any way? Do any of you guys know the deal with that?

 

[dangerdan87]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

It's illegal to remove the serial number. In this case, it's still there, just in a different location. A big time gunmaker suggested it to me and I have heard of several gun makers doing this. It makes it look alot more smooth.
I suppose the proper way would be to engrave the s/n in the new location, then grind off the old one.

ETA: most Mauser actions have the s/n stamped on the bottom of the action...so as long as there is a s/n somewhere, I guess it doesn't matter what you do first.

 

[Nortex]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

Looks very nice. There's something that just feels right about a well built Mauser hunting rifle.

 

[Carolina Shooter]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dangedan87</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's illegal to remove the serial number. In this case, it's still there, just in a different location. A big time gunmaker suggested it to me and I have heard of several gun makers doing this. It makes it look alot more smooth.
I suppose the proper way would be to engrave the s/n in the new location, then grind off the old one.

ETA: most Mauser actions have the s/n stamped on the bottom of the action...so as long as there is a s/n somewhere, I guess it doesn't matter what you do first.</div></div>

This is the section of code that bothers me (18 U.S.C. 922k):

"(k) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport,
ship, or receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, any firearm
which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number
removed, obliterated, or altered or to possess or receive any
firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial
number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce."

I'm not pointing this out to be contrary or argumentative. Your rifle looks great and I'd like to do the same thing myself. It just worries me.

 

[bohem]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

That is a BEAUTIFUL job on a great action. Something to really be proud of. Congratulations.

 

[dangerdan87]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carolina Shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dangedan87</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's illegal to remove the serial number. In this case, it's still there, just in a different location. A big time gunmaker suggested it to me and I have heard of several gun makers doing this. It makes it look alot more smooth.
I suppose the proper way would be to engrave the s/n in the new location, then grind off the old one.

ETA: most Mauser actions have the s/n stamped on the bottom of the action...so as long as there is a s/n somewhere, I guess it doesn't matter what you do first.</div></div>

This is the section of code that bothers me (18 U.S.C. 922k):

"(k) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport,
ship, or receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, any firearm
which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number
removed, obliterated, or altered or to possess or receive any
firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial
number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce."

I'm not pointing this out to be contrary or argumentative. Your rifle looks great and I'd like to do the same thing myself. It just worries me.
</div></div>

I think what they're saying is that it is unlawful to remove the s/n (i.e. no s/n at all) or scratch the s/n off to where it is unreadable, or to change the s/n (ex. s/n 1234 to s/n 1235)

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

And since its not for sale....and likely ever will be.....no issue.

 

[Carolina Shooter]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

ATF Serial Number Letter

The serial number issue made me curious so I dug a little deeper to see if I could find a definitive answer.

This link includes a letter from the BATF in response to a question about moving a serial number. I know the law is always subject to interpretation, but this seems to make the BATF's position pretty clear.

I'm sure it's one of those things that will probably never come up as a problem, but for me - I don't think it's worth the potential hassle if I'm building Mausers to sell in the future.

I'll drop the subject now. Just wanted to share what I found in case anyone is interested.

Again, your rifle is a beautiful piece of work.

 

[Kebo57]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

several years ago some Gun Guild members went down the road of relocating Mauser serial numbers and were granted permission. Call one of the members of the guild and ask

 

[gunnergirl81]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

An 07 FFL can do it without issue.

 

[nashlaw]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

I have an Argentine built up with BIG FAT Shilen in 6.5 x 55. It is in a beautiful thumbhole walnut stock. I have heard the Argentines are some of the more desirable Mauser actions to build on.

Good luck with the project.

 

[areaone]

Re: Got my custom 1909 Mauser back

I bought a 1909 Argentine sight unseen about 30 years ago, when I received it I could not believe it, it was in mint unissued as neww condition. i bot it for the action but after seeing it I never touched it. The workmanship is a sight and feel that is unbelievable, walnut stock, high gloss blue and butter smooth action, if you have never behold a weapon this old and in this conditon you can not appreciate the craft that went into one of these. I have two other mauser 98(Brazillian)that were built into a 280 and 7x57...Sweet.....and very accurate. The 280 is a real bughole for a sporter rifle.