New member, "new" rifle questions.

[Jred]

Hello everyone, new member here, I live in the LA area, still incubating the hunting virus, researching, shooting some clays and reading all the posts here, it's a lot of info to process but it's also part of the fun. I just got this rifle as a gift and I have a few questions,
- It's a very old FNA Mauser 30.06, would it make a good all around big game beginner rifle or should I keep it as a relic?
- Anybody knows of any reputable gunsmith in LA or Orange who can spruce it up a little and make sure it's safe to shoot?
- Any recommendations for a good entry-level scope for it? Nothing fancy just something serviceable to start practicing with it.
Thank you all in advance. This is a great site, I learn something new everyday and the hunting reports are amazing. I can't wait to get out there.

.

 

[Bowman]

Are you sure it's not a M1906 A1 Springfield, sportarize ?
Take to a gun smith and have it
Identified. And inspected.
See if it is safe to shoot.
I bet it is.
If I am correct, it is a collector.
It is very accurate. Take a look
If it has holes drilled an tapped.
If it doesn't a gun smith can do it.
But it may devalue it in doing so.
But it's your rifle. You decide.
Take it to a gun smith and get
A full inspection.
By the way those are great and reliable rifles. My Gramma Evie used one. And it killed many deer.
Good luck

 

[Bowman]

I wrote a little while ago some thing went hay wire.
Any way my original post is wrong.
You have a rebarrel Mauser.
It still a great rifle.
Mauser action is one of the best made.
Have it inspected by a gun smith.
Have him install a scope.

 

[ilovesprig]

Welcome to SCH,

Looks like a shooter to me.....Fowler's Gun Room or Bolsa Gun Works are both in Orange Co....And will help you out.

Are you aware you can buy pretty good Big Game rifles for around $400.00 (Savage Axis or Ruger American)?....And that includes a scope....Just a fair scope will cost you a couple 100 at least.

.https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/savage-axis-xp-truetimber-bolt-action-rifle-with-scope

 

[Bowman]

My phone causing havoc.
Has a mind of it's own.

 

[WaterDawg]

Welcome. I’ve had good luck with Bolsa Gunsmiths in Westminster and Robert at Elite Firearms in Laguna Niguel.

 

[Snake Charmer]

Fine old gun for sure, Just have a smith check it and make sure everything is good to go. From the first picture it appears that it might not drilled and tapped for scope mounts a competent smith can handle that for you.

 

[Jred]

I'll take it to Bolsa when I have the chance. It's not drilled, it comes with iron sights. I'd rather use this one but if it's going to be a big expense I'll look into buying a new one and keep this one as it is. Again thanks for the info everyone!

 

[Smokey58]

yep, thats an FN, Belgian barrel on a Mauser action. interesting sights on it. All around quality, can't go wrong with FN and Mauser....

 

[Bowman]

Yes the M1906 has the same style peep sight. They are freaking accurate.
I and my grama Evie used it.
I have a Magpul peep sight on my AR.
Wouldn't have it any other way.
Solid , accurate, reliable.
That's why I mis took it for M1906.
I tell you what if that barrel is not
Wore out. That is one very accurate
Rifle. 30-06 way better than 308.
Far better flat shooter. Reliable, good ballistics. Drops deer on the spot.

 

[Jred]

Yes the M1906 has the same style peep sight. They are freaking accurate.
I and my grama Evie used it.
I have a Magpul peep sight on my AR.
Wouldn't have it any other way.
Solid , accurate, reliable.
That's why I mis took it for M1906.
I tell you what if that barrel is not
Wore out. That is one very accurate
Rifle. 30-06 way better than 308.
Far better flat shooter. Reliable, good ballistics. Drops deer on the spot.

Maybe I should give the peep sights a try before getting the scope. Is it really difficult to become proficient with them? I mean I'm a total rookie, last time I fired a rifle was almost 30 years ago and I was an unhappy conscript in the Spanish army.

 

[Smokey58]

Howdy Jred,
Off topic but does the Spanish Army permit and supply wine at chow time? I believe the French do. Back in 1980 when I did winter combat training with the German Army, the German NCOs would bring beer, wine and brandy to the field. Btw, I am a big fan of Spanish wine: Rioja and Toro

 

[Aeon]

cool gun!

if you are going to hunt get a rifle with a scope. for what bolsa is going to charge you to look at your gun, drill and tap it plus mounts and a scope you can buy one of the entry level rifles for just a bit more.

 

[Jred]

Howdy Jred,
Off topic but does the Spanish Army permit and supply wine at chow time? I believe the French do. Back in 1980 when I did winter combat training with the German Army, the German NCOs would bring beer, wine and brandy to the field. Btw, I am a big fan of Spanish wine: Rioja and Toro

Hi, alcohol was not provided but it was everywhere, the barracks I was assigned to had bars for officers, Nco's and soldiers and whenever we were on the field the bar tent was one of the first ones to go up. Rioja and Toro are both great wines to go with game and red meat in general, I'm glad you like them.

 

[Snake Charmer]

Interesting protocol for armed forces to allow alcohol consumption while on duty (the British and French and I believe the Germans do it as well). No disrespect to any countries armed forces but I have a hard time with that when national security of ones country is at stake . Having grown up in a military family I was aware that sort of thing was not allowed in our forces while deployed but from my observations boy did they get it on when they came home home .

 

[LC4]

Interesting protocol for armed forces to allow alcohol consumption while on duty (the British and French and I believe the Germans do it as well). No disrespect to any countries armed forces but I have a hard time with that when national security of ones country is at stake . Having grown up in a military family I was aware that sort of thing was not allowed in our forces while deployed but from my observations boy did they get it on when they came home home .

The US Army used to allow beer consumption during lunch, and when in the field in Germany. I don't believe that is the case any longer. There were also occasions when 2 beers and a shot were allowed during deployments. Special occasions like Thanksgiving and I think it was the Superbowl.