Q: I read “Mauser not ideal for steel shot,” in the May issue, and my story is very similar. In 1965 I was given a 12-gauge shotgun by my grandpa, a Mauser rebarreled as a 12-gauge. I had taken it apart but did not find any marks or stampings to indicate its manufacturer or age. Wood’s letter triggered a memory with the word “Remo.” The number 700 is stamped on the bolt and rear of the receiver. I have also had the bolt head eject once, as Doherty commented.
Do you have any suggestions on how I might learn more about this gun?
Brian Mountjoy, Port Perry
Classic gear contributor Ken Doherty responds: Your letter appeals to my history teacher roots! My recent story “Researching your guns” in the Jan.-Feb. 2024 issue shows the power of the Internet. But there are two elements I didn’t emphasize enough — perseverance and photographs!
On the perseverance side, the key words for your search are critical. Start with “history Remo shotgun.” If you don’t find enough, try “Mauser 98 shotgun.” You’ll gain new respect for shotgun forums and collectors’ groups. Spoiler alert: look up Frank De Haas, Mauser Shotgun.
Identifying which Mauser 98 Remo used is more challenging. Verify the number 700, perhaps followed by a letter, on other original parts.
Record all marks or symbols. Then look-up “Mauser G98 Serial Numbers.” When all else fails, search “Mauser G98 photos receiver and bolt.” Keep your gun handy for comparison. Persevere! I looked at thousands of images before I identified my K98K.
Happy sleuthing!
Originally published in the July 2023 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
Leave A Comment