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I was de-oiling my 30-06 FN Mod 1950 Colombian Mauser for last Sunday's shoot and took it outside to squint down the bore in bright sunlight.

Imagine my surprise, to see what looked like a hairline crack in the lower locking lug recess of the receiver.

It goes without saying, it's off to be crack tested before I attempt to shoot it again.

ukrifleman.

Crikey, that is not good. This highlights the need to continually keep an eye on rifles both new and old for potential defects. I always take the view that if you are cleaning something you are looking at it and this is the time when defects come to light.

Hopefully it will be OK.

The rifle was originally proofed in 1992 if my reading of the Birmingham proof marks is correct, the proof marks read 4550 bar and the date code reads from left to right, `T,1, C`.

It carries BNP a re-proof mark of E,3,D.(not sure about this one!) I have contacted the Birmingham proof house for information and wonder if the re-proof was as a result of the hairline crack.

If I don't receive a reassuring reply, Plan `B` is de-activation and a new role as a wall hanger.

ukrifleman.

Many engine rebuilders and most aircraft shops will have a Magnuflux machine, which uses a magnet and magnetic powder to show cracks.

An aviation or some racing shops might have a dye penetrant testing fluid. This basically consists of a very thin fluid that seeps into the cracks, and then is illuminated with ultraviolet light.

Receiver-ring cracks aren't unknown with Mausers, but I've never even heard of a failure of the locking lug recess. At least, not one that didn't involve someone grinding most of the bottom abutment away for clearance for a cartridge conversion.

Heck ,,,hope it checks out OK,.,as I'm taking mine to Bisley on Friday its coming out of the cabinet now for a thorough check,when checking for this sort of thing did you pick it up with naked eye,
Regards Gary

Where are you ? I have a magnaflux you could use ?

Yorkshire shooter wrote:Heck ,,,hope it checks out OK,.,as I'm taking mine to Bisley on Friday its coming out of the cabinet now for a thorough check,when checking for this sort of thing did you pick it up with naked eye,
Regards Gary

Hi Gary,

Yup, picked up the crack when I took the rifle outside for a squint down the bore in bright sunlight.

ukrifleman
aka
Doug.

tackb wrote:Where are you ? I have a magnaflux you could use ?

Thanks for the offer, but as the crack is there for all to see, I have decided to have it deactivated for safety reasons.

There is no way I would shoot it anymore, or risk someone else being injured.

Besides, I have a hanker for a Steyr M95 in 8x56R and as we all know, a one for one variation is a freebee!!

ukrifleman.

It is always disappointing to hear of a rifle being deactivated however you noticed the crack before anything happened and this is the important thing. A lesson for everyone to take on board, the importance of cleaning and closely inspecting a rifle can never be under estimated.

Enjoy the 8x56R when you find it.

ovenpaa wrote:It is always disappointing to hear of a rifle being deactivated however you noticed the crack before anything happened and this is the important thing. A lesson for everyone to take on board, the importance of cleaning and closely inspecting a rifle can never be under estimated.

Enjoy the 8x56R when you find it.

I agree that it is a disappointing decision to have to make, but safety has to come first.

I have developed this hanker for a Steyr M95 (don't ask me why!) and it just so happens that Steve at Mfl firearms, who will carry out the de-activation has one in stock.

So with any luck, I will come away with a wall hanger AND a new toy!

ukrifleman.