Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!wuarchive!udel!haven.umd.edu!mimsy!achilles.ctd.anl.gov
From: shaffer@achilles.ctd.anl.gov (Michael A. Shaffer )
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: novice wants advice
Message-ID: <35870@mimsy.umd.edu>
Date: 20 Jun 91 23:40:34 GMT
Sender: magnum@mimsy.umd.edu
Organization: Argonne National Laboratory
Lines: 27
Approved: gun-control@cs.umd.edu


I am a real novice (I have joined NRA but I don't yet own a gun and I haven't
fired one since I was I child) and I am looking for some advice.

I am interested in many areas of firearms use and collecting. I am intrigued
by the many old military rifles that seem to be available esp. Mauser bolt
actions. From what I have read it seems like a Mauser (late 1800's to early
1900's) might be a good place to start collecting. The info I have seen
indicates that the 7x57mm and 8mm would be good for deer hunting (another
thing that I am getting interested in) and I think that ammo is still
available for them.

Questions...

1. Are the 7mm & 8mm Mausers reasonable for this type of hunting?
2. Would these used rifles be safe and reasonably accurate?
     (I would only by rifles in NRA very good or better condition
       and have them checked by a gunsmith)
3. Which versions would y'all recommend?
4. Any general advice?

Since I am interested in collecting so I want to be up on local, state and
fed. laws also especially since I am interested in full autos like the tommy.
What is the best source for authoritative info on this?

				mike
		shaffer@achilles.ctd.anl.gov