Need help with a value

[Sir Kain]

I just purchased what I believe to be a german mauser 88 that was imported into the U.S. by Golden State Arms and reworked into a .308. On the receiver the words DEUTSCHE WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN BERLIN and the #'s H5698 along with a "B" inside of a circle are stamped into the metal. Moving futher down to the barrel reveals the words SANTA FE "TRAILMASTER" R-157 GOLDEN STATE ARMS CORP. PASADENA, CALIF. stamped in the steel. It has a sportsman style stock and really cheesy iron sights. The top of the receiver is "spit" allowing the knob for the bolt to travel through the opening and cycling the gun, thus leaving very little hope for mounting any kind of scope. If anyone has ANY information on this gun or ANY suggestions as to where to find more information or parts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

~Sir Kain

[Schuetzenman]

Welcome to the forums Sir Kane we hope to see you post regularly. Now for your question.

If it's really a com. 88 rifle then in my opinion it's marginal for strength to handle modern .308 cartridges. It would not be a "large ring" type Mauser but rather a "small ring" type. Gun Parts Corp. / Numerich Arms might be a place to look for spare parts.

[Sir Kain]

Hello Schuetzenman, thanks for replying.

I took the rifle to a gunsmith and he said he checked the head space and test fired the rifle several times and said that everything seems to be just fine. Now, that you bring up this point maybe I will take it to another gunsmith and get their opinion also. I got the gun for a really good price ($50) and all I really want to do is take the thing outside and shoot the hell out of it! I know putting a scope on this model is nearly impossible since the bolt has to cycle "through" the receiver, so having any accuracy at far distances will be a challenge. Reguardless, thank you again for responding and trying to point a fella in the right direction.