This is the first rifle I've ever paid someone else to build. I've sporterized/customized a number of firearms over the years. Mostly restocking rifles and shotguns. The Swedish Mauser pictured below is my last project and most involved. This 1909 puts that one to shame.
First let me just say that custom rifles are NOT a good investment. There are probably only a handful of Gunsmiths building very high-end rifles whose value will actually go up. If you're looking to invest, buy old Winchesters or Colts with a provenance because there are more fakes than originals out there.
I've owned this Mauser for a number of years before deciding to take the plunge. I started by sending letters to about 10 Gunsmiths explaining what type of rifle I wanted to build. I originally wanted to do the stock work myself but that changed over time. Some of the Gunsmiths I contacted only deliver complete rifles. I found out that this doesn't mean they do all the work themselves. Gunsmithing covers any disciplines. I have come to find that most gunsmiths don't do it all.
Machinist, Woodworker, Engraver, Carver/Checkerer, Polisher, Bluer, Welder the list goes on and on. Most of it isn't magic. Stock work can be done with a minimum of equipment but the patients and skill to do it at this level is different.
Having a "Custom Gun" built to your specifications requires many decisions and all of them should be made before any work is started. Having a checklist with all the specifics is a must. There are items such as a modern safety that come in many different types.
The Precise Metalsmithing 3 position safety on the M1909 is of the Winchester M70 type, Brownell's list 3 different manufacturers for this and they're all a bit different looking.
There may be some surprises along the
way, especially when dealing with old military rifles. For instance
this M1909 was returned from Douglas, the barrel maker/installer,
because it was too soft. We had to find a heat treater to re-harden the
action and then send it back to Douglas. This also involved repolishing
the whole action again. We used Blanchard's in Utah as suggested in
Kunhauser's book on Mausers Rifles.
Stats
Mauser M1909 Argentine made by DWM .
Douglas
24" #2 contour barrel in 7x57mm.
Three
position safety.
American
Walnut Stock with
Ebony
Tip, Steel grip cap and Neidner cresent butt plate and
22lpi
Fleur-de-les checkering.
The Work
Re-heat treat the Receiver.
Install
and fit new barrel.
Weld
new bolt handle.
Install
new safety and trigger.
Drill
and Tap for scope mount.
Polish
and fit all metal.
Shape,
bed and finish Stock
Copyright 7/2009