7.62mm NATO-Converted Ludwig Loewe Chilean Mauser

An unusual 7.62mm NATO arsenal-converted Ludwig Loewe Chilean contract Mauser. (Originally a 7mm Mauser, but it went back to the arsenal  for re-barreling in the 1960s.) Serial # D69X makes its date of manufacture circa 1896.  As is typical of re-arsenalized Mausers, the numbers are mismatched, and the stock cartouche date (1902) is from a much later production rifle. Metal surfaces rate very good (with bluing mostly gone to gray), with crisp factory markings and nice sharp original Chilean receiver crest. Has typical marring and handling marks to wood. The cleaning rod is absent. Bluing has mostly gone to gray. (See photos.) Has a sharp Chilean crest on receiver.  There are plenty of dings and scratches, but no threatening cracks. (Again, see photos.) Has a correct “7.62 N”-marked receiver. Nice shootable bore. Standard infantry pattern straight bolt. Less than 2% of Chilean Mauser full-length rifles were arsenal-converted to 7.62mm NATO. I rarely get these in stock, and given the desirable chambering they usually sell immediately. Have a qualified gunsmith check this rifle and advise you on the types of ammo that are safe to shoot. (BBE-958)