Chilean Steyr Modelo 1912 Mauser carbine question
 

Re: Chilean Steyr Modelo 1912 Mauser carbine question
 

what was it before, 7x57?

Re: Chilean Steyr Modelo 1912 Mauser carbine question
 

It was 7mm before. According to my Mauser book, they are identical to Columbian and Mexican 1912 Mauser rifles and they are all close copies of the Gew 98.

From what I've been told, conversions to 7.62x51 small ring is bad, large ring is good. Mauser has a strong action so it should be safe. This may be one of those rifles you should only shoot 7.62x51 in.

Re: Chilean Steyr Modelo 1912 Mauser carbine question
 

OK, I even went and checked with a 'Mauser' buddy of mine who I went to gunsmithing school with, just to double check my 'aging memory'.

SMALL RING MAUSERS will basically handle all the smaller rifle caliber, WHICH INCLUDES the .243 and the .308 calibers.

LARGE RING MAUSERS are for all the larger higher pressure rifle calibers, like .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua, and up. With some of the larger calibers, because of the length of their case, the receivers might have to be 'stretched' to accomodate them, which has been done for a long time. Just find a 'Mauser' specialist gunsmith and you are on your way.

Hope that helps.