This Model 1871 Mauser from Germany was reworked around 1896 at the French St. Denis arsenal to the 6.5x53.5 SR Daudeteau cartridge and then sold on to Uruguay. It keeps a round barrel of about 31.5 inches with a good bore showing dark but strong rifling. The metal has settled into a smooth brown patina throughout. As is normal for these conversions, the bolt does not match the receiver, because parts were mixed during the alteration.

The stock grades good, with service dents and dings but no cracks or chips, and the cleaning rod still rides along the left side with both sling swivels in place. The action works correctly. This is not a hunting rifle for a Texas deer lease; it is a collector's rifle for anyone who follows German military arms or the South American contracts, and the French-Uruguayan history is the unusual part.

Key features

• German Model 1871 Mauser, French conversion circa 1896
• 6.5x53.5 SR Daudeteau caliber
• About 31.5-inch round barrel, strong rifling
• Smooth brown patina, non-matching bolt as usual
• Cleaning rod and swivels present, action functions

The rifle ships to the Texas FFL dealer you choose, where you show photo ID and finish the Form 4473 and NICS check before it goes home.