Reproduction Screws for the Gew 88?

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Terminal99	Reproduction Screws for the Gew 88?	Lead	[-]
Posts: 26 (03/06/09 06:25 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Tags : None There's only three screws needed to take this rifle apart. Even so, some on my rifles are really beat. Has anyone looked into getting repro screws made? I would be interested. It would be great if there was a way to put numbers on the screws also to match the rifle.
Palimino Stripe		#1	[-]
Posts: 515 (03/07/09 12:26 AM) Veteran member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	If you're talking about the front/rear action screws- There might be 'reproduction' screws available. I once ordered a rear action screw (closest to the butt) from numrich gun parts and they sent me what looked like a new screw- although it didn't exactly match the original- I mean it fit the threads perfectly, but it looks like it was made for a different mauser? In any case if you are in need of screws I'd try with them. Or possibly springfield sporters (they have originals though)... as far as numbering them to your rifle- that's a tinsy bit dishonest in the long run- because technically they don't match your rifle, and unless you plan on living forever- someday it might fall in to someone's hands who sells it to someone claiming it's "all matching." BUT if it were me- I'd buy the ones numrich offers- and since they blatently aren't original- get a set of stamps (dies) from a hardware/tool store and number 'em yourself. But once again I don't see much point in that (since they blatantly don't match)... Just my .02 cents, -Palimino
Terminal99		#2	[-]
Posts: 27 (03/07/09 06:58 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I guess trying to number the screw heads would be more trouble than it would be worth. Since only the last two digits are used on them anyway, one could find some original matching screws elsewhere.
Plevna		#3	[-]
Posts: 310 (03/07/09 12:10 PM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Terminal99: I'm still seeing the screws you mentioned being offered on GunBroker.com auctions with some regularity. As well, to the best of my knowledge original screws are still listed in the inventory of parts available from Springfield Sporters in Pennsylvania. As you are aware, only two of these (the trigger guard/magazine screws) are numbered. Although it is not my intention to rain on anyone's parade, I find myself in agreement with PaliminoStripe that numbering parts to match this or that rifle constitutes neither more nor less than counterfeiting and misrepresentation. I would rather have an honest mismatched part than to mislead the future owner of any given rifle. That being said, I have no problem with buying and using the newly manufactured bolt heads, extractors, and ejectors being offered by Swedenelson because for all practical purposes these items are generally unavailable. As well, Swede sells these as reproduction parts and no numbers are placed on them. One interesting aside to reproducing screws for the Gew 88 is replicating the correct thread. Take the time to look at some of the old postings in this forum and it has been noted that they are NOT SAE, metric, or Whitworth. I highly suspect that the reproduction process is easier said than done. I would also add that dependent upon the year of the rifle you are attempting to rebuild or repair, it is my understanding that the flat head screws (i.e., those with a small set screw mounted in the head) were the "as issued" screws used in Gew 88s beginning in 1894. These screws were NOT "pirated" from Kar 88s, Gew 91s, or Gew 98s. Most folks seem to have a fixation on using the round head screws and they simply are not correct for every rebuilding effort.
RichardWV		#4	[-]
Posts: 273 (03/08/09 12:41 PM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I'm in full agreement regarding made to order "matching" parts. There are a few salient points. Fist, original all matching firearms bring a premium at market.....and essentially all of these firearms will be sold again and again as long as we are allowed to own them. They are already over 5 generations old and are quite capable of serving for 5+ more generations. As such, regardless of original intent, such "matching" is simply counterfeiting. This brings honor neither to the firearm nor its owner. Man-made items are only original once. Like virginity, originality can't be restored.