mwhite49 wrote on Mar 14^th, 2011 at 3:00pm:


Hello Mike,
You have an excellent looking Borchardt Military Rifle and despite there being several thousands of them made, very few now exist in original condition. Keep it as it is, PLEASE. Look for a clunker action that you can build into whatever you want. An original Borchardt Military Rifle can only appreciate in value. Given the way prices have been going up in recent years it will probably double in value in just five years.

To strip a Borchardt is not the easiest task due to the large number of parts. Frank DeHaas described dissembly and reassembly in his book Single Shot rifles and Actions, a book every single shot rifle fan should possess.

Be aware that everything has to be done in a specific order or it doesn't work. The firing pin must be in the cocked position before taking the action apart and cocked again before reassembly. Handling the cocked breechblock takes a little practice, but you will soon get used to it.

The chip in the woodwork at the side of the upper tang is almost a Borchardt 'trademark' due to either poor fitting, the wood shrinking over the years or recoil. At least it looks like you have the original piece of Walnut rather than a replacement. Glass bedding was unknown in the 1880's. lol.

There's no reason why you shouldn't shoot it 'as is' It's as good as any military rifle of the period and better than most.

Enjoy.

Harry

And the original wiping rod!  WOW!   

             Joe.

When I was young and into my thirties I didnt think twice about sporterizing a Mauser or Springfield rifle.  I did some nice ones too.  Now I look at what people are paying for old K98 Mausers that once sold for twenty dollars on the back of the NRA magazines.     

                              Joe.

Now you making me feel old.... I used to pay $ 0.16 cents a pack for smokes and $0.19 cent a gallon for 100+ octane for my VW. When gas went to $0.32 cents a gallon we were all told that it was just temporary till they get the reserves going again.

Huson gas, boy that is old. I remember Signal gas stations as well.
For everyone out there shooting an original Borchardt I pose a question do they prefer cast grease grove or paper patched? 
Mike

My Borchardt military is throated for paper patch. There is no end of the chamber. the chamber continues into a long tapered throat.  The rifling is six groove narrow lands, so should shoot GG bullets as well. 

                Joe.

I've seen a lot of European military ammo that is paper patched, but never a paper patched U.S. Government 45-70 round. 
Any of you guys ever seen one?


Steve