Gewehr 98 Shooting High

[Sestroryetsk1907]

A couple weeks ago, I bought a really nice 1906 Mauser Oberndorf Gewehr 98. Everything matches except the bolt and it still has the Langevisier sight. Anyways, I loaded up some 8mm rounds with 150 gr. Hornady Soft Points and I used the closest data I could find to replicate the original WW1 era S Ball load. While the rifle shoots fine windige wise, it was shooting like 3-4 feet high at 100 yards. Now I know that the lowest sight setting is 400 meters, but 3-4 feet is awfully extreme. I've thought about either trying heavier bullets in the loads or finding a taller front sight. Do you all have any recommendations?

[Junk Yard Dog]

Normal for a rifle from that era, they all shoot high at close range, and 100 yards is close range for this rifle. Like using a muscle car just to run to the mailbox at the end of your drive. You need to aim for the belt to hit the chest, otherwise know as 6 O'clock hold. Aim for the lowest ring on the target, use large targets. The thinking at that time was you engage the enemy 400 even 600 yards away. If he's only 100 yards away you snap on the bayonet.

[awalker1829]

Common issue with military issue rifles of that era for the reasons JYD cited. Same thing happens with my M1886 M93 Lebel and my Berthier carbines. At 100 yards, they require a low 6 o'clock hold. These aren't match rifles.

[Sestroryetsk1907]

Thanks for the quick replies! I knew that it was going to shoot high, I was just really surprised that it shot as high as it did. I figured it would be 12 inches at the most. I'll probably just experiment with different loads until I find one that doesn't go quite as high.

[millman]

Brownells sells a tall front sight.

[Rongo]

The Turk Mausers are notorious for shooting high. I sold my only Turk that shot POA to Longcolt44 years ago & was lucky enough to have a chance to trade for it. I have it again & will not let it go.

But yea... Remember the 6oclock hold & all is well.

[nasarna970]

Hey there! Congrats on your new 1906 Mauser Oberndorf Gewehr 98, that's a beauty!

[nasarna970]

Hey there! Congrats on your new 1906 Mauser Oberndorf Gewehr 98, that's a beauty!

I can understand why you're experiencing some issues with the sight. Have you thought about trying larger rifle primers in your loads? I've found that they can make a big difference in terms of accuracy. You can check out the CCI Large Rifle Primers from https://midcitygunshop.com/product/cci-large-rifle-primers/. They have a great selection. Good luck with your adjustments and let us know how it goes!

[steelbuttplate]

Aim low men, they're riding Shetland ponies.

[Junk Yard Dog]

This post is from 2016, he probably figured out issue by now.