Reader question, asked August 2026
Short answer: On a Mauser Model 95 (7×57), yes, a gunsmith can do it, because the .308 uses the same size bolt face. On a Steyr M95 straight-pull, it’s not practical.
The details
- The barrel has to be threaded for the small-ring Mauser action, and the headspace set correctly.
- The magazine and feed rails may need some tuning for the shorter .308 case.
- The 95 is an older cock-on-close action. Stick to standard-pressure .308 loads, not hot handloads.
- An original-condition military 95 may be worth more as a collectible than as a conversion.
Got a question of your own? We answer as many as we can.