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Parker-Hale rifles were built in England off of commercial Yugoslavian Mauser actions so yes, the Mauser DVD should help. I think the older ones were built off of Lee Enfield actions, but those would be older than your model, if it is from the 1970-1980’s era. I don’t know of any serial number registry to check dates, but if yours has the older plastic butt plate it’s likely early 1960’s, with the recoil pad and a duller finish it’s probably later. You might pull the stock off, I think there are other markings hidden by it (or it’s one of the other commercial Mauser rifles I’m thinking of…)

Parker-Hale later became Midland, then a few others before it got absorbed by someone. These rifles were imported for places like Sears and JC Penny back when you could buy a rifle at any department store. They were really popular in Canada for a while too. Jeff

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During the early ’60s and early ‘70s, Parker-Hale used “Santa Barbara” Mauser actions, made in Spain, with British (BSA) proof marks. I purchase my Model 1200 at the Schwäbisch Hall Rod & Gun Club when I was in the Army there in 1967. It was a .270 Win, and my first centerfire rifle.

It is styled like a Weatherby Mark V, beautifully finished, with a Remington style adjustable trigger. After free floating and glass bedding it will, to this day, shoot endless under 1” three shot groups with Federal Premium 130 grain cartridges. I took two Montana and Wyoming elk with instantaneous one shot kills.

Parker-Hale shifted to the Yugo Interarms Mauser actions in the mid-70s. Jack

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Many of the Parker-Hale rifles like Richard described used standard length 98 Mauser actions.

All the Mausers used by Parker-Hale that I am aware of used different bolt handles, triggers and bottom metal than the Yugo guns, but a 98 Mauser is a 98 Mauser…….. with some minor exceptions here and there.

All the Mauser courses should help you some more than others depending on what you are wanting to do with said gun. That brings up the question….what are you going or wanting to do with your rifle? Ken

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I want to understand design, function and repair to keep it in working order. And, it’s an excellent shooter and I’d like to keep it that way. It might need to be re-barreled one day.

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Very cool. The Mauser Armorers course will go into the design and function but the others will go over modifications and fitting of the various parts. Ken

Question Follow Up

What others do you recommend? Is there a complete Mauser package?

Answer

The Mauser package is the Mauser ’88-’98 Armorer course, Ken’s How to Re-barrel and Blueprint Military Bolt Action Rifles, and Gene Shuey’s Building the Custom Mauser Rifle. Jack