Brownells Mauser Short Chambered Barrel, 6.5X55Mm, 1-9 Twist

The Brownells Mauser Short Chambered Barrel in 6.5x55mm with 1-9 twist is a factory-grade, ready-to-install barrel built for gunsmiths and experienced builders who want to resurrect a Mauser 98 action into a practical hunting rifle. At 24 inches, this is a compact, handy length that keeps your finished rifle nimble in the field without sacrificing ballistics in a mid-range cartridge. The barrel is manufactured from 4140 chrome moly steel, stress-relieved and button-rifled with right-hand twist, then crowned and fully threaded—giving you a legitimate custom-build foundation at a price that makes a quality sporter feasible.

This is a short-chambered barrel, meaning you'll need to finish the chamber, set headspace, and handle the bluing or polishing of the exterior yourself. That's not a drawback if you're competent with the work—it's exactly what gunsmiths and skilled builders expect. The 6.5x55 Swedish is a classic European round with real hunting pedigree and ballistic efficiency, and the 1-9 twist supports the range of bullet weights commonly used in the cartridge. If you're assembling a rifle on a Mauser 98 platform and want a proven, straightforward barrel without the custom wait time or custom price tag, this delivers.

Quality control is built in: stress relief and button rifling are marks of serious barrel manufacturing, not budget production. The crown and threading are already finished, so you're not starting from raw steel. This approach—barrel-in-the-white with chamber work left to you—is standard among smiths and is how many fine rifles are assembled one at a time.

Key Features

• 24-inch compact length suited to hunting rifles and brush work
• 4140 chrome moly steel, stress-relieved for stability
• Button-rifled construction with right-hand twist
• Pre-crowned and fully threaded for installation
• Short-chambered; finishing and headspace work required
• Chambered in 6.5x55mm with 1-9 twist rate

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this barrel fit my Mauser 98 action?

Yes. This barrel is manufactured specifically for Mauser 98 actions. However, you'll need to finish the chambering and set headspace yourself, so gunsmithing knowledge or access to a qualified smith is required for proper installation.

Is the chamber finished and ready to shoot?

No. The barrel is short-chambered, meaning the chamber is not complete. You must finish the chamber reaming and set headspace before the barrel is safe and functional. This is typical for semi-finished barrels and allows the builder to dial in precise headspace on their individual action.

What's included with the barrel?

The barrel itself. Finishing work—chamber reaming, headspace setting, polishing, and bluing the exterior—is your responsibility or that of your gunsmith.

Why choose 6.5x55mm for a Mauser build?

The 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser is a respected hunting and target cartridge with proven ballistics, moderate recoil, and good sectional density for medium game. It's also a classic fit for Mauser actions and remains popular among hunters and marksmen.