Mauser rifles essentially developed in one of two configurations: large or small ring. Some countries, who began adopting Mauser rifles a little later, created their own intermediate dimensions. Let’s clear up just what these terms mean.

Ring refers to the receiver ring, the hole where the barrel meets up with the receiver. While the types are named for the rings there are other common dimensions to each. Knowing the difference can help you pick suitable replacement stocks, barrels, bolts, and give an idea of the tolerance of the rifle.

Small Ring Mausers are based off of pre-1898 model actions. They have a muzzle ring diameter of 33mm. Their actions are 217.4mm long. The distance (center to center) between their floor plate screws is 193.5mm.
Examples Include: All Swedish Mausers, 1891 Argentine, 1893 Spanish, 1895 Chilean

Large Ring Mausers are decedents of the Model 1898. They have a muzzle ring diameter of 35.8mm. Their actions are 222.25mm long. The distance (center to center) between their floor plate screws is 199mm.
Examples Include: Gewehr 98, Kar98K, vz.24

Intermediate Action Mausers stem from Belgian production and famously the Yugoslavian Mauser rifles made on Belgian-supplied machinery. They have a muzzle ring diameter of 35.8mm. Their actions are 215.9mm long. The distance (center to center) between their floor plate screws is 193.5mm.
Examples Include: FN Model 1924, Yugoslavian M1924 and M48

Exceptions to the rules do exist. Many Turkish Mausers are dimensionally the same as the Large Ring configuration but are threaded for Small Ring barrels.

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