Mauser Model 1896 9mm

[Jack]

Larry, Newton rifles did at one time have some problems.
The Newton rifle was the Cadillac of it's time, and many of them around today are really well built, attractive, and quite functional. However, Charles Newton was a good designer, a great promoter, but, as a businessman, not quite so good. And, the Depression hit rifle makers hard.
Newton was taken over in bankruptcy, when the factory was located in Buffalo, NY (hence the term 'Buffalo Newton'). The bank that took them over tried to get as much money as possible out of the company by assembling and selling rifles from parts that were in the factory at the time of takeover- good parts, rejected parts- any parts.
A number of 'Buffalo Newtons' got released to the public with bad heat treating and other problems.
I once ran into a fellow who's father had worked for Newton in Buffalo. This fellow's father had bought a Newton in 256 at an employee price when the bankruptcy happened. The rifle was really beautiful- and had bulged the chamber the first time he fired the rifle.
Apparently the barrel or receiver (or both) had never been heat treated.