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Rifles, Reloading, Optics, Equipment
Rifles, Bullets, Barrels & Ballistics
Mauser 98 question
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<blockquote data-quote="benchracer" data-source="post: 1027459" data-attributes="member: 22069"><p>Building on an old military action is something one does because they like them. Done properly, you will have a very good shooter and a fine rifle. In terms of dollars spent, though, it probably doesn't make sense to do it. My first build made more economic sense because it was inexpensive to do at the time. For what you will have to pay for a decent condition/quality military mauser rifle/action these days, it doesn't really make sense to do it.</p><p> </p><p>As mentioned, if you want to build a mauser rifle, the best way to go is to use a commercial action. The Zastava made Mk X mauser action is an excellent base for a build and can be had at attractive enough prices (if you shop around) to make it very worthwhile. It comes from the factory with a fully adjustable trigger, so there is no need to replace it with an aftermarket trigger. Not a lot of gunsmithing work is needed on these. Have the bolt lugs lapped, the bolt face and receiver face squared up, and a quality barrel installed. Drop the whole thing in a B&C Medalist stock (or have it bedded in a laminate stock of your choice) and you will have a rifle that will easily outperform any comparably priced factory rifle.</p><p> </p><p>I built a 6.5x55 using a Zastava Mk X action, B&C Medalist, and a Shilen CM 26" #4 contour barrel. Not including optics, it cost about $1000 to build and shoots Berger 140 VLD's in the .3's and .4's consistently.</p><p> </p><p>I have the parts for another Mark X build waiting to go together. This one is going to get a Bartlein 5r chambered for .300 Win Mag. It will cost around $1300 before optics.</p><p> </p><p>If you decide to do any mauser build, my advice is to avoid skimping on barrel quality and DO NOT buy pre-fit barrels. My first build was on a milsurp BRNO action with an Adams & Bennett barrel. It shot OK, but I was never happy with it. I ended up pulling it and having it replaced with a pre-fit Shilen. With the Shilen, it is an excellent shooter. I would have been way ahead to go with the Shilen (which is still considered to be a mediocre barrel by a lot of folks) to begin with. After that experience, Shilen barrels are my new personal minimum. </p><p> </p><p>Though I have had good results from pre-fit barrels, I say to avoid them for two reasons: (1) Pre-fit barrels cost more to buy (and don't save you any money if you have them installed by a smith). (2) They are often MORE difficult to install. Most smiths prefer to cut their own threads when installing a barrel to get a better fit. It is not uncommon for the threads on a pre-fit barrel to be a poor match to the action threads. You are better off just buying your contoured barrel of choice and having your smith thread and chamber it. It will cost a bit less and your smith will be happier with you.</p><p> </p><p>If you have the skills and tools, and you like to do some of your own work, you may be able to save SOME coin on the build by applying the metal finish yourself and/or doing your own bedding and stock finish work. It all depends on what you want your rifle to be in the end.</p><p> </p><p>I LOVE mausers. If you plan carefully, choose components carefully, and shop carefully, you CAN come up with a worthwhile build on a commercial action, in all practical respects. The same is not true with a build based on a milsurp action. Two of the three milsurp based rifles I have are built on actions bought at a time when I had a source for quality BRNO actions (on tired milsurp rifles) @ $70 each. You couldn't touch the same actions in comparable condition now for three times that. </p><p> </p><p>My most recent build is in progress on a VZ-24 action that I paid $200+ for because it was in exceptional condition. This will be an expensive build, as I am doing none of the work myself. I am going to the trouble and expense simply because I love mausers and I know the end result will be pleasing to me. Judged by dollars and cents, this build really doesn't make much sense, but that is seldom the driving force behind a custom rifle. It will probably be my last build on a milsurp action.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="benchracer, post: 1027459, member: 22069"] Building on an old military action is something one does because they like them. Done properly, you will have a very good shooter and a fine rifle. In terms of dollars spent, though, it probably doesn't make sense to do it. My first build made more economic sense because it was inexpensive to do at the time. For what you will have to pay for a decent condition/quality military mauser rifle/action these days, it doesn't really make sense to do it. As mentioned, if you want to build a mauser rifle, the best way to go is to use a commercial action. The Zastava made Mk X mauser action is an excellent base for a build and can be had at attractive enough prices (if you shop around) to make it very worthwhile. It comes from the factory with a fully adjustable trigger, so there is no need to replace it with an aftermarket trigger. Not a lot of gunsmithing work is needed on these. Have the bolt lugs lapped, the bolt face and receiver face squared up, and a quality barrel installed. Drop the whole thing in a B&C Medalist stock (or have it bedded in a laminate stock of your choice) and you will have a rifle that will easily outperform any comparably priced factory rifle. I built a 6.5x55 using a Zastava Mk X action, B&C Medalist, and a Shilen CM 26" #4 contour barrel. Not including optics, it cost about $1000 to build and shoots Berger 140 VLD's in the .3's and .4's consistently. I have the parts for another Mark X build waiting to go together. This one is going to get a Bartlein 5r chambered for .300 Win Mag. It will cost around $1300 before optics. If you decide to do any mauser build, my advice is to avoid skimping on barrel quality and DO NOT buy pre-fit barrels. My first build was on a milsurp BRNO action with an Adams & Bennett barrel. It shot OK, but I was never happy with it. I ended up pulling it and having it replaced with a pre-fit Shilen. With the Shilen, it is an excellent shooter. I would have been way ahead to go with the Shilen (which is still considered to be a mediocre barrel by a lot of folks) to begin with. After that experience, Shilen barrels are my new personal minimum. Though I have had good results from pre-fit barrels, I say to avoid them for two reasons: (1) Pre-fit barrels cost more to buy (and don't save you any money if you have them installed by a smith). (2) They are often MORE difficult to install. Most smiths prefer to cut their own threads when installing a barrel to get a better fit. It is not uncommon for the threads on a pre-fit barrel to be a poor match to the action threads. You are better off just buying your contoured barrel of choice and having your smith thread and chamber it. It will cost a bit less and your smith will be happier with you. If you have the skills and tools, and you like to do some of your own work, you may be able to save SOME coin on the build by applying the metal finish yourself and/or doing your own bedding and stock finish work. It all depends on what you want your rifle to be in the end. I LOVE mausers. If you plan carefully, choose components carefully, and shop carefully, you CAN come up with a worthwhile build on a commercial action, in all practical respects. The same is not true with a build based on a milsurp action. Two of the three milsurp based rifles I have are built on actions bought at a time when I had a source for quality BRNO actions (on tired milsurp rifles) @ $70 each. You couldn't touch the same actions in comparable condition now for three times that. My most recent build is in progress on a VZ-24 action that I paid $200+ for because it was in exceptional condition. This will be an expensive build, as I am doing none of the work myself. I am going to the trouble and expense simply because I love mausers and I know the end result will be pleasing to me. Judged by dollars and cents, this build really doesn't make much sense, but that is seldom the driving force behind a custom rifle. It will probably be my last build on a milsurp action. [/QUOTE]
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