[DFARM]

Hi guys, been lurking around here for a while and finally decided to register. I have a question regarding(sp?) building a custom-ish rifle on a large ring mauser action, as I may have the opportunity to get a very good deal on a mauser rifle in the near future. I have been wanting a bolt action rifle that is sort of sniperesque for a while and was wondering if a re-barreled and re-stocked mauser would be a good and cost effective choice, or would I be better off buying a winchester mod 70 stealth or remington mod 700p, by the way I am wanting something in .308. Thank you all in advance.

DFARM

 

[spade]

it really is cost effective, you can build a fine rifle for under 600 bucks.

There have been many posts, one specifically in the rifle section about this.

 

[DFARM]

Thanks for the info. The part that I am most worried about is the machine work that is involved. I am just starting to think seriously about doing this so I havn't got a chance to look around much. Midway has mauser bbls. that are short chambered and require you to finish chamber them. I have never chambered anything before, I am pretty handy around a shop, but I don't have any big machinary(sp?), like a lathe. I would like to do as much of this project myself to help out with cost a little(I don't mind paying someone who is good at what they do for work, but I would like to maby be a gunsmith someday and everyone has to start somewhere) but also for the experiance. Plus it is always cool to have someone complement you on something that you built yourself. So, long reply short, Is there alot of necisary stuff that would need to be done that can't be acomplished with simple tools, a good manual, and some patience?

Thanks again

DFARM

 

[spade]

you can pick up a large ring CZ mauser action alone for around 70 dollars.
Hogue overmolded stock for around 120.
Aftermarket bolt for 50 dollars.
Barrel from kreiger for 300
Gunsmith to bed the action and install the barrel, coat the action and weapon and install in stock. 300 dollars-ish.


and thats with the high priced keriger barrel. You can probably get a barrel from green mountain for really cheap... like.. 150 bucks.

 

[mele]

For the barrel removal (if needed) and to put on the new barrel on and finish chamber it (including head space), hire a gunsmith. This truly can be a dangerous proposition if you screw up. Plus, unless you are planning on doing MANY rifles, the cost of the tools to do this work would not be worth it

MEL

 

[DFARM]

Thank you for the info. I had a few more questions for some people who may have done this before. Like I said before, I want to re-chamber to .308 and I was wondering what else besides the barrell I would have to change, like bolt face and magazine. Also I am curious which mauser action to start with, I would imagine the german ones would be the best, but what about the yugos or turkish? The one that I can probably get a deal on is a yugo. I think. Are there any bad ones I should watch out for when trying to select an action? And last, what do I do about the bolt handle? Do I have somebody bend it, buy a new handle and have it welded on? (I think it is badger ordinance that has a cool oversized one) Or like someone else mentioned, just get an aftermarket bolt? Sorry to assault you guys so much, especially for a new guy, but you guys seem to know the precision rifles pretty well. Thanks again for all the info.

DFARM

 

[caver101]

Where's Mad at? He's the man you need to talk to. Between Mad and MEL you don't need anyone else.

They have all the answers!!

 

[mele]

For .308, your bolt face should be fine in the typical mauser calibers. Once you change the barrel (which includes the chamber) you should be fine. The magazine might take some tweaking, and it will most likely be a good deal longer than your .308 shells.

I'm not a mauser expert, but when Mad sees this post, he'll probably correct me of anything I may have mis represented.

I'd vote for having a good gun smith cut the bolt, turn it down, and put a new bolt handle of your liking on it.

MEL

 

[Guest]

If you start out using a military Mauser action, you will have to modify the bolt handle in order to clear the scope and mount. You will also have to install a modified safety and drill and tap the action for the scope mount. These three operations can cost you a total of between $150 and $200.

Thus it is cheaper and more efficient to buy a commercial Mauser action that already has a lowered bolt handle and a safety fully compatible with scope sights.

The Gun Parts Corporation has "fully forged, hand polished Mauser 98 actions made in Yugoslavia".

They have a 98 large ring action with a.308 magazine box. This action is part no. TD891480. It costs $292.95. This action features a hinged trigger guard and magazine assembly and it is already drilled and tapped. It has the commercial bolt shroud and side safety.

Now I have not seen one of these actions recently, but I have seen them in the past. These are modern renditions of the proven Mauser action. They are also made of modern quality steel.

The address of the Gun Parts Co. is 226 Williams Lane, West Hurley, NY. 12491. The phone no is 845-679-4867


Mad.

 

[muzzleblast]

Well, I saw we had a guest who really knew his stuff...then I saw the line at the bottom that said "Mad." lol. I was wondering when he would show up at that thread!

If you haven't dug out the books on the P-14 P-17 for me yet Mad, thanks a lot but its cool...I think I'll be giving my Kar 98k a new lease on life instead.

 

[madgunsmith]

Sorry about that. I've been up to my neck this week with lies, wickedness and treachery.

I will get back to you shortly.

Mad

 

[mele]

once again, Mad comes through. Hey Mad, you didn't mention it, but I'm assuming (since they were drilled and tapped) that those mauser actions have a turned down bolt?

MEL

 

[muzzleblast]

hey no sweat Mad, the logistics of using a p14 or p17 were pretty complicated anyhow...Hmm...wonder if those receivers are the same Interarms uses on the Mark X?

 

[madgunsmith]

They have the turned down bolt

And these were the same actions as the sorely missed Interarms Mark X.

And Gun Parts also has the mini-Mauser actions available. The mini actions are perfectly scaled for the .223 or the 7.62x39.

Mad.

 

[muzzleblast]

For the benefit of everyone wanting to build up a mauser, and for my own so the experts like Mad, et. al can point out anything I have forgotten or overlooked, I will lay out my own plans here as an example.

Basis: Sporterized Mauser Kar 98k

Barrel: Douglas FTC no 7 countour, air guaged premium, 30-06

Magainze spring: Brownells, new manufacture, 10% stronger

Stock: Midway USA Bell and Carlson Medalist, aluminum bedding block

Trigger: Timney

Mounts: Leupold 1 piece base and bases.


I will need my smith to drill and tap for scope mounts, finish reaming and headspace the barrel and true the action. I'll need to install the rest of the components as well as sand the barrel channel of the stock to accomodate the larger barrel.

Total cost looks like it will be 900 dollars, with lots of that being shipping when I break it down. The cheapest I could get a 700P here would be 945, so thats not half bad. I belive my rifle will have at the very least a better barrel and trigger than the Remmy and I am very partial to mauser actions. I guess if you wanta rifle and want it yesterday, this ain't the route to go.