[Shweboner]

What is the ideal platform to construct a custom mauser from?

Is the Turkish any good? How about a VZ.24?


I've seen a lot of nice stocks, bbls in most calibers, triggers etc. I need a project to keep me busy, am I crazy? I never hear about people building Mausers.

[Swampy]

Shweboner,

It happens fairly frequently.... You can find threads on the dedicated Mauser BBS and other places.

The only prob with building a Mauser rifle is cost effectiveness. By the time you spend all the $$$ to do a complete rebuild on a Mauser you've spent MORE than you'd have in a nice NEW Rem 700 or a Win 70.

I've looked this issue over, upside down, and sideways.... It's just not cost effective unless you just HAVE TO HAVE your dream rifle on a Mauser action, OR have the full capability and tools-equipment to do all the work yourself as a labor of love.

If all you are doing is a stock change and a barrel swap, then maybe it's a feasible do.... But then if you start adding in bolt work, new trigger, custom buttplate, polishing and re-blue, and drill & tap and scope mounts.... then you are already up there in the new rifle price range.

Just my two cents on th subject,

Swampy

Garands forever

[spacemanspiff]

http://pub86.ezboard.com/fmilitaryfirearmrestorationcornerfrm28

even though its an ezboard, they paid to have no pop-ups. so its not a chore to utilize.

[Shweboner]

This is just going to be a project for me.

I will be doing nearly all of the work myself. I need a time consuming project.

Know a good source for bbls?


~Brian

[critter]

I, like you, enjoy the 'project' part of building firearms. I have built 4 based on Mauser 98 actions. The top of the line may be the 1909 Argentine Mauser-now hard to find and not cheap any more. The best + cheap actions now available I believe are the Czech VZ-24 actions. Good machining to high tolerance, good heat treatments and cheap if you look around.

I have used barrels and stocks from Midway on some of them. Also low cost and I have had good luck with the accuracy of the finished gun. Midway also has bedding kits, triggers, safetys and most of what you need. I know there are other suppliers also and some can be quite pricey. I would suggest you not go with the high dollar parts on your FIRST rifle. (Yeah, nobody can build just one!)

You have to be careful with Turk mausers as SOME of them are built differently. The 'intermediate action' guns available now (Yugo 24's, etc.) are harder to find parts to fit also because of the slightly shorter actions. They are great shooters as is however.

Also, for your first one, I would suggest building in a caliber that does NOT require boltface and action rail modification (such as .308, 30-06, .270, 25-06, 35 Whelen, etc.)

Good luck with your project.

[jame]

I'm in the middle of my first one myself. I started with a Yugo M48, and I'm just starting with "bolt on" mods for my first. I'll stay with the 8mm Mauser, as I've learned, it ain't half bad on it's own!

My unfinished stock is on order from Boyd's, I have the trigger group selected, and now I'm looking for a Scout type scope mount that's no drill/tap. The barrel will stay as is, but it may be cut and recrowned.

Sling, bipod, recoil pad, and I'll be done with my first one. This is a fun endeavor. For those that are considering it, jump in!

More expensive in the long run? Probably.

More fun? You damned right it's more fun!

[Shweboner]

I have been looking, I already have vz24, might get a new one just for the project, I will probably go with .308 or if $$$ gets tight I will keep it 8mm.

What exactly is 'bedding'?

THanks,

~Brian

[critter]

"Bedding" is using an epoxy compound inside the stock to make it fit exactly the receiver of the gun. It makes for a very consistant zero if done correctly.

The process sounds a bit complicated, but if you buy a bedding kit from Brownells or some such place, detailed directions come with it. It is within the capability of ham-handed gun tinkerers like me. I have done several and all turned out quite well.

[DeBee]

You forgot to mention the caliber you wanted. If you need magnum, I'd probably bag the project or start looking for a proven rifle in the used market...

I'll second the notion of getting a VZ action in good shape for a low initial investment- it'll free up funds for later modifications. Stone the outside and polish the rails- If I remember correctly, Riflesmithing book has a chapter on this...

I'd get a pre threaded Shilen barrel at least. I don't think it is worth the effort to fit an economy barrel and hope it shoots. The labor will be the same the results better.

In the interim, look for a stock that fits you correctly. All aftermarket stocks are beginning to look the same with very similar dimensions- none fit me I hope you are luckier.

Stock up on some GOOD sandpaper. Both metal and wood types. Ever use Sandblaster paper by 3M- stays sharp for a long time very smooth cut...

The way I see it, major expenses are: the barrel (which is worth it), tig on a Talley bolt (greatly adds to appearance), D&T (you want this done right tight straight about $15 per hole get 4).

Consider finding a one stage military trigger. Get a bottle of Express blue and a can of McCloskeys Gloss Spar Varnish while you are out searching for components.

I feel the layout to build a Mauser can easily exceed that of your average Remchester but, if done correctly, and executed with some taste and style, you will end up with a vastly superior rifle...