Mausers

I'd like to make a correction to one of my earlier threads. I said that I saw a vz-24 for $295. That was actually a 98/22. The vz-24 was $325. There were also some nice Yugo Mausers for $250 and $275, there was also a Spanish Mauser in .308 I saw last time that might still be there.

So if I'm looking to buy a Mauser, and don't already have one, which is the best deal?

Personally I'd go with an all-matching VZ-24. Absolutely classic Mausers, and without the wear-and-tear you find on the German made ones. If you can find a Persian even better, but those are getting incredibly expensive.

I'm not sure if it's matching or not. I didn't see a lion's crest. It seemed to be in pretty good shape. Not mint though.

As i just posted in another thread on the FR-8 Mauser,

When you see "Spanish Mauser chambered in .308win" it's generally because of the ignorance of the guy (or gal) who wrote it. Generally speaking, it's a very minor issue that doesn't matter...unless you're shooting .308win hot loads in a small ring action like the FR-7 and the Model of 1916 Spanish Mausers. Then it potentially could KABOOM and frag you in your face, or more likely; with bad headspace or a ruptured casing, give you a face full of gas.

So, yeah, I'd leave that guy alone unless you reload and get it for cheap...or just want to hang it on the wall.

Vz24's are nice rifles, I regret selling mine (but had to). For a shooter, i'd go that route. However, the specific rifle would make up my mind as to the price I'd pay. IE, matching #s, good bore, etc.

Any pics?

So your saying that the Spanish one doesn't actually shoot .308s, or that it's only safe with light loads?

It fits in them, but the 7.62 CEMTE was a 40,000 PSI cartidge, if i remember correctly, and the .308win is 50 or 60K PSI. So yes, light loads should be fine; but it's more of a hand-loaders' proposition to feed those particular guns and be safe.

Guess I'll pass on the Spanish one then.

So your saying that the Spanish one doesn't actually shoot .308s, or that it's only safe with light loads?
Spanish mausers have large ring and small ring. Large rings are fine. Even small rings converted are for 7.62NATO, not CETME as rumoured on internet. There is a Spanish manual clearly shows 7.62NATO on the cover. Not good idea to shoot commercial 308 in small ring.

monotonous_:
You realize that the FR7 is much weaker than the FR8, because the FR7 is converted from the 1890's vintage Spanish 7mm Mauser which is small-ring?

You might be aware that the FR8 was converted from the much later and stronger large-ring Spanish 8mm Mauser.
If the original matching bolts are 'onboard', both FR rifle types look identical otherwise.

The Spanish Model 93 and the Model 95 Mexican/Chilean Mausers were designed for pressures below 45000 psi and do not have the same bolt lock up as the 98. The 308 is pretty hot for these actions.

if the 98/22 & vz-24 are in similar condition i'd take the 98/22 over the vz-24.
better looking crest and longer barrel.

+1 on the 98-22

I love me some Brno. :)

Really? I thought the vz-24 was highly regarded. How does the 98/22 compare?

both the zv & 98/22 are fine rifles. i just prefer the 98/22 over the vz.
one of my vz-24's
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/dirtyjim/vztiger.jpg

one of my 98/22's
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/dirtyjim/czech9822.jpg

98/22 receiver markings
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/dirtyjim/9822crest.jpg