Sporterized Mauser, now what?

[Tin_Man]

I got a sporterized mauser in 8mm as a gift. It's in a laminate stock. It's in decent shape.

I'm wondering what I can do to improve the accuracy of it? Obviously I'm going to get it drilled and tapped. I figure I'd recrown the barrel. Get the lugs and bolt face lapped. Install a Timney. Any other ideas?

Is there any aftermarket 8mm barrels? The rifling is still good on this one but I figure there's always room for improvement...

 

[MMCSRET]

You need to shoot it. Handloading with .323 bullets will go a long way to helping. U.S. made factory ammo is anemic as a rule and some factory ammo had .321 bullets.

 

[ArmedBear]

If you want to put on a different barrel anyway, have you considered a different chambering?

 

[jmorris]

I'm wondering what I can do to improve the accuracy of it? Obviously I'm going to get it drilled and tapped. I figure I'd recrown the barrel. Get the lugs and bolt face lapped. Install a Timney. Any other ideas?

Before you go down that road work on simple and free stuff to improve accuracy. Load development being a good example. If you are not happy with the results at that point add up the cost of everything you want to do and go look at the price tags on new rifles. Old rifles can turn into boats sometimes, just a place to throw money away.

 

[dogngun]

Best thing is to get a Timney trigger or similar,

and just take it to the range. Those old 98 Mausers will shoot given decent sights and triggers. Clean the barrel well, use some imported commercial ammo (US made 8mm is very low powered). There are several scout mounts for 98 Mausers that will not require ANY gunsmithing and run around $30. They will allow you to use the standard bolt (Scopes in the traditional position require custom bent bolt handles and won't allow use of stripper clips to load.)
Cost of making radical changes today are really too high - you will be better off with a commercial sporter rifle.
Keep it simple - they will really shoot, and the 8mm is a great large animal cartridge.

Good luck.

mark

 

[exbiologist]

Do not lap the bolt face and lugs if you aren't going to pull the barrel off. This will affect headspacing, which you should check anyway.
If you're going to pull the barrel, you may as well just buy a pre threaded, short chambered Brownell's or Adams & Bennet for $90. And consider truing the receiver up.
But don't forget about checking out the bedding, sometimes there is some pretty "creative" work done.

And I'll be next to nominate a good trigger. If you plan to mount a scope, you may need to alter the safety and bolt clearance also.

I love Mausers, enjoy your summer with her, she might need a lot of attention.

 

[Tin_Man]

Could anyone point me in the right direction for the Scout Scope mounts? I really like those I just cant seem to find a good quality one. I will start there and with the trigger and go from there. Thanks guys!

 

[Tin_Man]

Also, I checked out midway but didn't see any, where would I get a flash hider that would fit this barrel?

 

[lefteyedom]

Flash hider,
Sell the rifle and get an AK lead spitter///