Yugo M48 vs. 24/47

[alemonkey]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a M48 and a 24/47, other than the M48 has a turned down bolt? Besides that they look like they're identical. I've done a bunch of searching on the interweb and all I've really found is that the 24/47 is a rebuild of the prewar M24 and the M48 was new manufacture after the war.

 

[Ash]

The 24 will have a longer, true M98 receiver.

Ash

 

[jimmyraythomason]

The VZ 24 is 8.750" OAL but M24,47 and 48 Mausers are all 8.500" OAL. Source:"The Mauser Bolt Actions, A Shop Manual" by Jerry Kuhnhausen 1991.

 

[alemonkey]

Interesting....my understanding is the 98's were a stronger receiver. So the 24/47 should theoretically be more robust than the M48, right?

The reason I'm trying to find out so much is because I'm trying to decide between buying a Mauser or an SKS. I'd rather have the Mauser, but I'm thinking maybe the SKS would be a good idea in case Komrade Obama decides to ban them next year.

Of course, he could just as easily ban imports of all surplus weapons. What to do, what to do.....

 

[Float Pilot]

jimmyraythomason is right. Many folks mistakenly think that the 24/47 is the same as the older and full length VZ24. The M/48, 24/27 and M48A are intermediate length Mausers.

alemonkey you pretty much already figured out the difference.

 

[Ash]

Ah, then the only difference will be the bolt handle then, right?

Ash

 

[Cmdr. Gravez0r]

As far a preference...the Yugo SKS is a fine piece of work provided you have no quirks with the gas system (usually an easy fix). As far as works of art go...the 24/47 is tops in the "bang for the buck" category. I have owned both and for craftsmanship and collectibility the 24/47 is your best bet. M48's aren't bad either but the scuttlebut is that they are not quite as accurate as a 24/47. I doubt you'll be able to tell a difference. Attached is a m48 from surplusrifle.com.

 

[alemonkey]

Wow, that's one pretty rifle. My dad has an Argentine Mauser which is why I'm wanting one. His has been hacked and sporterized before he bought it, but you can just look at it and see the craftsmanship. The bolt cycles like a piece of precision machinery. They just don't make guns the way they used to.

 

[Float Pilot]

If you want real craftsmanship in your Mausers, then go for the older 24/47 over the M-48.

Or better yet the Cech VZ24,,,BRUNO

Or even better yet an Argentine contract Mauser..

Or the best workmanship in the M-98 class, the Persian Contract rifles.


For super workmanship in the small ring class of Mausers, nothing comes close to the Swedish M/96 rifles and the M-94 carbines.

I love all of them, but as far as accuracy is concerned the Swedish M/96 will outshoot every other Mauser I have ever owned.

 

[akolleth]

I have 2x M48 and 1x M24/47 and love them--

If you want a wealth of information check out this site--

Surplus Rifle Yugoslavian bolt action section

Both the 24/47 and M48 are based on the intermediate length mauser action. In mechanical terms the only differences between them are a slightly redesigned stock (where the sling attaches), the downturned bolt on the M48, and the handguard/rear sight area. All parts from a M48 and 24/47 are interchangable, even the ones that are slightly different (stock, bolt, handguard).

Now for the practical differences. The 24/47 action has a reputation for being silky smooth, and mine bears that reputation out. The 48 has a reputation for being a bit rougher in the action. The differences in the sling mount doesn't really matter, as is the case with the different handguards.

I like my M48's better because of the downturned bolt (seems to get more torque when I need to extract) but I love the smoothness of the 24/47. I love them both, but if I had to have only one it would be one of my M48.

 

[alemonkey]

Thanks for the link. So if the handguard and rear sight are slightly different, do the scout type scope mounts for the M48 also fit the 24/47? I'm thinking of the Accumounts or S&K mounts that replace the rear sight. I know they say they're compatible, but I figured its better to be on the safe side.

Edit: After reading the surplusrifle forum it seems the S&K mounts are well thought of and don't require modification.

 

[Slamfire]

The original M1924 Yugo are rare, but if you ever get an unaltered one, it is a gem.

I found one at a Gun store, just as the M48's were hitting the shelves. I suspect the M24 they had was a WWII bring back, because the stock has the duffle bag cut.

With all the M48's on the shelf, and me crying about the "horrid" nail holding the forend to the stock, I got a good price on the M24.

Turns out it was all matching and 95-98% original blue. The machine and wood work is almost as good as a pre WW1 DWM, which is saying something. The M48's look like something roughed out with metal rasps compared to a M24.

 

[Float Pilot]

Probably because the M24 was made by free people while the M-48s were made under the supervision of commie stodges...

 

[Atla]

I'd say that the 24/47 is regarded as more accurate because a lot of barrels were replaced with new ones upon being re-arsenaled.

 

[alemonkey]

Well, I faxed my order for a SKS to Classic Arms today. Now, to start saving up for that Mauser...