FN Mauser upgrades.

[Dookie]

Since whenever I do a search I always end up on THR to get my info, thanks by the way, I figured I might as well join and ask.

I purchased a commercial(small ring) Mauser 98 Mannlicher 30-06 that is a Wards Western Field Model 724A EHM. The main reason I bought is because I collect store brands, WWF in particular, the fact that it is a Mauser is a bonus. I have no idea when the date of manufacture is.

But that is just a bit of history.

The only Mauser sites I have found have been mostly useless and only deal with large ring and military rifles, neither of which I have.

I like to modify, well, everything, but I am a sleeper fan, I don't care if It is not numbers matching because it can all be switched back. What are my options as to upgrades that are quality. Trigger, stock, barrels. I have found them all but do not know where to start.

I would like to change calibers and I figure that because it is a 30-06 I will have to stay with that size casing for ease of use. Even if I go to a short action, 308, 22-250 it should be fine just have a REALLY long bolt throw, not a problem for me.

I am mostly curious about what options I can do and how accurate I can get this thing. Or should I just have fun with it. As I already have a Mossy ATR in 308 I don't need a deer caliber.

Thanks.

Here is a pic of the whole rifle, I can get pics of any part if you are interested.

 

[shootr]

That's a sweet-looking rifle! I'd suggest considering leaving it in 06 and tweaking from there. You might be surprised at how well it will shoot.

I have an older FN 98 Deluxe, I believe they called it. Put in a trigger, bedded the action the entire length of the barrel with just the slightest float on the barrel from slightly ahead of the action to the end. Also shortened the stock to fit. Lyman peeps for the rear and a custom front sight blade, as well as a "Made in USA" Burris 3x9 on Warne bases in detachable Warne rings. It shoots extremely well and with a variety of ammo - so well I haven't even bothered working up a hand load.

 

[PTK]

Shoot it and find out how it is before you do a thing. If you want a different stock, PLEASE just buy a new one - mannlicher stocks are few and far between nowadays.

 

[Gator]

That is a beautiful rifle. If it were mine, I'd enjoy it as is.

 

[GunDoctor]

With some work you can turn it into as accurate a rifle as you want.

 

[Dookie]

believe me, the stock is not getting modified in any way, not true, it has to go in for a restore, it was apparently used as a club and is cracked in a lot of places. Then was "fixed" with epoxy, now I can't get the trigger guard out.

I plan on shooting it soon, just to see how it does. I just don't want to shoot it with the current stock as I am somewhat worried that it might explode on me.

 

[GunDoctor]

If it's cracked that much and the trigger guard is stuck you are propably looking at a dead stock. See if Boyd's has one to fit and start fresh.

 

[Funderb]

hmm, and people call the mosin ugly.


22-250 would be fun.

 

[Slamfire]

Heck, I have a 30-06 J.C. Higgins M50. That rifle was built in the early 50's and has an early post war FN action.

It is my considered opinion, having handled a number of FN rifles, the early actions are better built and retain more 98 Mauser features than the later ones.

Fix the stock crack, bed the action, and take it out to the range and see how it does.

There is nothing wrong with the 30-06 cartridge, if you want to go .270, 280 Rem, whatever, you can.

 

[Atla]

Huber Concept triggers are simply amazing.

 

[Dookie]

hmm, and people call the mosin ugly.

Not quite sure how to take this. But, OK.

The stock is going to be sent off to be professionally repaired. I am ordering a Hogue because they are on sale for 89 and use that just so I can be able to shoot it.

I was going to shoot it last weekend until it dawned on me that I needed scope mounts, duh.