AlexI
Member
I started a thread last month, asking a bunch of questions related to getting an 8mm Mauser and modifying it. Got a lot of very helpfull answers, and the discussion went on to other interesting issues, like surplus ammo choices (see the thread here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=71246).
Well, I have finally done it! As promised, this is an update on the project and a range report.
I got a Yugo M48 directly from Wholesale Guns and Ammo in Calverton. They had several on hand in the store, so I just drove over (almost 1.5 hr drive for me) and picked one in what looked like a very good condition to me, for $130. Non matching numbers, some wear on blueing, some dents on wood, but nice looking bore.
Took it apart and cleaned out all cosmolene still left over (though they already got rid of most of it at WGA).
Put it into that ATI stock (ugly black thing with an integral Weaver rail on top). It was almost a drop-in fit, but the rear action screw had to be shortened by a couple threads (stuck up far enough to block bolt movement). Actually, I rather like the looks of the rifle with this stock, especially with Harris bipod attached).
Also installed a Timney Sportsman trigger, for a crisp 4lb pull. This was definitely not a drop-in fit it was supposed to be, required some carefull grinding on the cocking piece to get safety to engage.
Put a cheap North Star pistol scope (2.5x30) on it, in scout position.
This weekend, I finally took it to a range for testing.
The ammo used was mostly cheap Turk, and some commercial SP for comparison: PMC and Igman (both 170gr).
All ammo functioned with no problems, no FTFs, just some split case mouths on Turk (which is known to happen with this ammo).
I did note that it was rather hard to chamber first and second round from full magazine. Upon close inspection, the feed ramp and rails both could use some deburring and polishing... Kicking myself for not thinking about it while I had the rifle disassembled.
Regarding accuracy - not sure I can judge it from one range session. I have never really shot a full power, scoped rifle before. In addition, it was a really windy day, to the point that I could actually see my aim shifting as wind gusts hit me (I was shooting from bipod, sitting). And I think I got tired and developed a flinch after a while (though I didn't find recoil particularly uncomfortable at first). Need a lot of work on my shooting skills!
Anyway, I did get a couple groups just under 2" at 100 yards, right after I finally managed to zero the scope (one 3 shot, and one 5 shot with a very clearly called flier). After that, I experimented with commercial ammo, tried some offhand shooting at can lids on the 200 yard berm. When I got back to shooting for groups, they deteriorated to 4-5" at 100 yards, and I couldn't even put half my shots on an 8" target at 200. I blame my shooting more then the rifle for that... I was tired and flinching after 100+ rounds of Turk. BTW, this cheap surplus ammo is a load of fun to shoot - how else could I afford to just burn through a hundred and more rounds of major caliber rifle ammo just blusting away for fun!
Finally, here is what I observed about commercial ammo.
PMC is clearly underloaded, just as it was said at this forum (went about 4" lower then Turk at 100 yards).
Igman 170gr SP, on the other hand, shot close to same POI as Turk! Maybe an inch lower at most (not sure due to my far from perfect shooting and few groups shot), but definitely close.
Alex.
Well, I have finally done it! As promised, this is an update on the project and a range report.
I got a Yugo M48 directly from Wholesale Guns and Ammo in Calverton. They had several on hand in the store, so I just drove over (almost 1.5 hr drive for me) and picked one in what looked like a very good condition to me, for $130. Non matching numbers, some wear on blueing, some dents on wood, but nice looking bore.
Took it apart and cleaned out all cosmolene still left over (though they already got rid of most of it at WGA).
Put it into that ATI stock (ugly black thing with an integral Weaver rail on top). It was almost a drop-in fit, but the rear action screw had to be shortened by a couple threads (stuck up far enough to block bolt movement). Actually, I rather like the looks of the rifle with this stock, especially with Harris bipod attached).
Also installed a Timney Sportsman trigger, for a crisp 4lb pull. This was definitely not a drop-in fit it was supposed to be, required some carefull grinding on the cocking piece to get safety to engage.
Put a cheap North Star pistol scope (2.5x30) on it, in scout position.
This weekend, I finally took it to a range for testing.
The ammo used was mostly cheap Turk, and some commercial SP for comparison: PMC and Igman (both 170gr).
All ammo functioned with no problems, no FTFs, just some split case mouths on Turk (which is known to happen with this ammo).
I did note that it was rather hard to chamber first and second round from full magazine. Upon close inspection, the feed ramp and rails both could use some deburring and polishing... Kicking myself for not thinking about it while I had the rifle disassembled.
Regarding accuracy - not sure I can judge it from one range session. I have never really shot a full power, scoped rifle before. In addition, it was a really windy day, to the point that I could actually see my aim shifting as wind gusts hit me (I was shooting from bipod, sitting). And I think I got tired and developed a flinch after a while (though I didn't find recoil particularly uncomfortable at first). Need a lot of work on my shooting skills!
Anyway, I did get a couple groups just under 2" at 100 yards, right after I finally managed to zero the scope (one 3 shot, and one 5 shot with a very clearly called flier). After that, I experimented with commercial ammo, tried some offhand shooting at can lids on the 200 yard berm. When I got back to shooting for groups, they deteriorated to 4-5" at 100 yards, and I couldn't even put half my shots on an 8" target at 200. I blame my shooting more then the rifle for that... I was tired and flinching after 100+ rounds of Turk. BTW, this cheap surplus ammo is a load of fun to shoot - how else could I afford to just burn through a hundred and more rounds of major caliber rifle ammo just blusting away for fun!
Finally, here is what I observed about commercial ammo.
PMC is clearly underloaded, just as it was said at this forum (went about 4" lower then Turk at 100 yards).
Igman 170gr SP, on the other hand, shot close to same POI as Turk! Maybe an inch lower at most (not sure due to my far from perfect shooting and few groups shot), but definitely close.
Alex.