Yugo M48A action for build?

[mpd61]

Have a shot at one in excellent shape. Was wondering if there are any concerns with them?
The fella at the LGS say's to stay away from them because "they're a unique intermediate action, and there is nothing aftermarket to fit them.' he also siad parts are hard to come by.
I never heard this before. Why wouldn't most mauser 98 barrels and stocks fit? I think the guy is crazy

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Have a shot at one in excellent shape. Was wondering if there are any concerns with them?
The fella at the LGS say's to stay away from them because "they're a unique intermediate action, and there is nothing aftermarket to fit them.' he also siad parts are hard to come by.
I never heard this before. Why wouldn't most mauser 98 barrels and stocks fit? I think the guy is crazy

Nope, not crazy. The M48 dimensions are slightly different than a regular large ring '98 action (shorter, for one thing), though I believe the barrel threads are the same.

 

[boom boom]

The M48's action is shorter in length than the std. m98 model (but not as short as some m98 short actions for sporters hence the m48 is called intermediate) and cannot take a full length cartridge like a .30-06. The distance between the action screws is different so the trigger guard, magazine, and stocks won't interchange with m98's. In addition, the rifle bolts for the m48 only fit that model or the 24/47.

It is possible to convert it to .308 length cartridges though. If I recall correctly, a m48 barrel (and the older 24/47 design with a raised safety ring on the face of the breech end) will need an extractor cut so changing to a std. flat breech type mauser barrel will require an extractor cut to work.

You might find this link useful http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catalog/mauser_reference.html
"4) Intermediate Large Ring M-98 ,(Large ring, Short action)
1.410 diameter. receiver ring, 8.50 in length, with screw spacing of 7.620
Intermediate Large ring have a threaded shank diameter of 1.10 in. With 12 threads per inch.
Mexicans by FN and Belgium, the M24, M47, M48 by FN and Yugoslavia. A large number of M48 Yugoslavian large-ring M98 Mauser have recently been dropped on the market. This M-98 short is considered an intermediate action, and WILL NOT fit a Standard 98 Mauser stocks and standard bolts will not interchange.. Receiver stripped weight 15.0 oz."

An old THR thread about it
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/m48-mauser-sporterizing-doing-it-right.644990/

For the most part, stick with a Mauser 98 action unless you particularly want the yugo version. The cheapest ones are actually Yugo Mauser 98's that had their German history scrubbed which are fine for conversion.
The m48's action is not as smooth as a m98's for some reason--I have to work mine like I hate it for reliable operation. Not so on German m98's or Czech models.

 

[JohnKSa]

If you want a Yugo M48 then buy one--they're solid rifles. If you want a rifle for a build, don't buy a Yugo M48 unless you intend to make (or pay someone else to make) any custom parts you need for the build.

 

[shooter1niner]

With Savage, Remington and Winchester actions available why use an old Mauser? Modern commercial actions are better IMO...

 

[mpd61]

Thanks,
Guess I'll skip the 48A build

 

[boom boom]

Thanks,
Guess I'll skip the 48A build

They are a solid rifle for firing issued 8mm Mauser but expensive in time and parts to build a top notch sporter.

If you want a Mauser action, either buy a bare 98 action if you know what to look for or buy an already somewhat sporterized rifle. You might try looking also for some zastava sporters (from a converted yugo govt arsenal to arms exporter company) which are derived from those m48's in more American calibers like .308 or .243. They were imported under different names but are solid actions if a bit rougher in finish. One other option us look for a fifties vintage sears jc Higgins which used fn Mauser receivers. These are found in several calibers.

 

[boom boom]

Have a shot at one in excellent shape. Was wondering if there are any concerns with them?
The fella at the LGS say's to stay away from them because "they're a unique intermediate action, and there is nothing aftermarket to fit them.' he also siad parts are hard to come by.
I never heard this before. Why wouldn't most mauser 98 barrels and stocks fit? I think the guy is crazy

Not sure if you are still interested in a sporter build but just saw a couple of Yugo actions on Gunbroker for pretty cheap--slightly over $100. There is also a std. 98 action that has been drilled and tapped for under two bills. The Yugo actions are the 24/52c models which are Czech exported VZ 24 Czech std. 98 receivers for which you can use std. Mauser 98 parts and barrels. The Brownell house brand Mauser barrels aren't too bad for sporter use and are inexpensive but do have a parkerized exterior which puts some people off. They do need to be finish reamed when mounted on a receiver but you can rent the reamers for that.