zastav m24/27

[unlimited4x4]

I came across one of these at the lgs in the used rifle rack. It was covered in cosmoline. It was by no means unused. My understanding is these are often re-arsenaled M48. I've been keeping an eye out for one of these and was a bit shocked to find it where I did. The action was smooth. They were asking 299$. Other than the barrel and crown, what else should I look for? Also, this was stamped on the barrel:

 

[bjlatt]

The M48 is a shorter version of the 24/47. The markings are the importation mark. Other than barrel and crown, you might want to check the headspace, and examine the bolt carefully.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

The M24/47 is a rebuilt prewar Model 1924. The M48 is postwar production, very similar to the German K98. Be careful, the M24/47 my wife gave me was my gateway Mauser...

 

[unlimited4x4]

I am looking at the headspace gauges. I've never used one before. I see there are "go" and "no go" gauges. Does it matter which version I get?

 

[bjlatt]

You need either a no-go or a field gauge. A field gauge is considered to be the last safe measurement before you need to set back the barrel.

 

[Mauserguy]

As Sergi said, a 24/47 is a modified model 1924. Basically, they refinished and shortenned the barrels after the war. Many had new barrels fitted, so they often make great shooters. They are great guns, but be aware of one thing, they are built on an action a hair shorter than the standard Mauser, so firing pins will not interchange. If you break a firing pin, you have to get a Yugo specific replacement. That's the downside of Yugo Mausers.
Mauserguy

 

[unlimited4x4]

Firing pin

Mauserguy, quickly looking I've found firing pins for Yugo M48 mausers andnot much specific for the M24.Since it is Yugo, it should interchange, correct?

 

[bjlatt]

One other thing to note is that stocks are not interchangeable with m98 series Mausers. That being said, 24/47's are normally great rifles in their own right, and generally a great buy.

 

[morcey2]

Mauserguy, quickly looking I've found firing pins for Yugo M48 mausers andnot much specific for the M24.Since it is Yugo, it should interchange, correct?

The M48 and M24/47 use the same firing pin. The bolts are interchangeable between them with the M24/47 usually having a straight handle and the M48 having a bent handle. I've got an M48 and I got it in unused condition at a pawn shop. It's a great shooter. I have several friends who have M24/47s and all of them that I have seen have effectively new barrels and are also great shooters. I think you got a good deal.

Matt

 

[WelshShooter]

Might be worth checking for matching serials. I have an M48 and all parts are matching except for the magazine floor plate underneath the rifle.

With regards to headspacing gauges, these tell you if your headspace is correct or not. The bolt should close on a "go gauge" but should not close on a "no go gauge", if it does, then you have excessive headspace which needs to be corrected.

The Yugo's are great shooting rifles. But be careful, the milsurp ammo is drying up and it's not cheap to shoot anymore. If you don't mind paying a bit of money, the PPU 8x57IS shoots great and is a full powered load compared to the "8mm Mauser" version offered by the same company. Otherwise, you can handload.

 

[unlimited4x4]

Parts and ammo are a concern when buying a milsurp rifle such as this. Reloading will be in my future and so I'm not so concerned about ammo. Parts may be an issue. But, my plan is to buy some of the key parts such as extra firing pins, extractors, etc. when I find them.

 

[boom boom]

The main headspace gage that most milsurp fanciers worry about would be if the action closes on the field gage. Headspace between the no-go and field is not as problematic with the m98 design if you plan to reload and you only intend to neck size your brass for that gun. Headspace between the no-go and the field, may or may not affect accuracy, brass life with full length resizing, extraction, and so on. The no-go and go gages are really designed for barrel installation to set the headspace as not too long and not too short.

Be aware that there is a lively discussion about 8mm headspace gages and just where the Yugo Mausers fit. During the thirties, I believe, the angle of the case shoulder changed which means there are actually two different headspace gages for the 8x57 mausers. Gunboards had a lively argument over whether Yugo 24/47 or m48's used the old or new shoulder angle. Cannot recall the outcome though. As I have old GEW and newer k98 mausers, it matters to me, fwiw my Yugo passed under both field gages using different shoulders.

The shoulder difference makes enough difference that an incorrect gage can close or not close when it is supposed to because the reference points are different. The mauser gages using the old shoulder angle are a bit hard to find and most of what you see sold today use the later shoulder angle.

BTW, clean the chamber thoroughly, take the extractor off and remove the firing pin assembly from the bolt before using the gage, make sure that the bolt face and locking lugs are clean as well as the receiver bolt locking recesses and the barrel chamber. Crud can through off your readings. Use only fingertip pressure to try to close the bolt--DO NOT Treat it like a cartridge--you will ruin the gage. Resistance on a field gage or no-go means that the bolt/receiver passes. The bolt should close on a go gage otherwise the headspace is too short and must be corrected.

One last thing, the 24/47 and the later m48 bolts, as noted above used different bolt sleeves and firing pins--cannot recall about extractor. The barrel has a safety lip with an extractor cut for safety and will not interchange with k98 barrels and the yugo mauser bolt has a protrusion that serves to more or less to encircle the case head for safety. The magazines, stock, trigger guard, etc. are also different as the Yugo mauser is an intermediate action unlike the standard m. 98.

For reference see
http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catalog/mauser_reference.html

 

[unlimited4x4]

Boom boom, thank you for all the information. Very helpful. I've always owned new or modern firearms and this will be my first foray into the milsurp world. All the info everyone has provided is very helpful.