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Newbie Question Alert! What Mauser To Start With?


Bennypapa

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If any of this has been covered please point me to the previous discussions or appropriate web pages, thanks.

 

I'd like to build a medium/heavy barreled rifle from a mauser in .243 or .308. or 7mm-08. The action is the basic building block of every rifle and from what little I have learned it seems I should use a '98 action. Since this will be my first I am not going to buy a new action for fear of destroying it so I am looking at surplus rifles as a source for parts.

 

If there is anybody who has some experience with building rifles on 98 actions I would like to hear your advice on which rifles to start from. Which are the best source for parts? Which require the least work?

 

I have a local source for some really nice yugo (intermediate length) m24/47's right now. They are in great shape and reasonably cheap. I know that the aftermarket parts such as stocks are in limited availability for these guns when compared to the standard 98. Are there other drawbacks?

 

Any advice on where to start is appreciated.

 

Thank you,

 

Bennypapa

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Benny: First welcome to the forum... you are at the right place! I have an M48 w/ 308 barrel and I like it very much... In fact it was one of the least hassel to "put together" ones! But, I did not put a "safety breach in it.. so maybe I really am Bubba!!! Were I in your position, I would go w/ the 24/47 [smoother] , Get your bolt "turned down" or welded by someone on the forum, and Boyds has very nice wood for the "intermediate" mauser. Barrels... well again I just "bubba'd" on a regular Large Ring!!! I like mine.. but YMMV. Others will be along to "help ya along" soon!! Later. MV

Don't Rush... Have fun.. cause you'll just end up doin more till ya run outta $$$

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:rolleyes: welcome to the forum, pull up a chair an' sit a spell. while i've never done a 24/47yugo, i have extensively built m98 large ring conversions. the only reason i use m98 LR is cause i can also use magnum barrels when so desired. there's nothing wrong with the intermediate actions, i would, if i did, build a 308 as you have a wider range of bullets to choose from=100gr plinkers to 108gr. however the 308 really should'nt be loaded with anything larger than 180 as case capacity is limited.the 308 with 150gr's are perfect for hogs and deer size game. enjoy what you build, it's an adventure doing so. ofcourse all this is just my point of view. Dave :lol:
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I like my 24/47, it's a dandy. I also like the Parker Hale cadet barrels that were cheap a while back, they tend to shoot really nice even with the slow twist.

 

Don't be afraid to ask questions here, just realize that you'll get different opinions from time to time.

 

Jimro

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Welcome aboard Bennypapa.

My first sporterizing project was a Yugo 48. Mainly because I didn't know the difference between the various models, lengths, and peculiarities. It is far easier to find parts and properly work on a standard Mauser 98.

That said, A Yugo 48 or 24/47 may be the better choice for the short cartridges you are considering.

Don't be shy about asking lots of questions, I did and still do. There are some highly experienced and very talented members here that are willing to help you.

Kenny

 

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<_< benny, i need to retract my last statement. the 7-08 does have as much a bullet selection as the 308. i just prefer the 308 cause here where i live the 308 factory loads are easier to come by. the 7-08 is just as good as the 308 but i have 8mm and 8-06 rifles so i don't need either one. enjoy which ever one you choose. if we here can be of help, don't hesitate to holler. dave
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The 24/47 will be good for the cartridges you're interested in.

 

Have you considered 6 mm Rem, 6.5 x 55 or a 7 x 57? These cartridges are excellent performers (as good as or better than the 308 class) and may feed easier.

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The 24/47 will be good for the cartridges you're interested in.

 

Have you considered 6 mm Rem, 6.5 x 55 or a 7 x 57? These cartridges are excellent performers (as good as or better than the 308 class) and may feed easier.

 

 

I would like the 6.5x55 or the 6mm Rem. I shoot mostly paper so almost any cartridge would do. I have been preoccupied with the 308 family for some time though for no real practical reason other than cheap surplus ammo. I guess I have some fantasy about cheap brass for reloading or something like that.

 

I really don't know much about the 7x57 other than the fact that the factory loads made for weaker small ring actions don't really live up to the cartridges potential.

 

The .308 family seems to be more readily available (not that I shoot enough that loading my own would take much time)

 

I'll look up the cartridge drawings for the 8x57, 308 and 6x55 and compare thanks.

Bennypapa

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:rolleyes: bennypapa, sellier and bellot has 8x57 loads with 196gr psp's my last batch of them they was pushing at 2550fps. not bad for factory loads. if you have a problem with recoil, i'ld go to maybe a 6.5x55 swede or 7x57 and load your own as light as ya want. just my opinion.Dave :lol: p.s.- if yer just paper shootin', 243 or maybe a 257 rob would be good. they're both good fer varmints and midsize deer! :P
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Welcome!

As you already know stock selection is rather limited, especially with synthetic stocks. You should be able to find a laminated or walnut stock to suit you though. I don't see too many other problems with your action selection. The 24/47 is a good choice. Sometimes the 308 family of cartridges feed well and sometimes they require a little work. That goes for any model 98 action. Either way it's not too difficult to get them to feed well. I'm kinda fond of my 308 but pick whichever cartridge you want, first, because once you start down this path you will be hooked and there will be many more opportunities for different cartridges!

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