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wfpack14

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Hey all, I have been doing alot of research on sporterizing a mauser. Don't know a whole lot about it yet. So what I am looking for is some good places to start, I am thinking I want a rifle in a 25 caliber something. What would be a good donor rifle, where can I find some places to get one? And some good reading material on mausers. Thanks for everything in advance. I just joined the site so if there are some old posts you can point me to that would be great.

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M-48A Yugo Mauser (intermediate length action).

 

257 Roberts.

 

Get a Boyds' Stock (perhaps a JRS model).

 

Don't know what to recommend for barrels. I'd probably get a Shaw, but some folks have had isues with their work and quality. Douglas installs barrels, and I've not heard complaints about their work. Douglas costs a bit more (perhaps ~$100 or so), but you have certain assurances and quality.

 

Info?? Right here! look at the Archives section. All of the posts. There is some excellent talent here, and a wealth of experience. Some nice photos and images too, to detail what's being talked about. few tomes would offer this much information; I know of no book where you can message the author directly and get advice for free.

 

You left things rather vague as well... Are you planning on doing the work yourself, or are you farming it out?

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Well this being my first project I don't have the tools or the room to all the work, the barrel and action stuff will go out, but My goal is to do as much as I can myself. And the stuff I can't I want to know about so I know what I am talking about. Thanks guys for the replys. What is the best place to pick some these up?

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First thing to do is order a Brownells and Midway catalog so that you can see the tools you need,and maybe build them yourself.A barrel vise and action wrench would be a good start,and a good set of hollow ground screw drivers.I started out years ago with the Chapman set of screwdriver tips and still use it.Just get each thing you need as you need it.Making your barrel vise and action wrench is a good start,and the guys here will walk you through it.Welcome to our play house.Jerry

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Ok I have been doing some thinking about the caliber I want, I am not sure I "need" a 25 right now(eventually), I am thinking something Like a 300 Win Mag, would be good, what is a good action to start with their. This is sure turing into a fun hobby and I havn't even started yet and my head is spinning with all the stuff on this site. I think I may build an action wrench as my first project, but I want to start looking for a donor rifle or action soon.. Thanks for all the help.

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Welcome.

 

Kuhnhausen's book is the best place to start. Probably the most bang for the buck.. Next the archives. Lots of good tutorials by Clemson, where he finds the time is beyond me.

 

You never said if you intend to do all the work or have someone do some. That will influence greatly the choices you make especially with barrels. If you can thread & chamber the sky is the limit. If you intend to hand ream and install a short chambered barrel, choices will be fewer.

 

If you are doing it yourself, a .300 winmag is probably not the best place to start. It can be done but requires more work and knowledge to get things right. What kind of tools do you have? A mill? A lathe?

 

 

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If you are doing an 308 win. family, (243 or 260 Rem), go with an Yugo 48 action, If you are thinking about an 30-06 family or larger you will need an LR 98 action. Like German 98K, Czech 98/22, turkish 38(some have SR threads and some have LR threads) these are not suitable for mags. Stay with LR 98 with full LR threads inside the receiver. Mags are not the first place to start with like Z1R have said, stay with an standard round like the 30-06 or 308 family. The action need to be modify so you can cycle an mag round.

 

As for tool, barrel vise, action wrench, good set of screwdrivers( like wheeler), bolt tool for lapping, lapping compounds), tap if you go with A&B barrels,

 

As for the stock there is an few places for them Midway, Boyd, and Richard Microfit Stock(long wait).

 

Books, there is an few, but AGI videos are great, look at Midway sight under book and type in Mauser. I have an VSH tapes that I can sell you if you want them.

 

 

Rob

Your friendly truck driver.

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Ok, I am going to do as much as I can by my self, most metal will not be possible for me though don't have the big tools yet, So maybe for the first one I will do a 308 type. Probally a good place to start, would you all agree.

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Montana Rifleman:

http://www.montanarifleman.com/

is also a good place to get barrels and have them installed on your action. I had him do a Turk for me in 30-06 about 1999 or so. I think he got more famous since then. I have no idea how his prices compare to others and I suspect his prices may have increased with his fame. I sent him the action with barrel on it and he removed the old one, installed new, headspaced, etc. Last I shot it on the bench, it was shooting about 3" at 200 yards with iron sites. OK, full race iron sites that cost more than the rest of the rifle, but still iron sites. I had it bedded since but haven't shot it.

 

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I found a Yugo 48 action at Sarco for 90 bucks, don't have an FFL so I would have to find someone to do a transfer, but my question is is 90 bucks a good price, and does anybody have any other spots to find actions or rifles. THanks guys for all the help it is greatly appreicated.

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You may want a Yugo 48A in lieu of the 48.

 

I've never handled either, but one of the members here reported that although the 48A had stamped bottom metal (magazine, etc.), the overall fit, finish, and quality was better than that of the 48.

 

Based-on this member's experience alone, I'd go with the 48A before the 48, if available. You can also call the companies and see if they have more specifics on what you are getting. An advertised "Yugo 48" may actually be a 48A.

 

I don't think that $90 is that bad, with Mauser rifle supplies drying up.

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i would go Southern Ohio Guns or Century for a complete yugo M24/47 for $119 over SARCO's $90 action. with a C&R, you can have them delivered to your door... but you dont have a C&R (if you're going to really get involved with this hobby, might look into them...) so add for the transfer. you can sell off the stock/barrel/pieces you dont need, and SOG/Century have been much more reliable for me than SUCKO (sorry, SARCO...)

 

308 would be fine, but don't overlook the 6mm, 6.5x55, 7x57 and 8x57. there are no flies on any of those rounds. what are you shooting with this rifle?

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I did some looking and I am leaning towards a 260, mostly for whitetails, and antelope. Thanks for the info I will look into those. Just out of curiosity what is this C&R you mention(Just Proved I was a true newbie) THanks

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I would never try to discourage anyone who frequents this site from building their dream rifle from a surplus action. There is an abundance of information available here with some very knowledgeable people willing to help with your questions. Personally, there is nothing like creating your own rifle and the feeling of a job well done. The reality is that it takes dedication and quite often a good amount of cash to see your creation to fruition. This is especially true cash-wise if you have to farm out a lot of the reworking due to lack of equipment. With the availability of good surplus Mausers drying up, this problem is only magnified.

If you would actually like to get a 300 Win mag, in a sweet shooting rifle, and not have to mortgage the farm, then perhaps you should look at a new Stevens Model 200. This rifle is available on Gunbroker.com for around $270.00 from several sources. Z1r swears by his Stevens 200 and many here know that it is a great bargain in a rifle. They are available in several different calibers.

Again, I would like to emphasize that rejuvenating surplus arms is some of what we do here and I welcome you to the fraternity, but there is certainly no shame in buying a new rifle to hold you over while suffering from milsurpitis. Best of luck!

 

Spiris

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I would never try to discourage anyone who frequents this site from building their dream rifle from a surplus action. There is an abundance of information available here with some very knowledgeable people willing to help with your questions. Personally, there is nothing like creating your own rifle and the feeling of a job well done. The reality is that it takes dedication and quite often a good amount of cash to see your creation to fruition. This is especially true cash-wise if you have to farm out a lot of the reworking due to lack of equipment. With the availability of good surplus Mausers drying up, this problem is only magnified.

If you would actually like to get a 300 Win mag, in a sweet shooting rifle, and not have to mortgage the farm, then perhaps you should look at a new Stevens Model 200. This rifle is available on Gunbroker.com for around $270.00 from several sources. Z1r swears by his Stevens 200 and many here know that it is a great bargain in a rifle. They are available in several different calibers.

Again, I would like to emphasize that rejuvenating surplus arms is some of what we do here and I welcome you to the fraternity, but there is certainly no shame in buying a new rifle to hold you over while suffering from milsurpitis. Best of luck!

 

Spiris

Good points, however I allready have the Factory rifles that I need, frankly they are fun but they bore me, I am totally aware of the price that comes with this game. I am more or less looking for a hobby and to learn a new skill, I am a computer geek by trade and I can only look at a computer screen for so long. LOL.....Thanks for the advice this is by far the nicest group of people on any of the many of forums I look at...

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Good points, however I allready have the Factory rifles that I need, frankly they are fun but they bore me, I am totally aware of the price that comes with this game. I am more or less looking for a hobby and to learn a new skill, I am a computer geek by trade and I can only look at a computer screen for so long. LOL.....Thanks for the advice this is by far the nicest group of people on any of the many of forums I look at...

 

Then my friend, you are in the right place.

 

To set the record straight, yes, I am very impressed with my Stevens 200. If my example is representative then I think it is by far the best BARGAIN on the market. That said, it is not a Mauser and the only real reason I have one is because it's much better suited to the .223 than a Mauser. I would use them myself for cartridges which just don't lend themselves well to use in a Mauser action. And yes, I recently tried to steer a customer into buying one because he wanted a .260 and was on a rather tight budget. He wanted a mauser but realistcally I couldn't build him one at that price. I've found that economy is not a reason for building rifles and the only people than can make the math work are those like myself with the knowledge and tooling on hand. For most everyone else it is about having your cake and eating it too.

 

If you like the .260 then the 24/47 will be perfect. It is also perfect for the 6.5x55. In fact, one of the least expensive ways to get one barreled is to use a LW barrel. If you'd like to go that route PM me, I can make you a good deal on barreling it.

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I'm glad to see you have the mettle of your convictions, wfpack14. You have been offered a leg up by a dedicated Gunsmith who does beautiful work. I would go for it because z1r will make the experience even more positive. The 260 Rem or 6.5x55, ballistic twins virtually, are excellent choices. Keep us posted and take pictures to post here. :)

 

Spiris

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I'm glad to see you have the mettle of your convictions, wfpack14. You have been offered a leg up by a dedicated Gunsmith who does beautiful work. I would go for it because z1r will make the experience even more positive. The 260 Rem or 6.5x55, ballistic twins virtually, are excellent choices. Keep us posted and take pictures to post here. :)

 

Spiris

 

Thanks! I needed that.

 

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If I was needing a rifle that was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship as well... I would beg Z for one!! Heck look at the pics he posts of his "babys"!! If I wanted the satisfaction of "done 'er myself" as well as an education... well that's where I live!! My last one I didn't even farm the bolt handle work out... Boy does it show... Kinda poor example of the "trade" but .. It shoots pretty darn good, and tomorrow I will clean up some "uglies" or maybe the next day.. LOL

I don' know where the "cut-off" point is as far as how much you can farm out, and how much ya gotta do yerself in order to "claim" the job... Hope it don't include bolt work.... wood either for me, tho that part is improving. All that to say.. If I were to humbly offer one tidbit.. it would be... Slow and steady... no rushing, no "instant gratification" Take yer time.. enjoy the ride.. the product will follow.... eventually!! MV

OH yea... Lathe work... There is a bit if that which is beyond my equipment resources!!

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Allright, these guys are nice guys and being all nicey-nice.

 

Let me stir up the pot by saying that if you want to build on a Mauser and shoot a 6.5 mm bullet your only choice is a 6.5 x 55. Period.

 

Let Z do the metal work. You can start your career with the wood. You'll probably do it twice if you do it well (but the second time you'll have a rifle you love - and what's that worth)?

 

A C&R is a very good thing to have once you figure-out that you're addicted (and are willing and able to keep good records - damn infringements)!

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Allright, these guys are nice guys and being all nicey-nice.

 

Let me stir up the pot by saying that if you want to build on a Mauser and shoot a 6.5 mm bullet your only choice is a 6.5 x 55. Period.

 

Let Z do the metal work. You can start your career with the wood. You'll probably do it twice if you do it well (but the second time you'll have a rifle you love - and what's that worth)?

 

A C&R is a very good thing to have once you figure-out that you're addicted (and are willing and able to keep good records - damn infringements)!

Ok but will a 24/47 work for a 6.5 x 55? And that has sort of been my plan all along have someone do the metal work for me and then I will mess up the wood a couple times on my first one. I order my C&R kit today but it looks like I have some more reading to do....."damn infringments" huh Well i better figure out how to not get them cuz I don't exactly have great record keeping skills....lol

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A 24/47 and 6.5 x 55 should* be a match made in heaven (or a match made somewhere in Germany).

 

You do reload don't you (otherwise see information about reloading for 6.5 x 55, and anemic American loads).

 

Much fun is beginning!

 

*Frickin' Lawyer-like disclaimer: The 24/47 action was designed for the 8 x 57 cartridge which, although sharing similarities with other "Mauser" cartridges, is in fact distinct in its dimensions. Thus, substitution of other "Mauser" cartridges may result in "functioning irregularities" which may include, but not be limited to, hesitation upon feeding from the magazine. Doble Troble Enterprises cannot be held liable for such "functioning irregularites", but would like to point out that such irregularities are much more likely to be experienced upon sustitution of cartridges based on the 308 Winchester case, which includes but is not limited to the 260 Remington.

 

I've done 6.5 x 55s on a Turk standard-length action and M48 and 24/47 intermediates. This isn't a big sample, but I haven't had any feeding or other problems.

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OK, I'm going to jump in here with several random thoughts. Bear with me if I ramble and jump around some.

 

The C&R (Curio and Relic) license is the best thing going for people in our hobby. You don't need a kit. You can download the form from the ATF website. Send it in with the appropriate fee ($30 I think) and a copy to your local chief law enforcement officer. In a few weeks you will have your license. As for record keeping all you need is a book to keep track of your C&R purchases. There are several ways to do this but Brownells sells a book just for this for a couple of dollars. Money well spent.

 

The C&R will let you get dealer pricing from Midway USA and Brownells among others. Very good for sporterizing rifles!

 

Be very careful of what you read on the internet concerning firearm laws. When you get your license the ATF will send you books with all of the laws and also a book of their interpretation of some of the laws. Their version is not always correct. But they enforce them. I have read many, many times very bad and wrong advice about firearm laws. Often times it is bad advice that just keeps getting repeated over and over. A lot of the bad information comes from people who claim to and should know better. This is the hard part, when you get the books read the all of the laws concerning collectors, both federal and the state laws where you live. They are not always the same. I have had to read the same paragraph 8 or 9 times just to understand the meaning, but the most important part is that after YOU read through the laws it is much easier to go back and look up specific information when a question or problem comes up.

 

Another thing is that, contrary to popular belief, the ATF isn't sitting around waitng to lock up you and your family if you make a mistake. As long as you are intending to follow the laws you are not likely to have any type of problem with the government, for now anyway!

 

I have been looking into some of the 6.5 cartridges lately. I still haven't made up my mind which way I am going to go yet, but most will get the job done, whether for target shooting or hunting. If you are using one of the intermediate length actions the all the previous advice is good. 260 or 6.5x55, both are excellent cartridges. Choose based on cartrdge availability for your situation, especially if you don't handload, yet. If you keep building rifles you will. I have built a couple based on the 308 case and one fed just like it was made for the action and a 243 took a LOT of work to get it to feed correctly.

 

Make friends with a machinist. Most of the work you will need in the beginning is very simple and not much trouble to set up for an experienced machinist. Translate this into cheap cost or maybe trading out work, especially if you are good with computers. People are always crashing these things.

If you don't know any machinists, ask around, I guarantee that someone you know does. Find one who likes guns, also not too difficult. Most mechanical type people like guns, being mechanical devices and all.

 

OK, I'm tired of typing with both my fingers so I'll give it a break now. Good luck with your project.

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Ok but will a 24/47 work for a 6.5 x 55? And that has sort of been my plan all along have someone do the metal work for me and then I will mess up the wood a couple times on my first one. I order my C&R kit today but it looks like I have some more reading to do....."damn infringments" huh Well i better figure out how to not get them cuz I don't exactly have great record keeping skills....lol

 

Wfpack,

I'm not an expert by anymeans and was in your shoes a few years ago. If you are to take your time with a low speed dremel or a hand tool, you will not mess up the wood. My first project, took me 7.5 hours to inlet the stock to my action. just take your time, if you cut a little, drop the action down in there and check it, a little wood shaving goes a long ways. another thing i would like to point out, and i'll get ridiculed for this, and i say again, i am no expert, stay away from the 260, and the 6.5x55. Now before anybody jumps down my throat, listen to what i say. If you reload, your set, or if you have vast amounts of money. 260 in my area is going by the way side, its even gettin hard to find brass. 6.5x55, brass is easily found, if you reload. 260 can be made from other brass, but then neck thickness is an issue that you may not want to f-with.but if you don't reload, be prepared to spend a fortune in shells in the 6.5x55. I cannot even find a box of ither at my local stores, and you have to special order which means $. you want a gun that will be around forever, if you like the short action, go w/a 308, 243, or 7mm-08. The best gun in my book is a 25-06, and you first mentioned you'd like a 25 cal. just a thought, but hey, you do your thing and be proud of what you have. I'm not knocking the 6.5 or 260, have considered them before, but i may not reload forever, but you may be able to find shells like crazy in your area. every place is diffrent. Take care and good shooting.

Brenden

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One thing I've noticed is that a rounds popularity can depend in large part the geographical location as well as other factors. Case in point: In high school I worked in the sporting goods department of a major retailer. The store manager was from the east coast where the .35 rem was very popular for deer & black bear. But our store was smack dab in the middle of Texas. That's .30-30 country. Well, the manager proceeded to order too much .35 Rem and not nearly enough .30-30 ammo. I finally had a talk with him about it and lo and behold, I became the guy in charge of placing the pre-season ammo orders.

 

Out here, the .260 seems pretty popular. I've seen it on the shelves of a majority of retailers. Judging by discussions I've had with some of the reamer manufacturers, I don't think it's in danger of dying any time soon. And, if ammo is hard to come by in your area, then mail order a case. It's a better invetment than gold. Hell, these days, guilding metal and lead are precious metals. I'll agree that 6.5x55 is less common but seems most most chains carry some. Heck, the round that seems pretty hard to find anymore is the .257 Bob.

 

Still a good point is brought up in that if you don't handload and perchance live in a remote area, then maybe some thought should be given to availability of ammo.

 

They way I figure is that anyone getting into building rifles or having customs made for them ought to handload to maximize their investment's performance.

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