Posted this in gunsmithing as well, but this forum seesm good for the question too..

What are Yugoslav Mauser 98 actions like overall as a platform for building up a sporter?

I am thinking in terms of metal quality, overall finish etc.
Are they one of the better military mauser sor best left in favour of another M98 of different origin?
(not for a full length belted case, a STD mauser case head size cartridge.)

I used one to make a Custom Rifle in .308
seemed to be alright.The quality was good
only problem I found was that it being a
intermediate action,it was tough to find
custom parts,and stocks for that length.
VZ-24 are more common,with parts galore
Bottom Line their good actions,but I am
happier using a VZ-24,just for ease of
parts.

Thanks,
I never relised they were intermediate length?

It would be a for a 7x57, so that would be OK, but perhaps I will see what I can get a VZ24 for, thanks

quote:

Originally posted by kayaker:
but perhaps I will see what I can get a VZ24 for, thanks

I think you will be much happier with a VZ 24 rather than the Yugo. It will be much, much smoother in operation, and (if my M48a is any indication) much nicer in finish.

I think the Yugos CAN be made into a decent sporter, but the trail you travel to get there will be longer.

SBB

There are many Yugo mausers. Not all are intermediates. The M24, M24/47, M48 and M48A are. The 24 & 24/47 are pre-war production and much better in fit & finish. The M48 & 48A are post war and the M48 seems to be the roughest of the bunch.

The 24/52 is a refurbed vz24 and the K98 captures are well, K98's.

The Yugos aren't bad. Many of them just need polished. Hell, I just finished a 6.5x55 on one and I love it do death!

I have a "spare 24/47" on the rack, and it sure specs out like a VZ-24 to me. Of course that's why I bought it because I always like to have a spare VZ around just in case some project turns up that I cannot live without.
LLS

Im currently building rifles on 4 of them, 20 minites of polishing and youve got an outstanding platform for a 308 or 57mm based case. You can also simply bead blast the action and have a good platform for a tactical 308 type rifle. Im making three 260 rem's and a 7X57. For that purpose I prefer them to a standard length action. They are a much better base for a light carbine.

I dont understand the "parts" problem. Aftermarket triggers, scope mounts and low scope safteys for a 98 work fine as they are simply a short 98. The only thing Ive not been able to find for them is hinged bottom metal, so I just use the milled parts from a 48 and dress it up a bit, which is what I do with most of my standard actions anyway. Actually I take that back, Ive got a hinged bottom metal from a Spanish '93 and it fits the M-48 like a glove. I think Ill use it for the 7X57. Semi inletted m-48 stock blanks are easy to find as well.

I have a couple of M48's, M48a's and one pre war M24. The prewar rifle is all matching original finish. And I must say, shows excellent worksmanship.

The bolts of a M48 will not interchange with a 98K. Different length and different bolt face. Olsen's book of the Mauser describes this.

I expect that all these Mausers were made of casehardened plain carbon steels. Which is just fine for a military action. One would have to ask, why use expensive alloy steels if the basic design is safe and durable with cheaper carbon steels?

The worksmanship of the post war guns is not as precise but they still go bang.

My experience in making a really good target rifle with a surplus Mauser action is, only do it if you want something different. The end cost is close to starting with used commerical action. And the resale value is less.