Was strolling through a shop today, just browsing as usual, not expecting to see anything interesting in the used gun rack.

Ran across this and got interested, but need input. I'm thinking it is a sporterized milsurp.

7X57
Stamped on receiver (as best I could read it):
CLCKLSLOVENSKA/ZBROJOVKA,A,S, BRNO
VZ.24

Barrel has "C.R. Pedersen & Son" stamped on it.

Does the name C.R. Pedersen mean anything to anyone?

The stock is a very nice piece of rich, thick-grained walnut with a slight cheekpiece, with only a couple little love dents on it. I'd rate the blueing as 90%. Crown looks good, but I didn't have my bore light with me. Might go back this afternoon.

What is this rifle exactly, and what would it be worth? I've read of BRNOs before, but the VZ24 usually means a military rifles, correct?

The VZ24 is a Czech M98 Mauser. From your description I'd agree that it was sporterized as some point and rebarreled to 7x57. Very sweet, If it looks as good as you've described I'd buy it.

They are asking $449 for it, and I think I can get them down a bit. The wood is really quite nice.

Good deal?

cr peterson an old gunsmith who has been dead for several years. top flight machinist & target shooter, charlie did lots of work for other target shooters

You could always see if anyone might have any info on it here: C R Pedersen & Son (231)843-2061 2717 S Pere Marquette Hwy, Ludington, MI 49431

Seems like the shop might still be in business. Might be fun to research if you do decide to purchase the rifle.

Bob, if it catches your eye then but it. I was at pawn shop a few days and found a mauser also, beautiful gun for the price. I wanted it so bad but I wasn't gonna get it. Guess what my wife talked me into it. So go ahead and get it if you like it, otherwise you'll lose out.

Went back with my bore light this afternoon...barrel is pristine. Did the cleaning rod check and the twist is 1-9, so it should be fine with heavier bullets.

Got them down a bit in price and I'll pick it up tomorrow.

Thanks for the info, guys!

fwiw. i bought a surplus vz-24 in 7x57 about fifty years ago.i sporterized(butchered) it and put a 4x weaver on it. had a stepped barrel as i recall. sold it to pay for a prom date.married the date and now they are both down the road. wish i still had the vz-24.

quote:

Barrel has "C.R. Pedersen & Son" stamped on it.

Pederson was an excellant gunsmith. He had a side line of importing some excellant Mauser sporters of differing styles for a short time in the 60s. Doubt it has any collector value but it should be a fine hunting rifle, same price range of other good grade commercial 98 sporters..

quote:

Originally posted by poppycarroll:
fwiw. i bought a surplus vz-24 in 7x57 about fifty years ago.i sporterized(butchered) it and put a 4x weaver on it. had a stepped barrel as i recall. sold it to pay for a prom date.married the date and now they are both down the road. wish i still had the vz-24.

Talk about a life lesson! Thanks for sharing.

quote:

Originally posted by Borealis Bob:
Went back with my bore light this afternoon...barrel is pristine. Did the cleaning rod check and the twist is 1-9, so it should be fine with heavier bullets.

Got them down a bit in price and I'll pick it up tomorrow.Thanks for the info, guys!

A nice find! You will like the 7X57mm round too.