I really did not know where to post this, so I picked here.

I have been wanting (notice I didn't say need) an older mauser actioned rifle. Is there a book or reference I can buy and read that will tell me which ones are the "good" ones. I have Kuhnhansen's manuel, but that is mostly military. Bolt Action Rifles - 3rd. edition?? Mauser Bolt Actions??

Also, any recommendations outright?? Prices I can expect to pay??

I have seen a 98 sporter with nazi markings and 4x unertl scope for less than $500....

A JC higgins model 50, pretty good metal, crappy lookig stock with a steel tubed weaver 2 1/2 for $795.....

A NIB Whitworth Barreled action in .25-06 with the adjustable trigger - $350

I want a solid, reliable, CRF rifle.....

Thanks for any help.

SC

Kuhnhausen's "The Mauser Bolt Actions, A Shop Manual" is what I have and I believe that you will find the information you are looking for. I picked my up at Midway USA.

Of course, you can just to www.gunbroker.com and buy a 1909 Argentine Mauser. Your search will be over.

quote:

I want a solid, reliable, CRF rifle.....

Be patient and wait for Midway to have the Zastavas in stock. Or you can look for a used Interarms or other post war commercial Mauser...

Mausers were used by Browning, J C Higgens, Harrington and Richardson, Herters, and many other companies. Zastava imported new actions and rifles under the name Interarms, Charles Daly, and Remington.....some were a bit rough but quite workable. Prices for complete rifles run $250 to $500.....dpending on many things.

Personally, I believe one is money ahead to start with a commercial Mauser than resurrect a Milsurp.

Among the best of the Milsurps is the VZ-24. K-98 German Mausers are hard to find anymore for a reasonable price. IMO WWII Mausers are preferable as the WWI variety might be a bit soft and setback of lugs may result.

With the post war commercial Mausers you get the trigger adjustable (usually) a hinged floorplate (often times) drilled and tapped for scope, safety that works with a scope and a bolt handle altered for scope. All things you'd have to do to a Milsurp!

Warning.....none of them are cheap!!!....but the commercials are thriftier.

If one really wants a CRF, the best way is to order a new Winchester from the Carolinas.... Out the door prices will run about $650 and you'll never put a Mauser together that cheap!

quote:

I want a solid, reliable, CRF rifle.....

here it is!!!!!

Vapodog,I am with you on the Zastavas. But if you're waiting like me, you feel the disappointment everytime the "available date" is extended yet another 30 days. My goal is to buy the first type A that comes in the door at Midway!

The older MK Xs are pretty nice for the money, I've got a couple of them. While we're on the subject, a buddy of mine has a nice MK-X Mini Mauser in 7.62x39 that he's looking to sell. If anyone might be interested, PM me for more info.

The older Husqvarna sporters built on FN 98 actions are about the best deal in ready-to-go Mauser sporters on the planet. Try Allan's Armory for a sample.

Damn it, tigertate....stop letting out the secret!

I agree on the commercial being easier and money ahead. I would think if I could find a milsurp that was already converted I would also be money ahead. As in the german 98 sporter (still in 8mm mauser)I referenced above.

I am kind of enamoured (sp?) with the mauser rifle for some reason. I have had several Mark X's and ended up trading them for more modern guns. I always seem to regret it and want another one.

I just want a good way to know if the one I am looking at is a "good" one. If I stay with the Higgens, husky, sears, mark x(?), I think I will be good to go. I just want to know my options better in case I see a hidden gem.

SC

quote:

I just want a good way to know if the one I am looking at is a "good" one.

Order Ludwig Olsen's book from Brownells

quote:

I just want a good way to know if the one I am looking at is a "good" one. If I stay with the Higgens, husky, sears, mark x(?), I think I will be good to go. I just want to know my options better in case I see a hidden gem.

Find an old "C" ring FN action would be my first choice. I've built many a rifle on the MKX, Daly action. I really HATE the cross pin floorplate release. So I hunt for the early modle MKX I when I've use the Daly I've built them with a blind box.

What cartridge are you thinking for the rifle?

Rich

Well, actually pretty simple cartridge choices in my mind......25-06, .270, .30-06, or 7mm mauser. I would have to say the .30-06 is top of the list. It would make it a "universal" rifle.

My main hunting is deer, varmints, and elk. I plan on at least a bear hunt in the future as well - blackies. All of those will handle it if I do my part.

I do too much reading though. I read a post or two extolling the virtues of a rifle made by Penrod,Echols, etc...reliable, accurate, no compromises etc. I know those guys use M-70's a bunch. A mauser would seem even more robust to me. Plus, I think they are uber cool.

SC

Here's one of the "good" ones that I'll sell. It's FN Mauser, from a Sears or Higgens rifle - I don't know the difference. The bases are Talley, which are the only ones I could find that fit the hole spacing.

I'll sell it with or without the bottom metal. I think I have a Blackburn trigger, but I'll have to look to be sure if you are interested.

With original bottom metal - $275 includes bases
Without bottom metal, subtract $60
Add $125 for Blackburn trigger

This will solve your search for the "right" Mauser action for the cartridges mentioned.









KB

Stonecold,
You should buy Speed's book on the original Mauser sporters.
The rifles you are mentioning at the lower end of the pricing spectrum are probably going to be a mixed bag as far as finish and smoothness of function.
I have also been severely bitten by the Mauser '98 bug. IMO, if you are able to step up what you are willing to spend, you should be able to find a decent Oberndorf sporter for not much more than it would cost you to buy a good military action (such as an Argentine 1909) a decent barrel and a good stock job. Heck maybe the original sporter may cost even less.
The best part is that you will have an original rifle which is and always will be in high demand.
Alternatively, you could buy an early 20th century Mauser sporter from any of the well known continental makers which are genuine classics. Generally, these can be had for less than the Oberndorf sporters and are mostly of very high quality. There are many on offer between $1-2K.

quote:

Originally posted by Kabluewy:
Here's one of the "good" ones that I'll sell. It's FN Mauser, from a Sears or Higgens rifle - I don't know the difference. The bases are Talley, which are the only ones I could find that fit the hole spacing.

I'll sell it with or without the bottom metal. I think I have a Blackburn trigger, but I'll have to look to be sure if you are interested.

With original bottom metal - $275 includes bases
Without bottom metal, subtract $60
Add $125 for Blackburn trigger

This will solve your search for the "right" Mauser action for the cartridges mentioned.









KB

That's a smoking deal on a real FN action with .30-06 length bottom metal.

Something like that still needs to go to an FFL holder right??

SC

quote:

Originally posted by StoneCold:
Something like that still needs to go to an FFL holder right??

SC

right.....unless it's over 50 years old and then it can be shipped to a C & R holder.

Maybe someone can confirm the C & R thing!

quote:

Originally posted by z1r:

That's a smoking deal on a real FN action with .30-06 length bottom metal.[/QUOTE]

That's a SUPER smokin' deal!!!

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

Originally posted by StoneCold:
Something like that still needs to go to an FFL holder right??

SC

right.....unless it's over 50 years old and then it can be shipped to a C & R holder.

Maybe someone can confirm the C & R thing!

Must be in original configuration for C&R.

quote:

Must be in original configuration for C&R.

thank you!

I don't think that bottom metal is off a JC Higgins

1. No pin hole to mount the trigger in the rear tang of the bottom metal
2. The trigger bow hasn't been thinned or tapered.
3. The magazine box appears to be too short.

For you young'uns, "JC Higgins" was Sear's premium line while "Sears" was their standard grade. The action may be the same but the fit and finish wasn't a nice. Kinda like a BDL and an ADL.

quote:

Originally posted by Mauser98:

I don't think that bottom metal is off a JC Higgins

1. No pin hole to mount the trigger in the rear tang of the bottom metal
2. The trigger bow hasn't been thinned or tapered.
3. The magazine box appears to be too short.

1. Mounting the trigger on a pin through the bottom metal was a piss poor way. No one in his right mind would seriously consider using the original trigger set-up, especially on a custom rifle, when there are such great replacment adjustable and reliable trigger assemblies on the market nowadays.

2. Some were thinned and tapered and some not. I have more than one of each. This way you get to shape it like you want.

3. The magazine box is not too short. It fits perfectly, since it's original FN commercial bottom metal. Now that I think about it, as I recall I bought the receiver with bolt, and it came without bottom metal, so I added another FN commercial original, without the useless pin hole, to complete the action - less trigger. It was offered for sale with or without the bottom metal - buyer's choice.

However, it is now listed on Gunbroker.

KB

Kabluewy,
I'll take the FN action without the bottom metal for $215 unless StoneCold is ready to commit.

Send me a PM one way or the other.

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
Kabluewy,
I'll take the FN action without the bottom metal for $215 unless StoneCold is ready to commit.

Send me a PM one way or the other.

As I said, I already listed it on Gunbroker, and have bids. So, it's no longer available on AR. I have had far better luck at buying things off AR, than selling stuff. So I have little patience in waiting. I offer, and if it's not jumped on, I move on.
The auction has not yet closed.
KB

Kabluewy, sorry for the delay on my part. Not trying to offend you. You caught me a bit "flat footed" as they say. Being in the "research" mode and being offered a great action. I needed to find out if it was good, and come up with cash money. Obviously too s l o w....

Thanks for the offer still.

SC