I got my hands on a couple of Empire Rifles 98s actions today. The actions where in the white. They reminded me of the first time I picked up a Freedom Arms revolver after only having shot Rugers and S&W's. Opening and closing the action felt like operating a vault door at the bank. I asked Bill Wiseman (I was at his shop for a rebarrel job) his opinion of the 98s actions and he said he thought they would eventually replace Granite Mountain as the premier mauser action. He said they were better built and that they don't need near as much work to finnish them.

Empire uses Granite Mt. actions on the full length magnums, their standard length actions look like those imported by Legacy Sports International (http://www.legacysports.com).

Empire has desigened and started producing their own actions. The action from Legacy Sports was being sold as a 98K (now available only as an option). Empire's new action is billed a 98L or a 98S. They are both completely new actions (the 98s has more "mauser" features). It is currently available in 3.3 and 3.6" length actions. (I believe he is working on getting a short action into production now.) George does not have any photos of his new action on his web page yet (he's working on it), but he does have detailed info. on the actions listed. The new edition of Sports Afield has an ad featuring his 98s action. They are very nice!

And yes, Empire still offers the Granite Mountain action.

I forgot to mention, the 98s is 1/2lb lighter than the 98k he was using.

What are the prices of these new Empire 98 actions.
When you say the 98s has more mauser features, how does it differ from a original 98,and how does the 98i differ from an original 98?
I would also like to know where they shave 1/2 lb off a 98.

http://www.empirerifles.com/Empire%2098%20Actions.htm

http://www.empirerifles.com/Legacy%20Pattern.htm

http://www.empirerifles.com/Standard%20Rifle.htm

From what I understand the biggest differnce between the 98L and the 98S is the 3rd locking lug on the S. They are machined to where all three lugs cam. If I remember what George explained to me correctly, the S also has feed rails that are integral to the action whereas the L does not.

As to how they differ from the original mausers...I'm not the best person to answer that. I know the S is an H ring and not a C ring, and that it has a three position saftey. They are all double square bridge, where I belive most of the original mausers had round receivers.

He has his prices listed on his web page.

As to the 1/2lb, that is compared to the Legacy Sports 98k mauser action, not an "original" mauser. The standard length 98 action that I have from Granite Mountain almost weighs 4lbs for just the action! Different actions, different weights.

According to Empire's web page the 98L weighs 2lbs 7oz to 2lbs 12oz. The 98S he has listed at 2lbs 12 oz. I don't know what an orginal 98 mauser weighs...but I'm sure someone here does.

Gentlemen:

The Empire actions, 98L and 98S, are CNC and EDM machined form solid stock. Chrome-Moly or Stainless, Left-and Right-Hand.
The 98L replaces the 98K in the Legacy and Liberty (lightweight) rifles. The 98K is indeed the LSI action made for Dumoulin by Global Trading in Italy, on which we replace almost every component, and which, with several hours of hand work, makes an outstanding rifle. The 98K remains available as a $300 option.
The 98S is the result of seeking to replace the K with an action which is a thoroughbred Mauser made to the twin hunting requirements of reliability and accuracy. Many more details on our web site. The S is available for any SAAMI 3.3" or 3.6" cartridges --note that Federal laods the .416 Rigby to a COL of 3.6". . . I assume in deference to Ruger.
The 98L is essentially the same action as the S, same bolt, but has a different trigger group, lacks the third rear locking lug, and has two piece bottom metal. You cannot tell the delta between the two from outside the rifle, the 98S is a "pure" H-ring Mauser. The L is available for cartridges from the .308 family (3.0") to the 375 H&H 3.6" class.
The GMA action is outstanding. A purists C-ring Magnum Mauser. I think we are their largest customer, in good company with Westley Richards and Purdey.
Would be glad to discuss any details by phone or mail, please get hold of me anytime. --George Sandmann, Empire Rifles 603.469.3152 http://www.empirerifles.com

George, I visited your website the other day, and I'm really impressed with what you're doing. In fact, I'm amazed, and I wish you every success.

One question: Who makes your synthetic-stock? I'd love to have a 416 Rigby with a 'glass stock, strong and usable open-sights, and detachable scopemounts.

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George

I've talke to you before on the phone about one of your rifles. Do you have any customers in the Kansas City area who would have one I could look at? Possibly as well I could look at one in the Dallas area as I'm there often.

JS you have a PM.