Gentlemen, a few of us here in the U.K. are looking for a source of good left hand controlled round feed actions. Ideally a left handed Mauser 98 reproduction. In the U.K. and Europe we have Mayfair, Prechtl and ZHM? - but they are working just with very top end brands where you are looking at £25k plus for a magazine rifle. Mayfair do a left hand version.

CZ do a few left hand rifles, but seems that they have now stopped.

So we are looking at US producers. I have found Granite Mountain Arms - what are they like?

And whilst not a true Mauser you have the Montana 1999 action - although the company seems to have had a chequered history. Who else builds a left handed Mauser type action - or indeed a good right handed action that is affordable to mere mortals. Ie you can put together a good rifle for not ridiculous money - ie good action, lothar Walther barrel and off the shelf stock.

I would take a hard look at Zastava. They make a LH Mauser action. Their factory rifles are a little crude but the two I have are very accurate.

I also have a custom rifle built on a LH Mauser Zastava action I bought off a member here and it’s a great rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by 470Evans:
I would take a hard look at Zastava. They make a LH Mauser action. Their factory rifles are a little crude but the two I have are very accurate.

I also have a custom rifle built on a LH Mauser Zastava action I bought off a member here and it’s a great rifle.

How well does the Zastava clean up. Is there underlying quality there that allows proper finishing? And how do they compare to other Mausers out there.

I have a left handed Zastava Mauser and have no complaints with the metal fit or finish but the wood is another matter. The stock was shaped with an axe or hoe, the finish was applied with a dirty rag and the checkering was done by foot instead of by hand.

I bought a 458 Win mag but the factory barrels are all the same contour (.660" at the muzzle) so it was way too muzzle light. I had it re-barreled with a heavier contour (.750" at the muzzle) and I'm much happier now.

It has some differences from a standard Mauser, the safety most noticeably but feeding and function were great.

This is what it looked like from the factory:




Here it is with the heavier barrel that John Farner (TooManyTools, here on AR) put on it as well as cleaning up the stock. Since this phoit was taken, I've cut off the roll over on the comb as it was too high to use the iron sights and that reduced the felt recoil to the faced considerably.

I am currently working on a LH Zasrtava actioned complete custom. I had to do a bit of work to it. had to remove all of the stamping on the left side of the receiver, put a Timney on it, added a three position safety, new bolt handle and Fisher round bottom metal, new barrel of course. The most difficult pat of this operation was obtaining a LH stock pattern. Almost impossible to find. I found a Boyds that was set up for a LH shooter, Right hand action but cheekpiece on the correct side for a lefty. After many hours of manual labor, I was able to capture the correct image and had it sent out for copy. I could have done the stock from the blank, but... After all the work I had to put into it, it probably would have taken less time to do that. It is all inletted and shaped waiting for finish and blueing. Pictures maybe when it is done.

The current Zastava M70 is the same as the Interarms Mark X or Whitworth.

Good actions. Most are a bit over polished and have dished screw holes, and rounding of corners. That can be fixed on most.

I wouldn't discount the Montana 1999. They need polishing and smoothing, but are a good action with a great trigger.

Granite Mountain is intended for gunsmiths. They are blank slates with no feed work done, and flat square bridges. They are also $2000 plus greenbacks.

For a non-CRF option, maybe Defiance Machine's Rebel, or import factory Remington actions.

Jeremy

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
I am currently working on a LH Zasrtava actioned complete custom. I had to do a bit of work to it. had to remove all of the stamping on the left side of the receiver, put a Timney on it, added a three position safety, new bolt handle and Fisher round bottom metal, new barrel of course. The most difficult pat of this operation was obtaining a LH stock pattern. Almost impossible to find. I found a Boyds that was set up for a LH shooter, Right hand action but cheekpiece on the correct side for a lefty. After many hours of manual labor, I was able to capture the correct image and had it sent out for copy. I could have done the stock from the blank, but... After all the work I had to put into it, it probably would have taken less time to do that. It is all inletted and shaped waiting for finish and blueing. Pictures maybe when it is done.

Please do post pics!

I have two of the left handed Zastava Mausers. One in 375 H&H, and one in 30-06. The wood IS a bit rough, but the metal is excellent. Both rifles feed and function flawlessly, and both are sub MOA absolutely out of the box with factory ammo. Both triggers adjusted to a crisp, no creep two pounds, and I saw no need to change them. I am more than satisfied with both rifles and can recommend them without reservation as a platform for a build, or as a first rate working rifle as is.

Just to clarify my post, I'm really happy with the metal fit and finish of my Zastava. My metal is actually very well done and I don't notice any over polishing,

Like Sharpsguy, the feeding and functioning has been excellent with the 300 and 405 grain bullets that I have tried and my trigger is probably about 3.5 lbs with no noticeable creep. I've only shot it at 50 yards so far but with the 405 grainers it will figure eight the first two bullets.

I have had several rifles built on Zastava M70 actions and have been very happy with the results. I initially made up a 9.3x64 and a 300WM. A little later I also made up a 416Rem. They all needed a bit of work to get the look and function I wanted. But after the actions have had trigger jobs, new bolt handles and smoothing up the bolts & raceways, the end result is want I wanted out of the rifles when I started the projects. The only Zastava components used on these builds was the action, bottom metal and mag box and the trigger. Everything else is custom add-ons. I dont have any pictures of the 9.3, but the below photos show the 300 and the 416:


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quote:

Originally posted by farbedo:

For a non-CRF option, maybe Defiance Machine's Rebel, or import factory Remington actions.

Defiance does make a CRF version of their actions. Same long claw like on the M70 or M98.

Take as an example the Zastava Mr. Kobe is working up. Everything except the Receiver, bolt body, cocking piece and firing pin has been replaced.
Assuming the action will have custom bases as well puts it in around the $2,400 price range for the action.
Polish and stone it internally and externally, some feeding refinement will also be required.
Then comes the subject of the rear guard screw hole. Will it be blind, so there's another added expense.
When considering all that must be done to the Zastava to make it a truly fine action I think you will use
Close to $3,000. The GMA is $3,200 or there about. I don't think John has an up charge on LH actions.

I've recently taken in 2 GMA right hand actions that are darn close to feeding as shipped. Labor on getting these two feeding will be minimal. Maybe 3 hours each. Both safeties work.

All in full custom Zastava vs GMA it's nearly a wash, if your time is worth anything at all, I'd go GMA....better rifle in the end as well.

I've worked with 1/2 dozen defiance actions all good. Two where CRF, nice actions very little input needed in the feeding or any department for matter, just barrel and stock it....no drama kind of action. Boring in fact. 1 wood gun the rest tactical style.

Take a Lh defiance and do to it what DW did to that little Sako, set up with custom bases badger steel bottom meatal. Nice wood. That could get real nice but again running that price up too, like an old friend always says. "You get what you pay for".

The OP mentioned looking for an affordable option for a LH Mauser.

Affordable means different things to different people but the Zastava would meet most people’s definition of an affordable option.

quote:

Originally posted by Sevens:

quote:

Originally posted by farbedo:

For a non-CRF option, maybe Defiance Machine's Rebel, or import factory Remington actions.

Defiance does make a CRF version of their actions. Same long claw like on the M70 or M98.

Good point. I forgot about those. You don't see them very often. Thanks for the reminder.

Jeremy

Also, the OP is in the UK. If he imports an action like a GMA, that will pretty much double the cost to him over what it would cost a US resident. So it does impact on the cost considerations in any comparison.

I live in Australia and probably have a max of AUD$2000 each in my Zastava actions. I would have a lot more in a GMA action if I went that route. For ME, the cost and time considerations made the Zastava a clear winner over a custom action, though there is a lot of personal choice in that decision and the answer would not be the same for everyone.

I should also add that if I was going for a build using a larger or more finicky case, eg a 416 Rigby or a 500 Jeffery, I would definitely go the custom action route.

Don't forget the Ruger 77. CRF, non rotating claw, 3pos. Safety. Left hand no problem, affordable too.
Seems like there's a guy doing a stock reshape package, attractive as I recall. Probably still in the
Affordable range.

I have built some semi custom stuff on ruger actions. 30/06 with ahr and 300 win mag with a McMillan stock (after I broken the original wood stock)

It’s not 100 Mauser but it is crf, has a great safety, build like a tank, good barrel and trigger. Ruger stopped building most models but still can get some (375 ruger)

Cz stopped making the magnum left hand action.

Some good left hand stuff I have seen has been sako at beretta gallery in London - again not Mauser crf.

Mike

Thanks Gentlemen. Points taken the the Zastava's, but are there any others who produce a left handed CRF action other than the GMA.

What are the Montana M1999's like?

If you can order from a wholesaler in a group buy, you will be ahead.

Ruger is the best priced.

Montana next.

Mausingfield about $1,600 for action retail.

Richardson and Roberts, you are getting into the custom prices.

Dakota Arms

Granite Mt. Arms. They are in a league of their own. Similar to the Europeans you have mentioned.

Lastly, zastavas m70. I own a couple and color cased them, added a Gentry safety, talley Oberndorf handle. Totally redone the stock with new checkering. Ended up spending 4 times what the original cost was. Not including years of wait from certain gunsmith’s.
I must have ran the bolt 10,000 times to smooth it out. Not including the original valve grinding compound. I finally have one where I want it. The other maybe 70%.
Would I do it again, no way. I had a Dakota 76 and is a much better put together action. As with a Win. Custom Shop gun, very limited.

Personally, this is what I would do. Have your dealer conduct a larger order buy for only the action. No bottom metal, no barrel and no stock. Order the 808 Mauser action which has a side safety and straight Oberndorf handle. You are miles ahead with no parts to get rid of, especially knowing you are paying for parts you don’t want. All parts needed as in barrel, bottom metal and stock can be put together to your liking and budget constraints.

Best of luck to you.

Just to clarify, the 808 is made by Zastava.
All their actions are similar to Winchester. One size fits all. Make sure to order some with the larger ejection port to handle the universal .375H&H size cartridges and it’s ilk. Granted larger bolt face also.

dpcd has added his first ever Duke of Marlborough pattern barrel to mine chambered of course in 7x57. He is using 1909 Argie BM and a Gentry safety. He will make the front sight and the sling swivel and the rear sight will be NECG. A new bolt handle and it will be complete leaving only the stock to work out.

The actions are fine. Commercial FN machinery cut them so what's not to like? A little work and voila! left hand Mauser pattern action.

My barrel is 25" long and the chamber is cut for 175 grain bullets. I have recently acquired 500 rn 175 Hornadys and will figure a load to about 2400 fps and shall sally forth to slay fauna in the forest. Haven't figured the scope base situation yet but will run a low power variable with a 20mm tube and keep it trim.

can you put up a progress pic dpcd?

I vote Montana 1999. Mauser breach, model 70 win footprint. I would have an old department store FN-98 before a current production Zastava. The old Mark X’s seemed much nicer.

Once someone like dpcd makes sure the machine operates flawlessly and is ruby smooth do you think you could tell the difference between the Zastava and your old department store FN-98?

The best Mauser 98 actions made in the USA are made by Granite Mountain Arms ( Granite Mountain Arms) of Phoenix, Arizona. They made a very fine Mauser 98 type action in left or right hand models in 4 sizes. They also make G33/40 clones in RH or LH.

I am having a .404 Jeffery build by Reto Beuhler on their Magnum length double square bridge action, but small ring and with the G33/40 treatment. These are the best available anywhere in my opinion. Cost is $3000 USD. They are complete actions and heat treated, but will require barreling and final polish.

Other choices are Dakota Arms (CRF and similar to the pre-64 Model 70, the new Winchester (CRF) model 70's, and Montana as mentioned. These actions are not Mauser 98 clones, but are similar in form and funtion. Details (Bolt stop and release, safety position and type, etc. may vary. There may be more companies, but this provides a range of options at various prices. Among the very top rifle builders, the Granite Mountain actions are considered the best.

quote:

What are the Montana M1999's like?

They are good guns for the money. My issue is that, apparently to reduce costs, they use a cast action body. If I am going to spend $10,000 or more on a custom rifle, I would like the best there is... not all that much price difference.

quote:

Originally posted by Heym SR20:
...
What are the Montana M1999's like?
...

I have owned two LH MRC rifles and one MRC LH action. Both complete rifles were purchased as part of group buys on a different forum. Both complete MRC rifles were hands down the slickest factory actions I have ever owned. The raw action was an earlier action (circa 2003 ?) that was a bit rough. Nothing that a competent gunsmith could not clean up and smooth out. But, not nearly as smooth as the two completed rifles.

Previously MRC has had a few QC and CS issues. Supposedly they are under new ownership as of mid-to-late 2018. Many left handers on this side holding our breath to see if the new folks at MRC are able to sort out the issues.

The only concern I would have with an MRC action would be weight, if I were trying to have a "light weight" rifle built. Even though they are +/- Win M70 clones, in stock form with stock bottom metal, a LH SA MRC 1999 action and BM is approx 5 to 6 ounces heavier than LH SA Win M70 or Carl Gustav HVA 1900. And 8+ ounces heavier than an SA Rem 700 action.

All in all, good actions for my small sample of 3. Sorry for long winded response.

My concern with Montana was customer service. While waiting on my receiver I called them for tenon dimensions. They told me they wouldn't share that with me, WTF!