Just picked up a VZ23/24? At an auction, semi sporterized rifle in really nice shape. Not dilled/tapped but had the stock shortened just beyond the first barrel band, still has upper guard. Front sight was turned/filed off and a ramped front installed. Looks like original crown on a very decent bore. Action, bottom metal, buttplate and stock have matching numbers and the bolt and bolt stop mis-matched. The barrel looks like an arsenal replacement with a nazi proof on top just ahead of the action.

I was thinking of a nice custom in 9.3x62. Would this rifle action be a suitable option? Any input on it? I would do about all the work other than likely sending the bolt out to weld on a classic styled handle. Action has the arched CS …Zabrody on the top ring with a straight BRNO stamp below. Really a very clean action.

Any issues with this action used for this project?

Thanks for any input,

The "really nice" ones deserve professional work

As you deacribe it, you have a fine action. These are among the best

For the 9.3 x 62s that I have built, I source 3.4" commercial bottom metal or Sunny Hill. Seems to me that round 'likes' a little extra room in mag length. Otherwise, a good action. Brno made some good ones.

quote:

Originally posted by Kolo-Pan:
The "really nice" ones deserve professional work

While not at Duane’s level, I do okay. Plan is a matching set w/ a 416 Rigby I just chambered and fit to a CZ 550 Rigby action. Two unturned LW blanks, I’ll turn an integral recoil lug and integral banded swivel. Also have quite a bit of Turkish and 4 similar dense blanks from Roger Vardy to choose from.

Feeling decent about the $230 gavel price on it at least.

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):
As you deacribe it, you have a fine action. These are among the best

Thank you for the input Duane, I have read that these actions rarely (never?) exhibit setback and were made well. Did a lot of research since I picked it up last week, all I knew at the time was it was a VZ something from BRNO.

Last question…if planning a custom 9.3x62…. Would you use a BRNO VZ23 action or a Pre-64 action you have with a shot out bbl. Which one and why. Featherweight bottom metal on the 70 and will need a long mag box and follower.

As much as I prefer pre-64 Model 70s (with 5 of them), the 98 Mauser actions have at least one major advantage that Winchester should have included.
Frank De Haas pointed it out:
the safety shroud that can deflect gas and/or minute brass particles coming down the left raceway-should a
cartridge let go under pressure. Something to reflect on.
My custom Mauser in 30-06 Ackley Imp gets a workout in fire-formed brass and use of heavy bullets like 225 Barnes or 220 gr Nosler partitions used to approximate .318 Westley Richards or 300 H&H ballistic advantages.

That shroud is comforting to a degree.

The drawback De Haas mention is something to consider. The reason Pete Grisel re designed the bolt stop on the Dakota action was to handle escaping gas, because his father suffered injury from that very cause.

If your VZ24 has a crown crest on it, it is Romanian, actually fairly rare. Crown is for King Carol; not sure why he has a girl's name. The VZ24 is one of the best military actions ever made; being uniformly good quality, whereas the German ones vary. Polish are all excellent too.
Can't compare a military 98 to a Model 70; apples to tomatoes.
Cost difference is dramatic.
Putting a 9.3 on a good 98 is basic no drama work.

The pre-64 M 70 is one of the best rifles and actions ever made. The safety was so good that many Mauser actions or close copies in custom rifles utilize that 3-position style safety. Custom rifles and the Dakota
versions improved the basic Model 70 and fixed the glaring faults like the safety/bolt shroud.
The pre-64 M 70 was and is a modified Mauser action to include the controlled cartridge feed feature-very desirable in any dangerous game rifle.
It did take Winchester some time to develop and field a left-handed version. So you can make some comparisons between custom Mauser rifles and the pre-64 Model 70. Both are popular for further work on custom built hunting rifles. For an in-depth comparison, see Bolt Action Rifles by Frank De Haas.

Tom,
No lion crest, pretty sure this is a VZ23? Made in 23 anyway. The front ring has arched text CS ZAVODI NA above VYROBU ZBRANI. Below that BRNO in straight text.

I thought I read it had a crown crest. Probably dreaming.
Anyway, it is a great action; any Czech one is and it will be perfect for anything you choose to build on it.
Now, comparing a Model 70 to a 98 is actually more of a contrast in design; If you study the history of each, you will see that the 70 was derived from the 03 Springfield, which was itself, copied from the 93 Mauser; not the 98.
The lack of the internal ring, cone breech, slotted barrel, no safety lug (yes the bolt handle is the safety lug on the 70; will show you that they are not very similar at all. If the pre 64 was the best action, then the Post 64 eclipses it by a mile; forged receiver (pre 64s are not forged), true magnum length, flat breech (later changed back to cone; a mistake). The only true unique feature of the 70 is the safety; all my Mausers have one. And the 70 trigger design is genius. All these facts piss off those who worship the pre 64 Model 70.
Otherwise, the 70 is just a copy of less advanced and less sophisticated designs.
I will save discussion of the myth and fallacy of CRF for another time. But for now, training is the key to rifle operation.
Yes, I have that book memorized.

Well I have an original Blackburn bottom metal unit on the way for this, and I have three partial Mauser builds a friend gave me that all have two position side safety cocking shrouds installed already…may just do a swap for that bit. Will need to weld on a classic bolt knob handle and then the barrel fitting and contouring (LW unturned 9.3 blank. Will be a good winter project I’m thinking.