another good action which is pretty much the same as the vz 24 is the 98/22. In many cases especially lately these are in better shape than the vz 24's. I also think that in many cases they haven't been messed with as much as alot of vz 24's

the secondary torque shoulder on the vz24 has 1 slot cut in it for the claw extractor as opposed to the fn having 2 , with the barrel removed from the action this is clearly visable it is thought that this was for production purposes.

The general assumption is that Mausers made by the big four (Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Belgium)** are stronger if they were made in the 1920's and 1930's, than their brethren that were made prior to that. The later models take advantage of alloy steel metallurgy, whereas the earlier models relied on casehardening. (Both versions are strong enough for standard purposes, they just achieve it differently).

The VZ-24 and the Columbian FN both fall into the alloy steel category.

I do not believe that FN made military 98's with the dual extractor cuts. That practice was started during the post-world war II years, with commercial actions.

** Many countries originally ordered contract mausers from these four, then began to produce subsequent mausers in their own factories. I would recommend researching the metallurgy of 98's forged in 3rd world countries, prior to spending funds on a such an action.

Thanks guys, I think I will go with the VZ24 as it is 1936/37 vintage and has the single extractor slot. The 9.3x62 is 100years old next year ?
I have probably left my run too late but hope to have the gun for next winters hunting. Will celebrate the centenary with a classic calibre on a classic action. Ok dont give me hard time about being a wanker

cheers'n'beers

Cliff

M98,

All the 'smiths I have dealt with far prefer building a Mauser in the 300H&H/375H&H class Magnum cartridge on these actions than any other. To build these you have to open up the back and the front of the action.

I have a spare VZ in the safe that will become a 404 Jeffrey, and a Colombian that will become a 25-06, one day.

I'm told a 416 Rigby is possible on these actions but the surgery must be pretty radical.

I had a 300H&H buit on a 1908 Brazilian and the lugs set back after 200 rounds. I changed the action to a VZ and no problems thus far. My 375 is built on a Colombian and while I don't run it full throttle it has given me sterling service for the past 5 years.

Cheers

pete