Guys I would really appreciate some input on my next project rifle. I want to build a moderate priced DGR on a true Mauser to shoot for a while to sort out what I want in a Cape Buffalo rifle before I order a high end custom. Here's where I am now:

1) Mauser military action converted to some .40ish caliber. Modest power cartridge, maybe capable of 400grs. at 2200fps. Nothing too exotic or powerful, I am a bit recoil sensitive.

2) Barrel sights in the classic safari style, shallow V-rear, bead front with a flip up night sight in front. Action is NOT to be drilled and tapped for a scope. This is an iron sight only rifle.

3) Metal finish is not important.

4) I might stock it myself, maybe even a glass stock. Cheap and utilitarian to sort out what I'll need as far as dimensions, weight and balance. Total weight should be minimal that is advisable for a DGR in a modest .40 caliber.

What I need is a short tutorial on Mausers. What should I build this one on? Where is the easiest place to buy a suitable action? Who would be best to use for this project that does good work and is not too back logged?

Can I get something like this done in the $1500 range?

Thanks in advance,

Josh

I would think that a 416 Taylor might fit the bill. Short enough to be easily made to work in a standard length Mauser. Uses easily available .416 bullets, brass can be formed easily out of 338 Win brass, dies are fairly cheap, and it can be loaded to the level you are seeking.
NECG sights, look at Brownells or the NECG website for pics, and many companies make semi-inletted wood stocks as well as composite stocks for the rifles.
I like your choice of action and open sights. Good luck with the project and be sure to post pics of the progress on the rifle.
If you wanted to go a little more exotic, you might do a search on this forum for 416 AR....nice cartridge, but I think a bit more involved.

Josh
Good custom gun work is not cheap.

Your thoughts on a .40 cal rifle with 400 gr bullets at @2200fps is a good one.

I would recommend 2 different solutions.

Find a factory rifle you like in either 404 Jeffery ro 416 Rem Mag and just load the 416 to 404 ballistics.

Fine a custom rifle already made, that you like in one of the above calibres.

That would be the least expensive way to go and you can look at and maybe test fire the rifle before you buy it.

Another choice, contact Rusty [a poster here on AR] and get the name of the gunsmith that made his 404 Jeffery. I have handled and shot his 404 and it is one very nice rifle... Very Nice.

Rusty, and the gunsmith are both in Texas.

Start with a Monkey Wards or Sears FN and have it barreled to .416 Taylor. Do what you want for a stock. Use the existing stock or restock it. If you don't like the FN bolt handle, use a K98 bent bolt and sell the FN bolt.

TIP Burns did the metal work and John Valicek made the stock for my 404 Jeffery progects. They did an awesome job! If you want custom they get it done and no BS just solutions.

For now Try thisCZ in 404 Jeffery

Half the price of a "Custom" and Ready to shoot.

There isn't anything wrong with a 416 Remmy either. Long 400 grain bullet penetrate well.

Or, wait on the Ruger No.1 Chambered in 450/400 3 inch. Another one of the "sweet 40 Calibers"

Build a 416 Taylor on a VZ-24.....or if you're feeling perky make a 416 Ruger on a VZ-24. I think the $1,500 is easily achievable!.....for the barreled action that is!

What I really want is an action that looks like a true Mauser, except I am going to change out the safety to a three position Winchester type. I hate the thought of just buying a current production rifle, they just don't look like an old military Mauser to me. Not African enough I guess.

I went through this same process before I had Hagn build my single shot 300win. mag., which may be here next week. I bought a Ruger #1 in 375 H&H, shot it for a while, hacked on the stock, etc.

One of the things I am trying to find out with the Mauser is what level of recoil I can stand. The 375 taught me that I couldn't stand that level of recoil for the volume of ammunition that was going to go through that rifle. That's why I went back to the 300win. mag.

I suppose what I am really asking about is Mauser actions. What actions would fit what caliber? Does something like the 404J or the 416 Rigby fit well in a standard Mauser action?

I am guessing $500 or so for a base action. Another $500-$700 to remodel it. $600 to have it barreled and $300 for barrel sights. Looks a little more like $2000 for what I want, which is fine. The stock is not a problem.

I am still a year from ordering the custom so this rifle will give me plenty of time to sort out my wants before I talk to Hagn about a Hartmann and Weiss, although I have heard that Satterlee makes a nice Mauser.

So what is the best way to come up with a good Mauser action for a base?

Thanks,
Josh

A military mauser action (like a VZ.24) built like you want it with a Timney or Bold trigger and a Beuhler safey in a standard length cartridge (.416 Taylor, .416 AR, or .458 AR) is approachable in your price range if:

1) You are not so concerned about a magnificent finish,

2) You are OK with a reasonably cheap stock as a starter and are willing to try to bed it yourself.

and

3) You are willing to go with a peep rear sight or a low power scope or have a smith that will do your rear sight inexpensively. (Using a Ruger band will help keep the front sight costs down).

You would have a great weapon to improve later or hunt as is.

You might actually look in the Classifieds now at the BRNO action for sale. I am sooo tempted because the relatively expensive stuff is already done. But I've done two cheap Mausers ... a .458 AR and a 9,3x62 ... this year and my wife migtht not understand! If the stripped hole is a #6, it can be redrilled and tapped to a #8.

Midway has its Fajens plastic stocks on sale now ... they're really inexpensive and make a good starter.

Frankly, caliber is not an issue of cost here as long as you stay with a short cartridge. Pretty much anything from .376 Steyr to .458 AR will cost about the same to build. Cost difference will come in dies, brass and bullets.

My .458 AR on a Parker-Hale action with a Bold trigger with side safely, scope mounts, QR scope rings, Ruger band, dies (expensive), ande Ballisti-Cast three cavity bullet mould(expensive), cost me $900 using a scope I already had. I did a fair amount of the stock fitting, recoil lub manufacture and fitting myself. Shoots like gangbusters and I love it.

You can pick up a surplus Mauser rifle complete for $50-200 depending on condition.
Midway has 416 Taylor barrels for $90 that will screw right on the Mauser action.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=156254

You could use a Boyds JRS stock with the addition of cross bolts.($83.62)
http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/

Lee has 416 Taylor dies for $27.49 and you can form cases in one pass from 458 Win brass.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=483889

I used 300 Win Mag cases and opened up the neck in 3 or 4 steps. The neck turns out longer that way, so it will need trimming.
I picked up several hundred once fired 300 win cases on Ebay for cheap.
There is properly headstamped brass also if it is needed.

Have the mauser action feedrails opened up and get a bolt with bent handle and the face opened up. Ebay has bolts for $50-70 ish

The winchester style bolt shroud sounds like a great option But at $230 for that part alone, it may be cheaper to get a Ruger M77mkII or CZ 550 to use as the platform.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=452710

Timney or similar trigger. $30
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=264380

For sights, you could look at Midway or Brownells. I think they both carry NECG sights. Get an island rear with one folding blade, $119
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=260815

a solder on sling stud on band $55
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=791511

solder on front sight band. $66
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=486254

If you can do most of the work yourself, you should be able to get it done for less than $1000 easily. Maybe just hire out the feed rails. Buy an action and barrel vise and wrench. Learn to silver solder and have fun.

A local shop here has mauser actions and parts sitting in buckets. I've gotten pitted actions for $5-10 each. Cheap to practice on.
With the spray on finishes, I've been wondering about filling the pits with JB weld or metal epoxy, then smooth and spray on a new finish??

fwiw I would whole heartedly agree on 416 T

Am 75% done with a VZ24 264 win that would have been a taylor had I not already had a 458 win. costs with A&B Barrel B&C medalist stock bending the bolt handle swing safety etc. is going to come in at 1000-1200. Not as cheap as an off the rack gun but it is mine and mostly what I wanted. I think your budget is fine and can accomodate what you want.

gabe