I was quoted roughly $500.00 for having an old M 48 mauser re-barreled. That would include the barrel, scope mounts and labor. Is this a reasonable price or should I keep looking?

Are we talking drilling tapping bending the bolt handle,adding new safety. A good barrel well run you 200 to 300 maybe more. Dosen't seem to bad depending on the barrel and what you get with it. That is why I don't sporterize actions any more when you can buy a good comerical one all ready done.

E. R. Shaw in Bridgeville PA will do it for 1/2 of that price. www.ershawbarrels.com

depends on the work
to screw in a pre-chambered barrel, headspace, and here ya go, expect 50-75.
for ordering a barrel, and having it chambered, threaded, etc, barrel+125-150
other stuff... 45 bucks an hour...+parts
jeffe

Thanks guys,

I think Ill go to the gun show this weekend and get some more opinons. Looks like $500.00 may be a bit steep.

You will get exactly what you pay for. A good barrel costs about $250. There are gunsmiths who will rebarrel using any old Lathe without even knowing the proper machining methods and will only charge you $150 for their work. I've seen more than enough of these jobs believe me! Then there are other guys like me who actually know what they are doing and will take meticulous care in the threading, fitting, chambering and crowning. Don't think for aoment that this doesn't matter! They will charge you much more $250-$300 is a steal considering the set-up time and effort. If the barrel/receiver needs to be Blued it will cost about $75-100 and figure about $25 per screw hole.-Rob

Sometimes you don't get what you pay for, I am not happy with the last Gunsmith I dealt with

IMHO For $500+ I would build a 1909 Argentine or something nicer than a M48, or buy a new CZ 550. Unless you getting into benchrest.

[ 07-24-2002, 06:39: Message edited by: DLS ]

I can appreciate being charged accordingly for quality workmanship. Still Im seeing a lot of prices that seem to beat this particular smiths quotes. I dont want junk but Im not looking for benchrest precision either, a good job for a fair deal would be just right.

An argentine would be nice but Ive already got the M48. I still like even it better than most affordable modern actions.

Wstrnhuntr:

I had a 1904 Danzig Mauser rebarreled about a year ago. I bought the barrel, stock, and all the other parts. The smith, like Rob did things right. It cost me $350.00 just for his labor. $500.00 for a finished product does not at all seem unreasonable.

I think before you tell this guy to get lost, you need to ask him what he will do to your action, millwork, lathe work, truing, etc. A skilled smith is worth every penny. A good smith will deliver a rifle that shoots well, but in addition, a good smith is also concerned about safety. Remember there is a lot that can go wrong in an old action. Only experience will tell you what will work.

Ryan