Spanish Model 43 for sporterizing?

14 May 2002, 09:37

<P H Barker>

I have what I think is a Spanish Model 43, or 44, short rifle. It has crest as shown in Robert W.D. Ball's book as having been made for the Spanish Air Force. Any comments on the strength of this action for making up a .35 Whelen?

14 May 2002, 13:20

<JBelk>

PH--

The Spanish Mausers have a bad reputation. Many of the dimensions common to other M98s are different in the '43.

Tolerances are much more "generous" and the finish is such that in order to straighten and polish an action for custom work the action ends up way too sloppy.

The only thing that has kept some people from being seriously hurt by failing '43 Spanish M98s is the inherent safety features built into the design.

Heat treatment and metallurgy is suspect on this model. Sulfur and silica excesses have caused serious inclusions resulting in failure of the part. (That test was moot but interesting.)

I'd use a better action.

I just bought a couple early VZ-24s that are ugly in condition but, in the right places, are pristine mint and as good as any action ever made....literally. (out of 5 there were 2 very good ones. The others will take extra work and expense, but salvageable.

14 May 2002, 15:20

craigster

Get Kuhnhausen's manual on Mauser bolt actions. It lists Mausers that are suiteable and/or desireable for conversion to non military calibers. You won't find any Spaniards on the list.

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there's a fine line between hobby and mental illnes

14 May 2002, 16:20

<P H Barker>

JBelk and Craigster,
I appreciate the advice. I'll just let this one sit.
I have been visiting this, and other, forums for about 2 months now, and am also new to the sporterizing game, although I have been a gun nut all my life. I have probably seen more positive comments about the VZ 24 than any other Mauser. Where do ya'll find these VZs? I look in gun list, and check at the gunshops around Houston, but I don't see very many. The ones I see in Houston are complete rifles in the $300.00 - $400.00 range, and I would not pay that just to salvage the action. Also, I do not have a C&R license, so this creates a headache in trying to find someone to act as a "go-between" in a purchase thru Gun List. Maybe I should frequent the guns shows in Houston. However, being inexperienced concerning the "quality" of Mauser actions, I'm afraid I might end up buying a piece of junk. Any advice would be appreciated. (I think Kuhnhausen's book is the only one I don't have).

14 May 2002, 17:16

craigster

VZ-24s are available in this area quite often. Do yuo have Big 5 Sporting Goods down your way? Up here they're always runnin' specials on VV24's usually 79.95(+/-). If you are looking for an action only this is a good way to go. 300 bucks seems way out of line for a VZ24.

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there's a fine line between hobby and mental illnes

15 May 2002, 00:32

<P H Barker>

quote:
Originally posted by craigster:
VZ-24s are available in this area quite often. Do yuo have Big 5 Sporting Goods down your way? Up here they're always runnin' specials on VV24's usually 79.95(+/-). If you are looking for an action only this is a good way to go. 300 bucks seems way out of line for a VZ24.
No Big 5 Sporting Goods near Houston that I know of. I had never heard of Big 5 until I saw mention of them in the forums.