I just purchased a BRNO Mauser 98. How does this compare to the Argentine actions that everyone says are so good? Why are the Argentines' better? Is my rifle large ring and with large ring threads?
How about some of the old hands give a short lesson on what to look for in a Mauser action and give a list of the most desireable actions to look for. I know didly about these guns and I constantly see questions asked about the Mauser, so I know I'm not the only one.
I appreciate any replies!!
Todd

The Argy's are desirable because most of them have a higher level of finish. Most probably, your action is a LR. Measure across the reciever ring, if it's approx. 1.4", it's a LR. I have never heard of a BRNO SR, not to say they didn't make them. In general, the most desirable actions are the ones with a higher level of finish. If you're building a custom rifle, there is less work to begin with.

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"A diffuse threat, like crime or terrorism, can only be thwarted by a diffuse defense..an armed populace" L. Neil Smith, 2001

You have a large ring, large thead Brno Mauser and most of them are as good as an Argentine. In both one needs to check the insides for finish and lack of tool marks I suppose and hit the lug ways with a 3 corner file and see if it cuts, if it does then don't use that action, I have never found a bad one in the thousands I have checked, but have heard rumors of such soft actions, I suspect thats what they were, just rumors....

Best MIlsurp Mausers: 1935 Chilean, G33-40 small ring, M-24 Brno, 1909 Argentine,Banners
Peruvians and a few others...Most all M-98 are just fine..

Also, though not Mausers, The FN's are decent actions...

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

Boltgun,
One of the best features of the Argentines,
is the hinged floor plate with the release in the trigger guard bow. these make up into very niece sporter style bottom metal.

good morning boltgun, there is a book out there, Bolt action rifles of the world or similar title, in which the author, who's name escapes me also, expresses the view that vg-24 Brno's are the best of the military 98's. I have a couple, referred to as Pursian Mausers that have fit and finish as good as any factory rifle made today. I also used one recently as the basis for a custom rifle and am delighted with the result. I plan to post the details of it on this forum soon. good luck

I have two VZ-24's and both seem to be well made. My first one was purchased with full military stock and chambered in .308 Winchester. The chamber appears to be sleeved and the throat is long, so I think it started as a 30-06 barrel. It was drilled and tapped for a scope, turned down bolt handle and with a measly 4X30 scope, it was capable of minute of angle accuracy, far better than me on most days! My second purchase was a sporterized VZ-24 in .243 Winchester. The throat is eroded, but for $130, it was worth the action. Drilled and tapped, with a turned down bolt for low mount scope and a nice walnut Monte Carlo style stock. I plan to rebarrel both in the future, but deciding on the calibers is proving to be a problem.

Kboom,

My mauser has the hinged floorpolate you mentioned with a set trigger, is it an argentine? Some of the things stamped on it are Mauser-werke A.-G. Oberndorf a/. It also has the letters B G U N near crown shaped markings. ?? Where and how do I measure the rings? ID or OD?

you have an Obendorf Mauser, not a 1909 Argentine or it would say so on the left side of the receiver...the crest on the receiver should state the year and breed. If it is a commercial action, it will have a c or m on the underside of the recoil lug area. If its a military it is very desirable and rare.

At any rate you have a very desirable action if its in good shape...

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

The above post is in response to Wstnhunters post....

WH,

The "B" means that it was proofed in assembled form.
The "U" signifies final inspection proof.
The "G" indicates that it had a rifled barrel.
The "N" signifies that it was proofed with nitro-based powders.

The closest that I can do without the serial number is to tell you that it was manufactured between 1933 and 1939. The "AG" means Aktien Gesellschaft or "Incorporated".

The front ring is measured on the O.D.

Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Tompkins (edited 10-01-2001).]

Thanks guys,

Bill,

I read your posts in another thread and what you said about "original oberndorf sporting rifles" caught my eye. Thats what it is! I didnt even know they existed. Its got a metal "Mauser" butt plate with a hinged access for cleaning accessories. I went to the library and did a little research. I believe it may be a model M. It has the spoon type bolt handle and is a 300 savage. If you wouldnt mind checking up on the serial # for me it is 114536. 4536 is also imbedded in the inside of the stock. Any thoughts I had about changing its caliber have been vanquished. Anything more you can tell me about is really appreciated. If youd like you can e-mail me at byscomp@juno.com

Thanks again, Byren

[This message has been edited by Wstrnhuntr (edited 10-02-2001).]

WH,

My e-mail is down so you're stuck reading this by post. Sorry about that.

The serial number indicates that your rifle was manufactured between 1934 and 1935. It should according to what you're saying, be a Mannlicher with a steel nose cap of which there is two varieties. The barrel is round with a barrel band that supports the through sling swivel and should be 20" long. There should also be one standing and two folding sights. The front was a banded blade type. This particular model was made on the 3 variations of the short/intermediate length actions depending on the chambering. The bolt handle was spoon shaped with serrations on the underside and fitted close to the stock for carry in a scabbard. The butt plate as you describe it is the standard version with Mauser banner and a compartment for cleaning equipment which opens from the bottom. There should not be any serrations. The pistol grip cap could be metal, horn or later, plastic.

This particular version was made in limited numbers and very well liked by hunters that liked the compact size. The only thing that throws me is the 4536 and 4636 numbering. Is it possible that this a typo?

Don't change this rifle. If you want something different, sell this one and get something that is worth changing. Just my opinion.

Bill

Thanks Bill,

You are correct on all counts including the typo. It is 4536. It only has one of the rear sights and I dont believe that it is the original although there are two distint wedge type places for the two rear sights you mentioned. The rear sight that is on it works fine and looks almost normal but it says Marbles glasstong mich usa. Not likley a Mauser supplier.. Any idea where I might find some original parts? That will be the only sort of changing I do now, I hesitate to even refinish the stock and metal finish now even though I feel that it would be an improvment.

I suppose the grip cap could be horn but it appears to be plastic. If when your E-mail is up you wouldnt mind a few more questions Id appreciate it, you obviously know these guns pretty well. Either way thank you! its nice to know what Ive got..

Byren Stowe aka Wstrnhuntr

Your sight more likely says Marbles, Gladstone, Mich(igan). The Marbles people still are in business, and if you need parts for the sight, it would be worth taking a picture of it and writing them to ask. They are kinda wierd to do business with, but you might get lucky and connect with someone able to help. Worth a try; it'd be nice to know how your attempt goes.....

Patrick,
the Pursian action is probably the most sought after of the Mausers by Custom gun builders....they are fine indeed and rare as turtle teeth.

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com