Can anybody take me to school on commercial Mauser actions? I recently acquired a Santa Barbara Mauser.Is this considered a decent quality action? Who would be considered best quality among the commercial manufacturer's? This particular rifle was imported by "Marathon Products" of Weth Ct.. It is a .308 barrel on a long action, "Sportsman" model. Is it likely to be a decent shooter?

The actions were made in Spain and the rifles were assembled either there or here in the US by various importers. Most of the ones I have seen are of average quality. It will probably shoot as well as any other Mauser of average quality. For a detailed description of Mauser commercial rifles , find a copy of "Bolt Action Rifles" by Frank de Hass

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there's a fine line between hobby and mental illnes

I believe the Belgian FN commercial actions were quite good....also, some of the post-WWII BRNO M98-types, and original commercial Oberndorf Mausers are considered to be high quality Mausers.

J C Penny used to sell a rifle under their "Foremost" brand back in the 70s built on the Santa Barbera action. I bought a 7X57 barreled action when the company was selling off and it shoots fine.
Take that gun out to the range, its the only way you'll know if it shoots.
Best

[This message has been edited by Kboom (edited 05-13-2002).]

Yes the Santa Barbara's are a decent quality action. Not quite as well finished as the Oberndorf's or the pre-war English guns, or the post-war F.N.'s and early Whitworths (and BSA's if you can find one), but mechanically their equal. Hope this helps. - Dan