How is the 1908 Brazilian mauser action for customizing? Particularly would it be a decent action for a 375/338 Win. Mag.?

I'm by no means a mauser expert (ESPECIALLY when compared to some of the guys on the forum here!) but I think it would work just fine. I think the main thing to do is make sure it is out of the stock when you inspect it before you buy it, as one thing I have found with mauser actions is that they can look good in the stock but are too pitted to use when you inspect them below the stockline.

The 1908 rifle (by DWM)is one of the really fine ones. We had a couple of cases of them in the late seventies (25 to the case). These were brand new rifles complete with bayonets and test targets. Great actions.
I built a couple in 375/338 as well as other calibers and they were very nice. I made up one in .375 H&H and fitted claw mounts for a kind of European type rifle. Never a problem with any of these actions. I wish I had more. Regards, Bill.

As Leeper sez, its one of the best...

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

I'm looking at a couple right now, and compared to the other 98's I have (VZ-24s & Argentine) the 1908 brazilians seem to have a slightly higher grade of finish; the Argentine and one of the 1908's are both like new. I don't think I'm going to do much to it before I blue the Brazilian -- I couldn't improve the metal finish on it right now. The brazilian crest is very nice -- I'm considering an open sighted rifle, just to avoid drilling through it.

The point about pitting is very true -- the actions can look like new in a stock, and have major "potholes" below the woodline. If a dealer won't take the stock off, I wouldn't buy.

Anyone know about the safety of the receiver with magnum chamberings, or is it best to stick to the 7x57 class for these guys? I've found the metal in the bottom part of the receiver, around the recoil lug, is too hard to cut with a file -- I guess that's a good sign.

Todd

[This message has been edited by Todd Getzen (edited 10-19-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Todd Getzen (edited 10-19-2001).]

As I mentioned earlier I have made up a number of these in various magnum calibers and they are fine. I really think one would be hard pressed to find a nicer action than these. Especially as concerns fit and finish. The other Brazilian rifle I have worked with a lot is the 1935 by Oberndorf. I like these even better. Regards, Bill.

Bill,

I guess I used ambiguous wording -- what I should have said was 375 H&H, specifically when the rear of the mag well is cut back as far as possible, leaving only ~ 3/10" to open up in front. I was originally thinking 7x57, then thought nah, too close to the 270, maybe a 338, but I really want a 375 H&H.

I've always felt continental European or old British calibers seemed fitting to Mausers. I've examined several old British guns in 375, and it seems that on most of them, they didn't even bother to open up the rear at all. I couldn't really tear into them though, the folks at Cabelas are a little touchy about that!

Regards,
Todd

I made one up in 375 which appeared to be fine. This particular one was made up to replace the action on a Ferlach rifle in which the lugs had set back about 15 thou.
I have gone on record as not really liking to open up the mausers for the 375 H&H and I still feel that way. That's why I like the 375/338 for 98s. None the less they have been done by many firms for many years and I will no doubt do some myself from time to time. Still don't really like it though. Regards, Bill.

Hello
there is nothing wrong with the Brazilian actions, but there are actions that are nicer and with better quality of the steel. My favorite Mauseraction instandard lenght are commercial FN or ZG47. My own rifles are FN or ZG47.
The Obendorfs are nice, but hard to find in USA. Militairy actions are massproduced and some are very poor quality or badly treated.