I am planning on building my first rifle...338/06, and was wondering where I can find a good supply of Mauser actions, and which one everyone would choose. Thanks.

VZ-24. from 243 to 458 it dont get any better or cheaper.
Good luck on your projects!!

Oh boy here we go again. I am partial to FN's and commercial actions, chaeper in the long run with better resell value in the end. Another good choice is a Mark X. THere are some other commercial mausers most get pricey and unless your going whole hog on a custom build probably not what your looking for.

In the realm of militarty mausers there are several good options of action choices. The VZ-24 is a good action, so are the Persian Mausers curently being offered and I would probably spring for one of those. All the German made South American rifles are good candidates, as are 1909 Argentines. The contract FN's that were made in the 1950's were good actions also.

The easiest route is the FN, Mark X actions I listed, if you find a Whitworth 30-06 with stock this is a slam dunk project reasonable stock, just needs a new tube. Your not going to get much cheaper than that.

quote:

Originally posted by Brent C.:
I am planning on building my first rifle...338/06, and was wondering where I can find a good supply of Mauser actions, and which one everyone would choose. Thanks.

I know where there's a beautiful M-70 in .270 and it's $450 complete. The barrel can be rebored and rechambered for a song and whammo you got what you want. For about $600 you have a beautiful finished .338-06 and if you go the mauser route you'll easily be over $2,500.

Why are you wanting a Mauser?....

If a mauser is really what you want I'd agree with schromf.....find a post war FN or an interarms mark-X.....I'd even (shivver) rather go the CD (Zastava) route than the milsurps.

If you still want a milsurp the VZ-24 would be my choice.

vapodog,ill take the 270.what ser# range?e-m me Kimroux7@wm connect.com.thanks

SamB has a really nice mauser in .270 in the classifieds. It is also a simple rebarrel. Has all the work done to it already.

vapodog,

Show me where you can get a QUALITY rebore for a mere $150? They run much closer to $300. Besides, if you are going to get a model 70 why not just get one already chambered for the .338 Win mag?

As for CD actions, you couldn't pay me. Give me a milsurp anyday. Saving money is not the reason I go the custom route. Getting a rifle that has exactly the qualities I want is.

quote:

As for CD actions, you couldn't pay me. Give me a milsurp anyday. Saving money is not the reason I go the custom route

Z1R....you're not the one that started this thread. My comment wasn't directed to you.

I wonder why it is that everytime somebody comes on and asks about Mauser or other actions for a custom project that everybody assumes that the person is looking for "cheap".

Seems to me that if one is committed to a custom project one is willing to spend the money to make the action suitable for the project at hand.

What is another $50 for a recarburize or a new bolt handle, etc., when the project with the expensive barrel, beautiful walnut, and labor included is going to be 3-4 thousand or more.

Any why does everybody so concern theirselves about resale value. Unless you are a dealer or a collector that can hold on to scarce guns for a long period of time you aren't going to get the same price for a gun that you paid for it in terms of dollars. But you might get utility out of it that is worth far far more to you than the dollars you spent.

It seems kind of ridiculous to worry about selling a rifle for $50 or a $100 less than you paid for it when at the same time that $35,000 4 wheel drive is losing about 2-3 thousand per year in value.

To answer the question, my vote goes for 1909 argentine and have it recarburized. Extremely well machined action and you can make the bottom metal work for you in a .338-06 if you do some filing at the front and back.

Vapordog,
I read your comments about rifle reboring. Can you recommend someone who does this at a reasonable cost as you mentioned?

quote:

Originally posted by KimR:
vapodog,ill take the 270.what ser# range?e-m me Kimroux7@wm connect.com.thanks

I understand you want a CRF and this one is a push feed.

I do reboring and would rebore this one in .338 but don't normally do custom smithing for anyone as I'm not doing this as a business. I like staying a hobbyist.

Snowwolf, does this answer your question?

22WRF:

quote:

I wonder why it is that everytime somebody comes on and asks about Mauser or other actions for a custom project that everybody assumes that the person is looking for "cheap".

Because the thread specifically don't say so and it's true that many folks don't know the cost of a custom Mauser.

quote:

my vote goes for 1909 argentine and have it recarburized. Extremely well machined action and you can make the bottom metal work for you in a .338-06 if you do some filing at the front and back

Absolutely. I have a .25-06 and a .270 on 1909 Argentines and they're very good actions for a custom.

quote:

It seems kind of ridiculous to worry about selling a rifle for $50 or a $100 less than you paid for it when at the same time that $35,000 4 wheel drive is losing about 2-3 thousand per year in value.

$50 or $100 doesn't bother me, 1/2 of what is invested does. I also don't play the watch the rolling liability depreciate in my driveway game either.

My point isn't about "cheap" its about wise use of $, old military mausers tend to be black hole, costly to get a nice rifle, definately nice when done properly, its just there are more cost effective alternatives. There was a time that these actions were about $10-15 each, and it made a lot of sense then, machining costs weren't so high and it was a much more practicle project gun. When your talking full blown custom with a lot of dollars involved it doesn't matter much and for those who are planning that full route its still a viable option.

I would still prefer a commercial action as a starting point, wouldn't you rather have a banner commercial mauser in the end?

quote:

Originally posted by schromf:
...old military mausers tend to be black hole, costly to get a nice rifle

......I would still prefer a commercial action as a starting point, wouldn't you rather have a banner commercial mauser in the end?

Sure, who woudn't but, commercial banner action and inexpensive do not belong in the same discussion.

If you think it costs a lot to convert a milsurp, then take a look at commercial banner actions, I doubt you'll fins one for less than you can convert a milsurp for.

quote:

inexpensive do not belong in the same discussion

I think doing a good conversion of a milsurp falls into the same category. Banner mausers when you can find them are in the $750 price range, last I have seen. In my mind even if that numbers jumps another $100 or so, I don't have a lot more money tied up in the commercial, and if I am building a full custom a couple hundred dollars isn't a show stopper.

The commercial muaser needs no rework so all of the details that cost on the milsurp action disappear.

Availability is a problem though, you got to look and look, to find them. There are also some non muaser brand names that are suitable. JP Sauer is one that immediately pops into my head.

There was a post yesterday about a 1909 done by J Wisner when he was teaching a summer class at a gunsmithing school. I don't know where that will end up but if this goes for for under $750 your miles ahead just picking this up if you can settle for maple. All the work is done, except it needs conversion from a 30-06 to the 338 bore ( rebarrel, rebore how ever you want to do it )

I will always like old military mausers I just feel there are more practical avenues to get a good muaser nowdays. Its been a while since I was willing to fund a military mauser. There are few actions I would jump into anymore. If I came up with another G33/40 I wouldn't think twice about it. But I have gotten picky I suppose and I just don't have much interest in full blown military conversions anymore. There are a lot of mauser conversion rifles on the market, a little picking and choosing and you can pick these up for reasonable and a lot of the work is already done ( beware of BUBBA !!) This subject has been beat to death, and just a couple of weeks ago some $ estimates were posted by some very knowlegable indiduals. Some minor variances in the dollars were posted but in the end this isn't a inexpensive route anymore.

If you have your own mill and tools, and the knowledge to do it yourself this alters the picure but for the average guy getting a smith to perform all the work, a FN is a better option in my opinion.

quote:

There was a time that these actions were about $10-15 each, and it made a lot of sense then, machining costs weren't so high and it was a much more practicle project gun.

Yea, I remember those times. I remember seeing ads in American Rifleman for G.33/40 actions for $30 apiece.

HOWEVER, that was when the normal wage for a blue collar worker was less than $5.00 an hour. Everything is relative. Action prices have gone up, labor has gone up, but earning power has gone up as well. Heck, one less trip to the restaurant a week, plus quitting the cigs and one less beer a night and in a few months you got the cost of converting that milsurp covered.

That said, Interboat has a really nice 35 Whelan on a Mark X action with a beautiful custom stock for sale on the AR classifieds for a 600 dollar bill. 35 Whelan isn't all that far from 338-06 is it?

Get an opld J.C. Higgins with an FN action in .30/'06.........

quote:

Originally posted by El Deguello:
Get an opld J.C. Higgins with an FN action in .30/'06.........

El Deguello, I did this and there's a problem with this route.....I liked the gun so much "as is" that I couldn't take the action out of it...it shoots extremely well and handles so nice that I just haven't been able to use it for what I bought it for. It's a dirt cheap .30-06 that I just love!!!

Just something very classic about a milsurp that you don't get in the commercial version. Yes it will cost more, but we're talking custom aren't we? I think everyone should own at least one.

Terry

Nice action. Looks like you did some work to get it that pretty what are you chambering it in?

"I think everyone should own at least one."

I do several in fact, kninda why I am partial to to commercial actions. Back in the day all my rifles were either Milsurp conversions or pre 64 Winchesters. I got farting around with restoring the old original commercials and it took my fancy. I will build another I am sure, if I can find another G33/40 that will probably be my choice, any of the Geramn made South American mausers are good choices. I also like the Persians, that on a rifle set up to preserve the lions crest with a three soldiers at parade open sights would be sweet, in a 9.3x62 would be even better. I would look to a side set of scope mounts if I had to to not bugger up the crest.

SO whats that 09 being put together for?

Terry,
that the snakebit 9,3?

looks great
jeffe

Converting mausers certainly ranges in price...

cutting down a milsurp and putting a better front sight on it was my first centerfire .. bet it cost my dad less than 20 bucks

but to make a "better than the kid's saddle gun" costs more money than good whiskey does

even if you do all your own work,
100 action
100 AB barrel
75 trigger (with safety)
75 numrich floorplate
100 blue
100 barrel
$150 - scope mount, bolt handle, drill and tap
100 CHEAP stock

$800 for a pretty low end, but still, custom rifle.


get a smith to do it, it'll look lots better... and cost you double...


course, a 275 CD UNBLUED action (not over polished) will save you at least 100 on the deal..

converting mausers is a thing of taste.. and if you get a taste for it, you'll be spending money on them

jeffe

Yep Jeffe, that's it.

Schromf, It's a 9.3X62. I'm in complete agreement about the the cost.

Terry

Jeffe,

You pegged it right on the head, its a matter of taste. I have several very well done milsurps, full treatment, and I know exactly what I want in older mausers, as I have other rifles built I tend to have expensive tastes on this not my first or second custom mauser build and I think the extra effort make the differnce in a good rifle vrs a specatular rifle in the end, its all the little details to do them right.

That is a damn fine 09 I especially like your choice of chamberings, something tell me this was a project of heart. I have done more than a couple the same, what have you got figured for wood on that? I would definatly spring for a good stock and blank on that. THat will be beautiful when completed.

Here is the blank


and this is the pattern


It's at Jeffe's right now.

Yes this has been something I've wanted for a long time.

Terry

terry,
you didn't tell me it was that *&(*&^%^% snake bit stock!!!


oh, my wife is gunna cuss you!!

jeffe

Thats a Denali stock isn't it?

I guess I would go for one of the Husqvaena Model 98s. Choose either one that the action was made by FN like the 628, or a later version that uses a Swede prodcued action.

Sarco has a few as does Simpson LTD

HA! I think it's gonna be ok. I preformed an exorcism on it. I dangled a chicken foot over it, said some cuss words and threw salt over my left shoulder. Prince Mongo said that would make all the evil spirits leave the rifle.

Yea, that's a Denli blank.

Terry

Brent,

I noticed you got a lot of which one, but not much on your fist question of where to buy, I'm not much help in that dept either.

I would figure out which one you want.......I like the VZ24s, but I may not buy anymore unless I can get a deal........my next one will be on a commerical aciton.

After I figured out which one, I would post a WTB in AR classifieds and somebody will have one or more. I typicaly buy them from guys I know that have them, I have had poor luck finding a place that has good ones, but they are out there.

On finding a good candidate I can help. Look here:

http://www.samcoglobal.com/rifles.html

Scroll down to the model 98/29. Have them hand select one of the special select condition.

Fine start to a custom mauser and these don't need heat treating. $180 done, until you start working on it.

Has anyone here used one of the Husqvarna "strengthened" versions of the Mauser Model 1896 [96] action for a custom rifle? THese would be the Husqvarna Model 640.

I am considering using one for a light-weight mountain rifle since I loved the military action so much on the Swede 96.

333

That Mauser is awsome.................I have to agree that if your a gun nut it's nice to have at least one full blown mauser custom, done right there very pretty.

Here is mine it's still in the works and is .404 J. on a 1909 Argentine

PC

How did you handle the bottom metal issue for .404 Jeff on that 09 Argentine, and which 3 position safety did you use? Seems the ones from Dakota are not available anymore, and the ones from Wisner are not available anymore either.

PC

I would love to see that action a little more. Who did the bolt handle? And can we see another picture from that side? The rifle looks really good.

I have had mixed luck with finding military Mausers that are suitable still. Some really are pitted bad. Sometimes I think it is just easier to start with a commercial mauser of the late 40s-60s era. The Husqvarnas are a good option. A lot of the early ones were prodiced by FN if you find a 98 action.

Folks,

my smith made all new bottom metal for the gun as well as new box taylored for the .404 J round.

The 3 pos saftey is a Reckgnagel from Germany. Bob De'Vries did all the metal work and Ross Waghorn is currently doing the stock. Trigger group will be a steel blackburn unit, it has a Lothar Barrel contour #1450 with 1/4 rib and 1 standing and 3 folding express sites. Action has been re-carbourized/case hardened for what it's worth. The blank is English walnut supplied by Rodger Vardy.

Here are some more pics.

I guess I wasn't very clear. I want the satisfaction of building my own rifle. Yes, I realizae this is not the cheapest route available, but it would be really cool. I am just now beginning to get everything together so this is why I posted this question. Thanks for everyone's response.

quote:

Originally posted by Brent C.:
I guess I wasn't very clear. I want the satisfaction of building my own rifle. Yes, I realizae this is not the cheapest route available, but it would be really cool. I am just now beginning to get everything together so this is why I posted this question. Thanks for everyone's response.

Brett if you want to do a mauser it's not out of practicality thats for sure !! as you can see they come up very ncie when done right best of luck with the project and keep us up to date !!

quote:

El Deguello, I did this and there's a problem with this route.....I liked the gun so much "as is" that I couldn't take the action out of it...it shoots extremely well and handles so nice that I just haven't been able to use it for what I bought it for. It's a dirt cheap .30-06 that I just love!!!

Vapodog,
You have to turn it into a 338-06...



The best shot I ever made on a game animal was with that rifle. High Buck hunt for Blacktail/Mulie cross deer. He was a 4x3. He jumped up out of his bed at 6500 feet, the gun leaped to my shoulder in one fluid motion, and I flattened him. I was just gazing at the rack yesterday, and thinking back about that hunt.

They are sweet rifles indeed.

333 OKH,
I may have what you were looking for, a Husky 649. This is the one you called a strengthed action without the left side thumb cut. It is in a great caliber also, 9.3x62. The metal is 98%, really almost perfect. The stock has some dings, but would refinish nicely. I also have dies and brass. I just bought an English shotgun and need to make room in the safe. Bob

Nice 404, when do you plan to have it finished.

D99,

I reckon it will be three to 4 months away......................I hope I need some time to come up with the last of the $$