Does anyone have an idea of how much one of the Zastava mini-mauser actions can be opened up? I was thinking 250 Savage or one of the IHMSA cartridges. Maybe 6.5mm? Does anyone have an idea what one of these actions weighs?

DOC

Wonderful idea! You might just have a superb short barreled carbine. If you build one with a full-length stock, it just might be a superb combination of good looks and efficiency! However, wouldn't the new Kimber Mausers with their slim construction be a more interesting basis? Good luck and great shooting!

I like this idea Doc. Unfotunately, I haven't seen one of the mini's yet, so I can't answer your question. You sure have my mind spinning off in new directions though, thanks. - Dan

The little rifles are now being cataloged By Charles Daly in 7.63 x 39, so I would assume that any cartridge based on it, like the PPC series, would fit just fine. I suspect the .250 Savage would be too long.

I have one of the "pre-war" models in .223 imported by Interarms. The action has a steel trigger guard and floorplate, and otherwise carries a bit more weight than it might have to, but I don't know exactly how much it weighs. I do think it weighs a bit more than a Sako L461, however. I'll be glad to measure the magazine on mine to see what the maximum c.o.l. is and write back later.

By the way, although it is termed a "mini Mauser", it is actually push-feed with an extractor and bolt face very much like a Sako. I may be in the minority, but I prefer this system.

[This message has been edited by Stonecreek (edited 03-15-2002).]

I think the charles daly site has the magazine lenght listed at 2.37" The 250 Savage OAL runs about 2.50". The 6mm Donaldson Internation would fit, but it's not really my idea of a hunting cartridge. I curious how much it can be opened up. Maybe the 6.5x52 shortened to 1.7"? One could load the 7.62x45 Czech with 170 grain 30-30 bullets and have an OAL that would fit and you wouldn't have to touch the feed rails or bolt face. The Kimber is a great gun and for the price can't be beat. Make mine a .260 and I'd be as happy a man as you'd ever find. But I wonder, what could a person with too much time/money do with this little action.

DOC

Anybody know what the COL of a 6.5 PPC would be? I was planning on getting one of these in 223 to have a nice carry/plinker rifle, but this thread has got me thinking. A buddy was thinking about a 300 whisper, then I got to thinking about a 6.5 TCU, but with the 7.62X39 bolt face, might as well use the bigger case and have some more options. I wouldn't shoot anything heavier then 120's out of it, so the COL shouldn't be too much of a problem.

I had the same idea for a CZ 527 carbine in 7.62 X 39. The 6.5 BR and that 6.5 IHSMR or whatever it's called (300 Savage necked to 6.5) wouldn't fit. I went with the 6.5 PPC. It's in the shop now and will be ready in June. Will post test results.

Bob,

I brought your post back up on the smallbore forumn, I didn't realize you were doing it in a mini mauser. What bullets are you planning on using? I'm thinking 100's and 120's. Sure will make for a light sleek deer rifle!

Hey Paul, I just answered in the small bore forum. I am waiting for answers from three companies that load for wildcats to see what's available from them. When I have time to work up my own loads I'll try the 125 Nosler partition first, then experiment. I'm not going heavier than that and will try lighter. A six pound 40 inch whitetail rifle really appeals to me. I'll keep you posted.

Does anybody know if the Mini Mauser will accept a 22-250 chamber?

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KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY...OL CRIP
NUCLEAR GRADE UBC RETIRED

The Zastava "Mini-Mauser" rifle action is properly called the LKM M 88.

It is available in the following factory chamberings:

.22 Hornet
.222 Rem
.222 Rem Mag
.223 Rem
.22-250 Rem
7,62 x 39

Inquiries would go to:
Zastava namenski proizvodi
Spanskilt Boraca 4
34000 Kragujevac
SERBIA
Fax: ++381 34 32 36 83
Email: zastavan@pplt.yu

Regards,
Carcano