Simple question-
I have several nice 98s on hand (VZ-24s and GEW 98s) and would like to build a big bore. I would prefer the 404 or Lott but am not sure how much action work is required to accomodate the longer rounds (I'm willing to upgrade bottom metal.) I know it is done but I would like a safe and classy job. If it is too much trouble I'll go with the 404 Dakota or 458 win. Any help would be greatly appreciated

far easier to do a 3.3 or shorter round.. and far cheaper...

the 404 or lott can be done, BUT, in all honesty, you will spend FAR more than buying and restocking a winchester or cz.

how's that?
bottom metal -300
trigger - 50
barrel -200
safety -150
stock -50 to 250...
sights - 200
recoil pad 35
checkering 100 MINIMUM
bluing 100
smith time and money 200 MINIMUM

winchester safari 458 win
850, done

cz 416/458
650
safety 200

done

jeffe

Jeffe-
I know its a fools game but that's what we do, after all. I'm ok with the extras required, same with any custom, but would like to base this one on a classic 98 and am wondering about the metalwork required to get these longer rounds to feed. Do you need to take so much metal from the feed ramp that the action strength is compromised or is it simply a matter of machining the bolt stop, new mag box, angle the ramp, and rail work? I know you and others have much more experience with this than I.

Thanks again for the Mexican information, I'm on the hunt for a candidate action.

Jay

Jay,
it's "nothing" but time, money, and a steep learning curve. Sure it can be done.. these are designed to be the longest that can be built into a mauser... the ejector box will cause a little headache....

charles daly is making a 375 length mauser, that might be a better place to start from.. Just a suggestion, $409 list

http://www.charlesdaly.com/HTML/products/firearms/rifles/barreledActions/mauserBarreled.asp#itemtable

I have had all my 404s and 458 Lotts on standard M-98 actions until this last 404 and its being done on a CZ.with a laminate stock since my wonderful piece of Turkish had a canoe size hole in the middle of it and not a flaw on the outside, oh well..but this one will be cut on the same English pattern with checkering and mullered borders, that I use on all my big bores..What the hell, at least it will be different.

I can't see much cost difference as both need to be lengthened and rail work done, open bolt face etc. both should have a drop box IMO..

Of the two I much prefer the 404 Jefferys, but thats a personal choice thing with prejudice..

You can certainly turn a standard Mauser into something like a .458 Lott, but you'll need a skilled and experienced metalsmith to get it done RIGHT.

You'll need a new magazine system, one that's right for the cartridge, plus you'll have to have the loading port opened-up, the magazine mortise remachined and moved back (NEVER remove material behind the lug seats if at all possible), plus you'll have to have the bolt-faced opened-up, the extractor altered, and feed rails reworked, plus the bolt stop reworked, a new trigger installed, a new safety installed (M70 style) the trigger/safety system retimed, and you might as well have the action blueprinted, also new bottommetal and a new bolt handle. Personally, I'd have the action recarburized as well, and I'd have the lug seats remachined, then lapped. Also, the tang needs to be reshaped, and the feed-ramp needs to be altered. None of these steps is necessarily listed in any particular order, but for real-live dangerous game use, I think they're all important, and I wouldn't skip any of them, after all it's a matter of your money or your life, so take your pick.

Lots of work and expensive, but I insist on substance if I'm actually going to hunt with the rifle.

Mauser's are only a bargain when you first purchase the action. After the work begins, they get very expensive. The inexpensive, budget dangerous game rifle is an oxymoron, and Mausers are the most expensive "bargain" of them all.

Personally if I wanted a .458 Lott, I'd go with a Model 70, or else I'd obtain a good, modern commercial Mauser such as a Granite Mt...........

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