Can some one tell me if there is a way to tell what mauser action's are standard length. I'm refering to 30-06 length. I have a couple of 24/47 that are called the intermediate. I guess the Arg. 1909 is one, but which others. Thanks. fws

Henry Pohl has some good info described here:
http://www.gunstocks.com/appendix3.html

toto---

With few exceptions the tang screw spacing is the same. Some magazines are different to fit the various calibers the rifles were made for.

Remember, in the Mauser factory an action and magazine box for a commercial 7x57 and 8x57 are different. Changing the caliber in a Mauser is easy to do...to make them operate as designed is a good bit tougher and there're risk involved.

JBelk, KertC, thanks for the info. You guys sure come in when needed. fws

I found these to be pretty good references...

http://www.gunstocks.com/appendix3.html
http://www.gunstocks.com/appendix4.html
http://www.gunstocks.com/appendix5.html

But to answer your question better -- K98's, the Vz-24, VZ-22, VZ-29 (aka Persian), 1908 Brazilian, 1909 Argentine -- all are "standard" length. The general rule is that any "24" besides the VZ-24 is intermediate -- there may be exceptions, though I haven't seen one yet.

Todd

[ 07-13-2002, 15:33: Message edited by: Todd Getzen ]

No surplus action I know of is .30-06 standard. Any that you find have been converted at some point by lengthening the magazine box and guide lips and recutting the feed ramp. Standard refers to 8x57 Mauser length. A "standard" Mauser action will feed .30-06 cartridges without modification if you stick to loads with 180 grain bullets or less seated to the crimp groove. This does not include military ball. If you want to shoot heavier bullets you'll have to have it modified.

Instead of paying for all of those modifications, either with your time or hard earned money, you could buy a brand new Ruger M-77 in .30-06 which is in essence a Mauser 98 with a .30-06 length action and already equipped with scope mounts and an adjustable trigger.

Going with a 30-06, you will lose 1 round in mag. capacity with some actions (probably in the taper of the feed rails, but I haven't had time to play around and figure it out). Lengthening the mag box for longer round is not a big deal, an hour with a couple of files will get you there.

You will spend at least as much converting a Mauser to a 'new' sporter -- but if you start with an '09, VZ-24, etc. in good shape and have someone good fit the barrel, you will end up with a much better rifle. I like Rugers, but there is no comparison between the stainless Mark II and my VZ-24 (or '08, or '09) as far as smooth working of the bolt.

[ 07-14-2002, 07:49: Message edited by: Todd Getzen ]

toto---

The only military M-98 that was made in 30-06, that I know of, is the 1950 Belgian made by FN.

Several other Mausers were converted to 30-06 by cutting a radius in the front ring and extending the magazine. Some are marked with, ".30 deeply stamped on the rear bridge.

The Columbian Mausers were made in 30-06 also. The have a notched out receiver ring and the "30" marked on the rear ring that Mr. Belk refers to.

Thanks once again to all. There is a world of knowledge out there if a person will just look. All the info. has been a big help. fws