I'm pretty much leaning toward a custom built on the 98 action- so 1st step, after all the self justification issues, is to find an action. A local 'smith has immediate access to 4 actions (not that I need immediate). Of the 4, he didn't know much about 1 of them- except that they want $200 or $250 for it- military 98 is all he knows. The other 3 are a Steyr commercial 98 for $200, a "Santa Barbara" 98 for $300, and a Husqvarna 98 that they want $400 for. He personally doesn't care for the Santa Barbara because the ones he's dealt with in the past have tended to be sloppy.
None have been sporterized at all.

Assuming they actions are in good to reasonable condition any opinions ? or keep looking?

jh

I'd look for a commercial FN Deluxe or Supreme from a donor rifle like a Higgins or a semi-custom, typically $250-$350, no finer Mauser action, less work to be done than with a military. Another low-cost alternative is to start with a Mark X 7x57 barreled action and customize from there. For something really special in a 7x57, I'd look for a small ring Mexican, but be prepared for lots more gunsmithing.

There are several variations of the Husqvarna 98 from a straight bent-bolt military configuration to a refined sporting action with no finger cut or charger hump and a proper commercial styled bolt handle. All are superbly made but the early ones require a lot of bells and whistles to look like a commercial Mauser so no way would I pay $400. Whole rifles are only $350 or less. OTOH, if it is a later commercialized Husky in good shape (and the style appeals to you) it is well worth it.
Santa Barbara actions are investment cast and sound but often of sloppy bolt clearance and always in need of a lot of finish work.
Sorry but I can't comment on the Styer actions.

Keep Looking. You should be able to get a VZ24 rifle for less than $150 in good shape.

I like the FNs for everything except those high intensity cartridges like the 7STW, 300 Wby etc.

I also like the miltitary actions, VZ24, 1909 Arg. and for a 7x57 a small ring like a G33-40 or a Brno 21 would be my hands down choice..In fact a commercial Brno 21 or 22 would cost about $1400 and be as good as about any custom rifle costing upwards to $3000...IMO

John,
Would my Brno 21h interest you?
Do a search in the clasifieds if curious - there are tons of pictures.

David

I just bought a 1951 Husqvarna H ring commercial (98 action by FN) which is fully sporterized (bolt handle, Buehler safety, d & t, etc) in 30-06 in beautiful shape for $325. The stocks usually look pretty awful and so a fine rifle sells for less. I see these occasionally--If the HVA that he has is one of the FN commercials, he's high but not totally out of line. An added plus is that if you're on a budget the FN bottom metal is pretty nice and for the 7x57 wouldn't necessarily need to be replaced (saves $400).

You can find a very good VZ-24 for $150 easy which won't require re-heat treatment if made bf 1941 or so--the mystery Mauser he has may be soft. If it were me I'd either go with the HVA or look for a nice VZ.

The 7x57 is too short for a standard action, even with the longest bullests made. I would look for an intermediate action, such as the larger ring FN-24 or the small ring Mexican.

I would also look for the rare Heym commercial intermediate 98's, made during the 1960's. These will be marked EHM on the barrel (Heym), as well as a Westernfield import mark. Some will have butterknife bolt handles, some will have swept knobs. All have FN safeties. Here is one marked EHM 724A.

The only custom rifle I have ever had built FOR me is a 7x57 built 2 years ago by a friend I went to gunsmith school with 50 years ago. He built it on a 1909 Argentine and it is very nice to understate a point. Straight bolt handle and VERY nice rework of trigger guard. Custom Talley bases with custom folding front and pedestal folding rear. Beautiful wood. Shoots 175gr Nosler Partitions perfectly. Feeds without a problem. Took several Kudu and plains game with it last year. Built by Clayton Nelson who builds one beautiful rifle. No mods to Magazine I can see and feedind is perfect.

I'm about to start a 7X57 project myself. I'm not not planning on cutting any corners. It's not going to be cheap, and there were only two actions for me to consider. The 1910 and 1936 Mexican Mauser's. While the action will require more work, it's a custom rifle and the smith I hire will be able to handle the extra work involved. This rifle will be sleek, light and a master piece.

So far I've acquired the action. It's a very clean 1910 Mexican small ring that's made expressly for the 7X57. It has a 1936 cocking piece. Ted Blackburn called me today to tell me my bottom metal for the action was finished and would be shipped today. The barrel is going to be a Krieger featherweight that should be ready in the next couple of weeks. The trigger will be a Timney and it will sport a Dakota safety. I recently bought a Schmidt & Bender 4X fixed power scope (before the prices sky rocketed!) and it'll be held in place by Talley rings and custom mounts. I've acquired the most beautiful piece of English walnut I've ever seen.

Right now I'm still collecting parts and saving my nickles. I've got two other things going right now so It may the end of the year before this one get's going.

1910 Mexican Mauser action.


Blank for the project.

Anyway, that's what I have in mind for mine. My advice is to look for a real nice Mexican small ring M98.

Terry

Terry, Why don't you sell me that great stick of wood and you can remodel your kitchen for the Mrs.

She's not that great of a cook

Terry

Terry, if you don't use/want the Springfield-style cocking piece, let me know, I like them. Very worthwhile project. A friend who taugh me everything I know about Mausers has a Mex Mauser similar to your project, 6.5x55, his dream rifle.
By the way, do you know Nick Vesa in Madison, MS?

Given the money I think I'd rather keep my kitchen and re-model the wife

That is one hell of a stick.

fla3006, They're as rare as hens teeth and I got a whole $40 bucks tied up in it It ain't leaving this action. I've never meet Nick.

Tiger, the triple couch is appropriate. I'm gonna get the rolling pin treament if she reads any of this!

Terry