I have a PM asking about the VZ-24 compared to the MRC actions.

I'll address my thoughts to all that are interested so all may add their views.

I will not comment on the MRC except to say they are fine actions and worthy of your cash.

Here's a VZ-24 I'm just loving. It's been in the works a while but is turning out so nicely that some of my M-70s are going to be moved back a bit to make room for it.

I'll not show the stock as that's not done...just focus on the action for now

Here's the barreled action. It's a Douglas XX 21" #1 contour in 6.5 X 55 with Williams irons.


Here's a Dakota 3-position safety, a timney trigger and a Jim Kobe bolt handle.


Here's a view of the bottom metal that I chose to reduce weight. It's from Brownells and is the P. A. W. S. aluminum and annodized model


the VZ-24 needs to be drilled and tapped....this one for my weaver bases.


and another photo because I have it.


As a summary of costs consider this and add your own numbers as you see fit

VZ-24 costs.....approximately
1. original rifle/action.............$150
2. three position safety installed...$250.
3. Timney trigger....................$35.
4. drill and tap for scope...........$40.
5. bolt handle alter.................$60.
6. bottom metal......................$75.
7. new guard screws..................$5.
approximate total...................$615

costs vary immensely as some of these things we do ourselves and don't have to hire them done. Some may cost much more.....bottom metal for example. If you choose to retain the original milsurp bottom metal the cost is a lot less. You may choose a two position safety for $150 less than the 3-position. I've done most of the work on this one and I have $390 in it as it shows here.

I looked at it this way as it makes it almost feature for feature with the MRC action.

IMO the mauser is a preferable action to the MRC for cartridges such as the .30-06 family and 7 X 57 family. This is very subjective however as the MRC is a fine action as well.

This mauser will be lighter IMO than the MRC and I'm very happy with the overall quality of the project.

You may have noticed some pitting of the action under the wood line. This can be tigged shut and repolished. I didn't think it's necessary and it'll not show in the final product.

I hope this helps those looking at a Mauser compared to other actions.

The VZ-24 will also make a fine magnum but I'd opt for the MRC in that project as I don't want the hassle of feed rail work.

Dog,
Thanks for the cost comparison. Luckily you can do a lot of the work yourself.
If a person had to have ALL this work done (as on your VZ 24) by someone else, which barreled action with bottom metal do you think is a better deal?

quote:

Originally posted by James C Scott:
Dog,
Thanks for the cost comparison. Luckily you can do a lot of the work yourself.
If a person had to have ALL this work done (VZ 24) by someone else, which one (barreled action with bottom metal) would you recommend ?

There's more to it than cost......a lot more.

One thing I'll never understand and that's the bargain prices one gets on the barrel when he buys a barreled action. You can't get a barreled action on a VZ.....you add the barrel separately.

However you can get a barreled action from MRC and I suspect it's far more cost effective than a VZ-24.....that is unless you want a Hart barrel.....or some other special manufacturer's barrel.

In short there's no way to build a cheap custom rifle but all in all I'd say the Mauser will cost more in the end.

Lets face it folks....if cost is the critical issue we're heading to the store and getting a Savage.

Dog,
You nailed it.
Saw a recent post here about someone wanting a CZ 550 Magnum action. Apparantly, the entire gun new is less than the cost of the action and an aftermarket (that's what they are folks) barrel. What gives here Dog ?
Why is this?

And by the way, I agree with you completly. Right down to that pitting not being a problem during our lifetime. ( I'm 58 ).

Thanks Vapo. I am thinking in the long run the mauser might be the way to go. I pick up parts do things and get things done a little at a time. To me that is the most fun. So a custom rifle over a period of (long) time does not affect the budget much. Thanks for the reply, I was trying to find out what the best bang for the buck is. Price tag was going to be about the same. Can you PM me some pics of that action

quote:

Originally posted by Blueprinted:
Can you PM me some pics of that action

The Mauser?...the pics on this thread is all I have right now.

If you want pics of something else let me know.

I know where there is a 1999 action in the white for the wholesale price if you want it....but can't get you pics

It's for the 30-06 case family, right hand and chrome moly. IIRC the price is about $450 give or take.