Just asking so I know what to expect when I go shopping. I have a Mauser 98 large ring action (no barrel on it now) and a A&B pretheaded chambered barrel for 35 wheelen. At this time I think the only thing I would like to have done to it is install and head space the barrel and lap the lugs. How much should I expect to pay for this service? The bolt handle mod and scope mounts have already been done. Thanks, Terry

[ 02-06-2003, 06:47: Message edited by: TC1 ]

I just paid $100 for a factory barrel to be removed and a new factory barrel to be installed, headspace checked, test fired and clocked to line the roll marks. This was done on the CT Gold Coast where we dress up in tweeds.

I suppose some backwoods guy could do as well for less.

TC1

Researching this type of work you will likely encounter two types of gunsmiths.

Gunsmith #1 is pretty good at mechanical things and understands the general concept of barreling and headspace. However his philosophy borders on the rough side and often he uses the phrase "thats good enough". He also places profit above quality. He will lap the locking lugs a little bit using a wood dowel for pressure for 3 or 4 minutes. Then he will screw the barrel in the action and torque it down good and tight. He will check the fit with a go guage then begin reaming the chamber deeper with the reamer on an extension so he can turn it by hand with a wrench or brace and bit. When he gets it deep enough for the bolt to close on a go guage and not close on a no go guage then he will quit. Most likely he will not test fire the barreled action (he knows what he's doing, right?). He will have spent about one hour from start to finish and charge you about $45.00 to $60.00.

Gunsmith #2 is a very particular fellow and pays attention to every detail, he strives for excellance because he knows his work is his signature. He will spend 3 hours on a 1 hour job if thats what it takes to do the job to the best of his ability. First he will wash the grease out of the action with solvent, then coat the lug recesses in the action and the bolt lugs with dykem blue and cycle the bolt, then check for proper fit. A lot of times if the action has matching numbers or has been in service for quite a while the lugs will already be making good contact. If not he will carefully lap with an arbor to push on the bolt in a straight line, and then wash the action out with solvent again to remove all the lapping compound. Then he will mount the action on an arbor and dial it in on the lathe and make a light truing cut on the acion face. He will then check the barrel threads for fit in the action, if they bind sometimes he will have to chase the threads in the lathe for proper fit. He will mike the barrel shoulder and action/bolt relationship. Then machine the barrel shank so it will contact the action face and torque ring equally. He will then ream the chamber while the barrel is running true in the lathe to correct measured headspace dimensions, usually as near zero as practical. He will also check the crown for any burrs or inaccuracy and recrown if necassary. Clean the barrel, test fire with factory ammo, label and store the empty brass and mark the caliber on the barrel.

Gunsmith #1 will charge you from $45.00 to $65.00.

Gunsmith #2 will charge you from $75.00 to $100.00. Plus lapping the bolt lugs if needed.

You would be amazed at the number of people who think gunsmith #2 is ripping them off.

The worst scenario of course is the #1 gunsmith who charges like #2.

Good luck in your quest for a proper job.

Craftsman

I agree with you pn the method , when rebarrel a mauser action , receiver face is always crunch by the shoulder of the miltary barrel and never look nice and square , so the first thing do or to pay for in to squuare the receiver face before plan to rebarrel and before to checkthe headspace

just few $ more can do lot difference in quality and accuracy

good shooting

DAN TEC