i just purchased my first mauser - a 1909 argentine - and i want to have a custom made out of it. i tried mark stratton, but he was not taking new work, so i was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for a gunsmith to build my gun.
what i want to do:
rebarrel to 7x57
slick up action
replace safety and trigger
drill and tap for scope
install iron sights
blue the metal
restock w/ accurate innovations stock or similar. i will wait a few years for really nice stock.

any suggestions will be appreciated.
rusty75

May I suggest the following
1. Heat treat the action unless you intend to shoot factory loads (American) in the gun.

2. Stocking the barreled action before bluing as it's easier to stock it before bluing. One can cover the minor dings and scratches done in stocking. It sure can be done the other way but it's just best to blue the metal last.

I don't do custom work but there's several here that I suspect will do a fine job for you.

For mauser work, Stuart Satterlee is among those names at the top of the list (as is any man that makes his own mausers - at least in my book).

see his website:

www.satterleearms.com


.

http://www.robinsoncustomguns.com


Check out the "services" section.

skaggs gunsmithing did a nice job on my 30/06 on a 1943 mauser. barreled it, faced the bolt, and i killed a deer with it last weekend.

If you are only going to do it once:

Craig Click does superb work on 1909 Argentines.
So does Lee Helgeland.

quote:

Originally posted by 22WRF:
If you are only going to do it once:

Craig Click does superb work on 1909 Argentines.
So does Lee Helgeland.

22WRF,
do you have websites or phone numbers or addresses for these folks?

I saw Lee's work at the 2005 ACGG show. He had a .338 that I fell in love with. I'd recommend him as well.

Rusty75,
I have recommended David Christman several times and every body are very happy with the quality and price. He did my 458 Lott and is doing my 7x57 now. He along with Jim Dubell did the ACGG matched pair for 2006 I believe. His turn around time has been very good for me. 1-318-878-1395
Butch

Here is a link to David Christman's web site.

quote:

He along with Jim Dubell did the ACGG matched pair for 2006

Jim has my MRC1999 Custom right now for metalwork.

For a one time only project, I would think about Gene Simillion for a working rifle that is a work of art.

Mark Skaggs:

http://www.skaggsgunsmithing.com/

Weagle

Some of these names ring a bell.
Anyone recognise this weapon(9.3x64B)from ACGG 2004? I cannot remember the mans name.
About 5'6",slim,silver hair,light beard, 55-60yo....????

one time only for me means about $1,000, so are there any smiths close to that price range?

i doubt that you'll all that with first class work for 1000

I think you are looking at close to $2500-$3000 for what you are asking for.
Butch

For about four, I mignt be talked into one with a wood stock.

quote:

Originally posted by RUSTY75:
one time only for me means about $1,000, so are there any smiths close to that price range?

That should cover the metallic sights(Inthe white), but then comes regulation and gold/platin lines.
For a 1000 buck you may can find a decent picture of a nice Mauser custom rifle.

quote:

one time only for me means about $1,000,

For metal work or metal and wood? Mark Skaggs is about as low priced as they come for metal work. You will get basic. Non of the high labor smoothing, squaring etc.

Might I suggest for your budget. Consider a used commercial FN, Higgins, Herter or even an early MKX barrel action. Get your caliber with sites refinish and the stock you talked about and you could get out close to the $1000.

Unless you really must have a converted 98 it is really hard to pay someone to convert an action cheaper than going with a good FN.

My 2 cents and time for coffee.

now that that i see how expensive this can be i am going to be more realistic in my desires.
new desires:
slick up 1909 action
drill and tap
bent bolt handle
new trigger and safety
blueprint action
rebarrel with 7x57 barrel
replace stock with boyds or richards microfit
leave clean w/ no sights
blue metal

if these are my desires can i find a smith to keep it below $1,000?

Rusty, you MAY be able to get the metal work done for that $1000, but I don't think you will be able to make it with the stock. I have used Mark Skaggs before and he does first rate work for reliable hunting rifles. He is a little backed up right now since he took a day job, but it is worth the wait.

If you can do the stock work, the price is easier to meet. I have one with Randy Selby right now that I am getting everything I want in the way of metal work, including 7x57 octagon Douglas barrel, surface grind and polish, squaring & trueing, timney trigger, 2-position Dakota type safety, new bolt handle, fine matt blue and leupold mounts (no open sights) for $1400. I supplied the action and bottom metal and I will do all of the stock work.

Thats about as inexpensive as you can get for good, high quality work.

Randy Selby

COnsider this as my charge:

Slick up action, includes removing reara charger hump, contour rear tang, drill and tap four holes $110

New bolt handle $75

New timney trigger $40

Two position safety $95

Wouldn't bother with the blueprinting

Rebarrel with shilen CM, installed $330

I would use a Rimrock stock, finished and bedded $450

Reblue all the metal matte finish $135

Trigger guard should be re-contoured $35

You still need scope mounts and a scope; you add it up; there could be a discount if I do all the work.

Jim

Well you have now cut all the corners. Since you are now building a basic 7x57. It it were me.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=58601306
Pay the $375
Sell the stock
Change the safety if you want.
Buy the stock you want and reblue. You would have a nice 7x57 for less than $1000.

I have had numerous MKX I have never had one that wouldn't shoot sub MOA.

Jim does that price depend on the fluctuations?
Butch

quote:

Originally posted by Woodjack:
Some of these names ring a bell.
Anyone recognise this weapon(9.3x64B)from ACGG 2004? I cannot remember the mans name.
About 5'6",slim,silver hair,light beard, 55-60yo....????

Guessing from the stock style: Dennis Earnhart?

Rusty, I'd take Jim Kobe up on his offer. Jim will give you top quality work.

I also opt for the new Bolt knob as Jim suggests. You can replace the existing knob with a new one for about what it will take to fordge bend the old one.

Provided there are no issues or surprises with your action you should come out just a little above your goal. All in all a tremendous bargain.

I give Jim Kobe my vote also.
Butch

Or grab this one up that's listed over on 24 hr: Looks like a good deal to me, I can't believe it hasn't sold.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?C...&an=0&page=5#1033454

weagle

Fyi, just saw a never used FN commercial action (in the white) at my smiths. Excellent condition. If I didn't have 2 projects going I would of bought it. $450.00 was the asking price. This would be your best bet amd you could get close to the $1000 limit without the stock

First and only custom Mauser? Ha! I said that once myself.

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
For a one time only project, I would think about Gene Simillion for a working rifle that is a work of art.

Do you have Gene's address?

Thanks,

Bill

One and Only? That doesn't really set a budget, and it can range a hell of a lot. If you like Mark Stratton, and his work, wait till he is able to take you. schedule it now. some smiths will take the job but tell you it is a year or two before they can actually get it done. If you are thinking octagon barrel Mark is the man.

there are many other smiths out there, some mentioned here, you might also think about the Biesen's, their prices seem downright great in the custom market. (based on the prices I see on their site).

I recommend getting the ACGG publication on having a custom rifle built, gives you a couple of ways to do it, some worksheets to keep track of it, suggestions. If you are going to have one person build it your list gets shorter, if you are going to have more than one person do the work then it gets longer and you are responsible for having it all done and to the next person.

Personally I think working with more than one craftsmen is fun. If you are goign to only do it once savor it, don't just go for the guy that can get it fastest. I love just planning the projects, even though I can't afford to get them all off the paper.

Red

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
COnsider this as my charge:

Slick up action, includes removing reara charger hump, contour rear tang, drill and tap four holes $110

New bolt handle $75

New timney trigger $40

Two position safety $95

Wouldn't bother with the blueprinting

Rebarrel with shilen CM, installed $330

I would use a Rimrock stock, finished and bedded $450

Reblue all the metal matte finish $135

Trigger guard should be re-contoured $35

You still need scope mounts and a scope; you add it up; there could be a discount if I do all the work.

Jim

This is the best price you will ever see for competent work.

Not to hi-jack the thread, but I would like to ask Jim Kobe about recontouring the tang and then using a Rimrock stock.

Jim - If you recontour the tang, wouldn't you then have to re-shape the stock blank accordingly? I would have thought that reshaping a Rimrock would be a no-no, and that you would likely break thru the shell, no?

Just curious as to what your experiences are with this.

Thanks,

Bob

Tip Burns:

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4711043/m/506100755

First and only mauser project, right. You must be the guy that can eat just one Lay's potato chip too.

quote:

First and only mauser project, right. You must be the guy that can eat just one Lay's potato chip too.

that is funny! You buy one Mauser and get it worked you will never be the same! I bought my second Mauser and having it worked by Stuart Satterlee this winter. Very attractive actions.

I can't eat just one Lay's thats for sure

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
COnsider this as my charge:

Slick up action, includes removing reara charger hump, contour rear tang, drill and tap four holes $110

New bolt handle $75

New timney trigger $40

Two position safety $95

Wouldn't bother with the blueprinting

Rebarrel with shilen CM, installed $330

I would use a Rimrock stock, finished and bedded $450

Reblue all the metal matte finish $135

Trigger guard should be re-contoured $35

You still need scope mounts and a scope; you add it up; there could be a discount if I do all the work.

Jim

This is the best price you will ever see for competent work.

One gets , what ones pay for...

Right now, I have a vz-24 turned into Wildwestguns. I had them screw on a 22" shilen bbl in 35whelan (havent tried a shilen yet), hinged bottom metal, timney trigger, D&T with bases, bueller (sp) safety and welded on a different bolt handle to clear my scope and I'm still under $500. It needs to be finished but I need to fit my stock (they told me the same, fit the stock then get it finished). even with the finish, I will still be under $800, grant it its not gonna be a high dollar show rifle, but it will be a good working mans gun.

I coulda gone much more expensive, but with the weather and terrain up here, I'm saving my money, cuz I'll just break it.

I would strongly suggest taking Jim up on that offer, then going to Great American Gunstocks and perusing their line of in stock, high quality 98% inletted and finished stocks. With a budget of $700 for wood you will be awestruck by the photos, as I was/am. Good luck, and keep us all posted on the WIP (work in progress).

regards,

Rich

"one and only...". Yeah, right! Did you actually post that with a straight face?