I just got this back from Mark Stratton yesterday and thought I'd share some pictures of it. The pictures don't do it justice, maybe when the sun is up I can get better ones later.

It's a 1910 Mexican M-98 small-ring with a 1936 cocking piece, Blackburn bottom metal, Marks own custom octagon barrel (7X57), custom bases and a Dakota safety.

It turned out beautiful. The price was reasonable and Mark is an absolute professional ! I can't say enough nice things about the guy. Work came in on time, he didn't mind answering dumb questions (I tend to ask a lot) and didn't mind a few minor changes along the way. He sent me a drawing of what the barrel was going to look like before he cut it and keep in touch through the whole process. I'm sure we're going to do business again.

I've still got to find a stockmaker. I had planned on getting Chic to do it, but he's booked up for a while. I'll pursue that after the new year.

Anyway, here's the pics.

Terry

Best Mex that i've seen in a long time!

Nice!! No offense, but I'm not wild about the bolt handle shape. It's classic looking, but I would prefer a bit more bend.

Terry,
it's amazing...

i need that bottom metal!!

jeffe

This is hot! I think I need his contact information if that is okay?

Mark sure does nice work. That's one to be proud of.

wow

I think you should give that to me for christmas

That is slick.

Terry, yeha buddy I'm happy for ya, it turned out great as if there were any doubt. I love those custom bases Mark does. Of course you know what I think about that octagon barrel
I still think while it was up our way you should have dropped it off at Scrollcutters
Keep us updated with more pictures.

quote:

Originally posted by D Humbarger:
Best Mex that i've seen in a long time!

I got a couple Mexicans you could work on!

Terry-

That is absolutely breathtaking. You got to be one proud poppa. I also saw your 9.3 on another post; snatched that one out of dire circumstances.

Take care.

Beautiful, I wouldn't change a thing.

Looks Perfect!

Who's bolt handle, Glimm or McFarland ?

Is the handle as long as the photos depict, dislike those short stubby handles.

Good Luck and Enjoy.

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by 30 Caliber Mag Fan:
Terry-

That is absolutely breathtaking. You got to be one proud poppa. I also saw your 9.3 on another post; snatched that one out of dire circumstances.

Take care.

Nobody would know better than you

Thanks,
Terry

Fantastic work ! why a 7X57 ? you could have a 280 Rem /7mm Exp

quote:

I got a couple Mexicans you could work on!

Bring um over & with that old wooden stock we talked about.

quote:

Originally posted by concho:
Fantastic work ! why a 7X57 ? you could have a 280 Rem /7mm Exp

Simple, classic rifle-classic round. Besides, this action is purpose built for the 7X57. If you put anything bigger in you'll need to start cutting.

Terry

I have a 1910 Mex Mauser that is going to D&D in troy, Mi the begining of the year. My choice is 8x57 mauser. Barrel is ordered from Lilja #3 contour. Not quite sure about the stock yet, they still have to finish my 7-08 on a Rem 600 action.

Believe it or not, I do more 7 X57's on Mauser actions on a ratio of 3 to 1. It's a very popular cartridge for custom work. The next project after Terry's was a G33/40 in 7 X 57. I'm working on it right now. It's a cartridge that's been around since before the turn of the last century and still gong strong today. Go figure...

quote:

Originally posted by concho:
Fantastic work ! why a 7X57 ? you could have a 280 Rem /7mm Exp

not in a mexican mauser...
3.15 is max in that

jeffe

very sweet!!! love the bolt handle,,Why 7x57?????????? It's a proven round,,was even used for a dgr rifle in it's day,,There's a few elephant souls probably floating around still talking about thier encounter with that round,,Clay

Very beautiful! Congratulations to the gunmaker on his work and to you on your impeccable taste!