I would like to build a 30/06 on a mauser action. My question is, will the military mausers (I realize there are many types) accomodate a 30/06 legnth cartridge w/o or with minimal modification? If so, which actions/models are preferable, etc. Thanks, in advance.

John

Have I got a deal for you. I have a Model 50 Sears Barrled action in extremely good condition in 30-06 caliber for $410 shipped. It has the FN commercial Mauser action. You won't even come close to that price if you try and modify a military one.

I don't generally use factory ammo, but a couple of years back I bought two boxes of Federal Hi-Energy .30/'06 ammo with 165-grain bullets.

This stuff fit in my Argentine Mauser 7.65X53mm magazine box with PLENTY of room to spare. (I was checking the action to see if it would work for a .338 Gibbs.)

There is no doubt that I could get '06 rounds loaded with long 200-grain bullets into that magazine with no problems at all.

Although I'm sure there are exceptions (one example above), the 98 length military cartridge boxes are generally considered just a bit too short for the 30-06--I think about .080". There are a couple ways to lengthen the mag box, neither of which is very dificult to do.

Thanks guys. Thanks for the offer 22, but I need to learn a little more about the subject before I bite on anything. I'll keep you in mind.

TT,
Is the only problem with the 98 action the box itself?

John, unless you just want a project, I would seriously consider 22WRF's advice. The FN Deluxe is the very finest 98 Mauser IMO and doesn't require much if any additional gunsmithing.

Thats probably where I'll end up. Thanks.

Yup, just the magazine box. The action itself is plenty long enough and more often than not the 30-06 will feed without any alteration to the rails.

I paid $350 for one in .270 with a Timney trigger about 2 months ago. They are a good deal.

You can find a complete rifle with commercial FN action for $300-350. I know were at least 5 are right now