I have been offered a Herter's "Custom FN Mauser" action, circa 1960's, currently barreled in 270. I don't have it in hand so I can't offer any more specific information as to proof marks, etc.
Is this a good action, suitable for a custom remake, perhaps in 35 Whelen or 338-06?
Any insight as to original manufacturer and quality? Value?
Many thanks. Tom

If it's a F.N. it's a good action and worthy of building on assuming it's in good shape. What kind of safety does it have? Trigger or bolt shroud? I prefer the bolt shroud left side safety myself and would not replace it if it had one.

Terry

Although it is certainly possible that Herter's used some FN Mausers to build their rifles, they more commonly used Zastavia, Spanish, or German-made Mauser-type actions (typically on the '98 pattern.) None of these actions, including the German-made one that I used to own, are up to par with an FN. Be sure of the action provenance before your purchase.

Yes, it is a great action, if it is indeed a Belgian-made FN. And I believe Herter's was selling FN-made barreled actions in the 1960's at the same time Sears was selling J.C. Higgnis rifles with FN actions. Except for the nostalgia aspect, I don't think there ever was a better M98-type Mauser action made than those FN's that were made after WWII, not even a pre-WWII Oberndorf sporter.....

if it stamped as a j9, it is zastava action, which is good. if it is a u9, it is a BSA, whch is evidently better. this according their catalogs during the 1960s....

if it is stamped as something else, it is probably the FN?

I have a J9 in 6MM Rem and it is the zastava intermediate action. It was part of a kit from Herters - you should have seen the fitting job it had when I purchased it - sold the stock and have another stock to install.
I had one BSA many years ago and it was so different that I didn't care for it and traded it pretty quick - may be a personal preference.
Also have a FN in 244 Mashburn with double set triggers - it is sweet.

i rather like my herter's j9 - it's not my intention to hijack the thread, but if anyone is looking for more information on the j9, it can be found here:

http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8...KW=herter&PN=0&TPN=1