I have seen the availability of several Mauser type actions, i.e. Charles Daly, CZ and Legacy. Would any of these be a good choice as a starting point or would I be better off finding a used Rem. 700 or Winchester Model 70 and then proceeding from there? I am thinking of chambering to either .300 WSM or .325 WSM. Does the short magnum chambering cause any other concerns for a action? Thanks.

duckster,
if you are set on the wsm line, then the mauser action would delay your project, cost you more time, and be more frustration when it's said and done.

imho, if you would like to have a wsm gun (I like them, just a bugger to get to feed) then get a new model 70, and restock it

jeffe

Jeffe

That is kind of what I was wondering. Maybe less hassle to have a restock and accurizing job on a factory number. I considered the Kimber Montana, but not really sure that I want a magnum in recoil in a 6 lb rifle. I like to shoot them for fun as well as for hunting and I think the recoil in that package might limit the "fun" a little. Now for hunting, it would be a different story.

My US friend spent endless hours and a lot of prime gunsmith time getting a WSM to feed from a long action. Never succeeded, and gave up in the end. His colleague insisted on the WSM in the long action, and the last time we went hunting he ended up hunting with his old .25-06 in frustation over feeding problems. I'm not saying it can't be done, but there are risks involved when using an action not intended for the short, fat rounds.

I personally think it would be a safer bet to go with one of the actions proven on the WSM platform - plus the right magazine. Short M70s, A-Bolts or MRCs spring to mind.

- mike