WE all know that in customizing a mauser one generally puts on a new bolt handle, has the action ground, changes the rear sear slot angle a bit for better stocking, new bottom metal, etc.

I have now picked up 3 pre 64 actions and wonder what amount of customization I should do to them. Do folks generally have that squiggle on the front ground off. What else is generally done to make a high end pre 64.

How much money do you want to spend? I have seen Pre-64's with so much money put into them that starting with a Hein or GMA action would have been cheaper.

How about machining square bridges, custom bottom metal with magazine box specially made for a specific cartridge and a new bolt handle with no sweep back?

Harris

Sounds good for starters.

Gold plate it and Hang some fuzzy dice on it.

I have a 257Roberts being built on a Mdl 70. Only mods are new straight bolt handle and Blackburn bottom metal. Square bridges are nice also, but some custom bases for Talley rings will do in their place.

quote:

Originally posted by GSP7:
Gold plate it and Hang some fuzzy dice on it.

GSP

I have heard that you have a few rifles that have had this treatment. Please tell me who you used for a smith so that I can duplicate what you have.

What I am getting at is how much polishing and remachining of the action is usually done.

I would imagine any really top smith would true the action and adjust the trigger (surface grind as necessary)as a matter of course. I don't know what else is really needed on most Mdl 70's. Polishing and jeweling of bolt are personal likes and dislikes. My 257 will be matte finished. Polish of feed ramp and modification of follower and rails are a necessary part of the custom build to me.

The bolt release can be built up and be a nice touch. Gene Simillion has checkered several bolt releases for me and I am not sure I dont like that treatment just aswell if not better.

HBH

I like a straight bolt handle and have done that with mine.

Anything else is the merest affectation.

Seriously, besides the new bolt handle, I've had mine blueprinted and also had the lugs lapped. But that's it.

quote:

How about machining square bridges, custom bottom metal with magazine box specially made for a specific cartridge and a new bolt handle with no sweep back?

Although it is a MRC1999, they are very similar to the M/70, and I am having the square bridge mounts made by Dubell and a straight bolt handle.