Last September I stumbled across a sporterized M-98 in a Pawn shop. It still had the 8X57 milsurp bbl on it, practically no blueing, bolt turned, drilled and taped, redfield scope base, buhler saftey and a battle worn walnut sporter stock. Being an 8X57 they were only asking $125.00 for the gun so I jumped at it. Love that chambering!

Then my 'smith said he would install and blue a Shaw bbl for me for $225.00. I polished up the action and said said your on! I selected a 257 AI.

After a long wait the bbl finaly arrived. While waiting I refinished the stock and aquired some brass and dies and loaded up some loads to fireform. Nothing fancy, just some middle of the road loads from a Speer manual. After that, all I had to do when I got it was hog out the stock a bit to free float the new bbl and I added a $100.00 Bushnell Trophy. The end result was a beautifull and astonishingly well ballanced rifle.

While fireforming I clocked 100 grn loads @ 2900+ fs and put 10 shots in 1 1/4" and several 3 shot groups were sub moa. Cant wait to see what it will do with some real loads.

Just for those who think a nice custom is out of their reach, it can be done.

[ 07-11-2003, 21:45: Message edited by: Wstrnhuntr ]

Wstrnhuntr - What variety of 98 was it? Sounds like you have ended up with a nice rig.

I think its a BNZ. ??

Man, you got a great price from your smith!! Post some pics of the rifle. You are going to be very happy with it I am sure. I am going to someday get a rifle in the exact same chambering, my stepfather has one on a 1903 that shoots like a dream.

Red

BNZ was the code for JP Saur & sohn

I have a custom VZ24 in 257 RAI that is my favorite, most accurate, and loudest gun.

49.4 gr IMR4895, 72 gr Berger Moly MEF, WLR

I let someone who is better shot than me shoot 5 shots, and it got a .55" 5 shot group at 100m.

That gun is so accurate, it deserves a better owner, but it's not getting one.