Mauser 98 at what point unsafe

[Tackleberry]

I bought a VZ-24 receiver a while back that was in pretty good shape, was going to use it to build a .308 Norma Mag. There were three scope mount holes already drilled, one on the rear part of the receiver and two in the front ring. Didn't really look at them close until I got to the stage where you set up your mounts. I then noticed that the front holes had been drilled cocked so that the front mount would not be lined up with the centerline of the receiver. Perhaps why I got a good deal on it ($35.00).

<My question, if I plug these holes (with screws,epoxy and cut off)  and redrill, at what point does the receiver become unsafe to use. would I be better saving this one for a low pressure project? Or....scrapping it....

I have another receiver I can use..a Columbian 98...

[parkergunshop]

Tackleberry

It should be safe to plug the miss aligned holes and then drill and tap  new holes with the proper alignment.

The  front receiver strength areas are not generally hurt by two tiny 6x48 holes.

I often drill an additional gas port hole on the left side of 1917/1914 Enfield and 1903 Springfield receiver fronts opposite of the existing right side port  to vent gas and make them safer in the event of a blown primer or case head failure.    I also drill three gas relief holes in the right side of the bolt body at the ejection area on Enfields to vent gas out of the bolt to help keep  gas from exiting out the back of the bolt sleeve into the shooters face.

98 Mausers don't need this since they handle gas better due to the better design of the bolt sleeve and barrel enclosure at the front.

My big magnums .338 Winchester, 375 H&H, 458 Winchester Mag are built on Enfield Actions,  They are a lot of work to convert to sporter use, but are better suited for the big ones.  I like the 1914 Enfields due to the bolt head and extractor not needing opening up for magnum cases.

I really like the VZ24 Actions have built several rifles on them in 30-06 headsize chamberings, They are almost as good as the BYF or S42 Oberdorfs and you don't have to worry about the heat treatment on them.   The DWM's are probably the best from a tolerance standpoint but can be a little soft from a heat treat standpoint.

The last rifle I put together was a 338/06 on a VZ24 Action with a Shaw Barrel and Hogue Full Aluminum Bedding Block Stock.  It groups between 1/2 and 3/4 inch with the loads it likes.

[parkergunshop]

Tackleberry,

Just finished plugging two holes drilled too far forward on the front receiver ring on a 1903 Springfield,  plugged them with two 6/48 screws installed, cut off with a hacksaw, peened and filed smooth and cleaned up with a polishing wheel.   Two holes at the correct location were then drilled and tapped just behind the plugged holes. for a  Redfield one piece base,

This was necessary due to the recoil shoulder on the base not being correctly lined up when the first two holes were drilled.   

The original holes were centered, just not where they should have been lenght wise on the front ring.