M98 Mauser M98/03 info.?

[JohnA98]

I recently bought a raw casting of a Parker-Hale M98 Mauser receiver. I did some reasearch and found that it was a commercial 98 Mauser part that used a Springfield '03 bolt and was used in Midland Rifle Co. sporters.  "Trusting soul that I am", I would like some further verification if at all possible. In my on-line searching, I read that one of our members, brithunter, had a good knowledge of Parker-Hale riflles. I would like to do something with it, but I imagine that the cost (machining, heat treating,etc) would be way too much. Maybe I'll just put it somewhere where it'll look purty. Being a new member and a "Miss'sippi Redneck", "I 'preshate ya'll's help". Thanks again,  John

[Mikey]

I think it is a bit of a question as to whether Parker-Hale bought out Midland or vice versa, but I recall they started making or at least selling lower cost 'put-togethers from parts' in the 60s.  I know that Parker-Hale used SMLE 303 actions (No1 Mk3 and No4 Mk1) and re-barrelled them (still in 303) to make some really nice rifles.  I think Parker-Hale also started making or trying to make Mauser sporters at around that time but there were issus both with the company and the quality of the rifles they were turning out. 
 
Someone once said they were using Mauser actions with Springfield 03 or 03a3 bolts and stock parts but to be honest, since we paid Paul Mauser for patent infringements when we developed the 03 I don't see why the parts would not match up, like magazine floor plates, bolts, etc.   
 
Someone also once said they thought that Midland Rifle Co later on became the Gibbs Rifle Co, which is still in production turning No4 Mk1 SMLE actions into good quality 45-70 sporters.  I think Gibbs also sporterized the 96/38 Swedish Mausers in 6.5 Swede but not really sure 'bout that.
 
John - I think the cost of finishing off that casting into something workable might be quite steep but you can always make a lamp out of it.....

[JohnA98]

Hey, Mikey, I think I paid less than $42.00 for the receiver incl. shipping, so it didn't leave me destitute (so far). Just wondering how deep in debt I would have to go to do your lamp suggestion.  I sincerely appreciate your response.  John

[Bigeasy]

Welcome to the forum John.  I don't know much about these rifles, and may be wrong, but I believe I read somewhere that some of these Parker Hale actions were sourced from Spain, using the old Santa Barbara cast Mauser actions.  With the wide availability of Mark X Mauser rifles out there in the $3-400 range, I don't see how it would be cost effective to complete that receiver into a good shooting rifle, unless you just want the challenge of doing it.
 
Larry

[JohnA98]

Hi, Larry, thanks for the welcome and the response. I think between  my 1909 Argy, 2 VZ24's, and  my FR-8 projects, I have enough "stuff buyin" to do without the receiver gettin' in the way. Maybe I should take Mikey's advice about making it into a lamp after all. Thanks again.  John