Author Topic: K98 in 7.62x39 project rifle (Read 2660 times)

huntsman · « **on:** January 23, 2005, 08:38:58 AM »

Latched onto a non-matching K98 for $40 with a good action last year with a pretty beat up barrel and sporterized original stock. I am finishing up converting it into a practical deer rifle for my 12-year-old daughter in 7.62x39. We've wanted a bolt 7.62x39 because she loved the cartridge but didn't take to the SKS (automatic)very well. We both prefer bolt guns.

Step 1: Bold trigger @$40
Step 2: Custom large ring mauser barrel in 7.62x39 with magazine spring and spacer @$80
Step 3: Drill and tap receiver, Redfield one-piece scope mount, Redfield rings, install new barrel, gunsmith adjust and check @$150
Step 4: Corelite mauser stock, black $45
Step 5: Shorten stock and file bolt handle groove (free, did myself)
Step 6: Good used Redfield 4x scope $50

Total cost for custom large-ring mauser in 7.62x39 = $405

All in all I think we got a unique gun for not too bad a price. What think ye customizers out there?

Shorty · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2005, 10:31:45 AM »

Sounds like an interesting piece. :grin:
If you hadn't gotten the original rifle so cheap, you'd have put too much into it, but that's where the fun is!

1911crazy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2005, 01:10:02 PM »

This is a custom gun built for your daughter I think thats awesome!!! Its not a matter of cost if she shoots it and likes it thats what its all about!!! It does sound about right for all the goodies you have in it.

MGMorden · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2005, 01:48:14 PM »

Now I'm not the most experienced person on this so forgive me if it's a stupid question, but wouldn't you need a new bolt? Seems like the bolt face on the K98 would be much too large for 7.62x39.

jh45gun · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2005, 01:51:32 PM »

Building it is most of the fun and like most of us we have found out you can buy a sporter cheaper these days than if you go the full blown route sporterising a military gun. Expecially with barrel change ect ect. I bet a CZ with out looking would have been cheaper but hey she got a rifle that Dad built or had built which has to mean a lot to her and will even more down the line. Jim

earschplitinloudenboomer · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2005, 09:00:18 PM »

Interarms used to offer the MK-10 Mini Mauser in this caliber. Don't know if they still do, but it was small, light and easy to taylor to a small framed person. Having said that...I love project rifles! Have done several, realized early on that you don't save any money but the process is very rewarding. Don't recommend that you "Bubba" a nice milsurp, but lots of parts guns and barreled actions are still out there.

huntsman · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2005, 03:30:15 AM »

The only bolt rifle I could find in 7.62x39 (other than custom rifles out of my price range) was the CZ 527 package (w/ poor scope) at @$500+ and the Ruger MKII limited edition (no scope) at @$550+. Maybe there are others, but I couldn't find any on Gunbroker, Auction Arms, Guns America, or any local shops.

The CZ has only an 18.5 inch barrel, which further weakens an already mild cartridge for deer. It also adds kick and blast that I don't desire in this rifle (for obvious reasons). It would need a new scope of better quality (for my standards), so add the scope price to the $500+.

The Ruger is a nice rifle, stainless, but to the $550 price add drill and tap + good mount = $75 minimum, plus the scope price as above.

MGM: My gunsmith didn't say anything about needing a new bolt. The bolt extractor (the only part critical on the bolt face) is larger on the 8x57, but it reaches to about .412 diameter when closed. The outside diameter of the 7.62x39 base is .447 (inside is .376), so it is catching about half the base. It's not a perfect fit, but it is good enough to get the job done. I won't be shooting any hot handloads (factory ammo at $2 a box), so I doubt I will ever need the full catch to extract a spent case. I've tested the bolt on an unfired 7.62x39 case and the catch seems satisfactory. Anyone please correct me if I am misguided here.

DWARREN123 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2005, 04:01:18 AM »

I also like the 7.62X39 in a bolt action, got a CZ 527 carbine for $442 at WWW.WHITTAKERGUNS.COM , I am real happy with this rifle/round combination. Yes it does have some noise and kick, put a inexpensive 4X scope on it.
Shooting something you built gives a very good feeling.

1-shot · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2005, 06:37:35 PM »

Hey huntsman,
I have built three of them and like them very well.
How does yours cycle ammo through it.
I have had probs. with the magazines.(followers and
springs turned out to be the problem. I've got it
worked out noe though.
I did two on turk mausers and the last one was a k-98
Yugo crested model. i has a synthetic stock and is
parkerized. It does 1 to 1.5 in. groups ,shooting winchester,
and is a real nice rifle.
Good luck with yours :cb1:
1-shot...

gregszanyi · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2005, 06:28:17 PM »

Huntsman,

Where did you find the barrel and other parts in 7.62 X 39. I'm wanting to build a bolt action using a small ring Mauser action from a 95 Chilean. Can you help with info?

Thanks, Greg

1911crazy · « **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2005, 02:35:34 AM »

You can find the large ring (98) and small ring(93,95,96) 7.62x39 barrels at numrich gun parts in the mauser section. There around $100.

Since Mossberg just came out with a new bolt action rifle again I emailed them about making a youth and adult model in 7.62x39 because there only offering it in 270win and 30-06 in there new model 100 ATR(all terrain rifle) my point is the new rifle is only $244 at walmart. I'm definitely going to get one soon i've wanted a 270win & 30-06 and i have to retire my orginal mossberg in '06 since its collectable now too.

huntsman · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2005, 02:08:18 PM »

Greg,

I happened upon the barrel, follower, and spring on e-Bay, as well as the Redfield scope. Other parts can be easily had from Midway or Natchez, others.

Rustyinfla · « **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2005, 08:04:23 PM »

I know this might not be in line with what some of you are wanting but The H&R Handi Rifle is about to hit the market in 7.62 X 39. Any day now or so they say. You'll be able to get one of them for less than $200 at Wally World.

Rusty <><

kombi1976 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 21, 2005, 05:39:55 PM »

Call me a cynic but with so many other far more effective low recoil rounds why bother with 7.62x39?
For an auto or semi I can understand it but aside of that I think it's poor also-ran.
If people really want an interesting rifle try building a bolt rifle in 30-30 or 7-30 Waters.
Both are more powerful, have low recoil and could explore their full potential by not being limited to flat point bullets.
But that's just my opinion.

1911crazy · « **Reply #14 on:** February 23, 2005, 02:06:29 PM »

The point of a 7.62x39 rifle is the affordable cheap ammo thats the bottomline for me anyway you have a choice of surplus ammo that varies between $59 to $79 FMJ thats a 1,000rds or Soft point or Hollow point ammo from barnaul for hunting.

kombi1976 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 23, 2005, 04:08:02 PM »

O.k., I can see your point there but are you plinking or hunting with it?
Plus are the surplus rounds boxer or berdan primed?
In any case the 30-30 hunting ammo, although it's flat nosed is generally very cheap and faster too.
But then it's different strokes for different folks.

C1PNR · « **Reply #16 on:** March 04, 2005, 05:39:00 PM »

Quote from: kombi1976

Call me a cynic but with so many other far more effective low recoil rounds why bother with 7.62x39?
For an auto or semi I can understand it but aside of that I think it's poor also-ran.
If people really want an interesting rifle try building a bolt rifle in 30-30 or 7-30 Waters.
Both are more powerful, have low recoil and could explore their full potential by not being limited to flat point bullets.
But that's just my opinion.

Not sure where the need for flat point bullets comes from. Some that I know of have reloaded all kinds of different bullets for the BOLT action 7.62x39 cartridge. I want one of these myself, and probably in 20 to 22" barrel.

A caveat here - I haven't done it myself, only passing on what I have read.

Try loading them with cast lead in all weights up to and including ~ 150 grain. Anywhere in the 1,400 to 2,200 fps range, although a 150 @ 2,200 most likely is more of a good thing than I would need. :wink:

Sounds like a heck of a lot of fun to me! :grin:

kombi1976 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 06, 2005, 01:27:54 AM »

Quote from: C1PNR

Quote from: kombi1976
If people really want an interesting rifle try building a bolt rifle in 30-30 or 7-30 Waters.
Both are more powerful, have low recoil and could explore their full potential by not being limited to flat point bullets.
But that's just my opinion.

Not sure where the need for flat point bullets comes from. Some that I know of have reloaded all kinds of different bullets for the BOLT action 7.62x39 cartridge. I want one of these myself, and probably in 20 to 22" barrel.

I think you misunderstood my post.
When referring to being limited to flat point bullets I meant the 30-30 and 7-30 Waters.
The fact that both of these cartridges have overwhelmingly been chambered in lever actions with tube magazines meant that they had to be loaded with flat point bullets to ensure that primers would not be set off by the bullets tip under recoil.
In fact, as far as I'm aware, there are no factory loads with spitzer or soft point bullets available in 30-30 for the bolt action and single shot rifles that were and are made in limited amounts by companies like Savage and H&R/NEF.
The 7.62x39 has never suffered from this restriction as you quite rightly stated.

1911crazy · « **Reply #18 on:** March 06, 2005, 02:07:01 AM »

What attracts me to a bolt action rifle in 7,62x39 is just to have something different to shoot and cheap to feed too the whole setup is affordable.

I have taken out my sks on a few deer hunting trips when scouting around with the Hollow Point Russian Bullets and the Soft Points from Barnaul in Russia both are berdan primed.

Now I'm wondering what bore the replacement barrel is from Numrich Gun Parts? Since the american gun makers are trying to secure there market in the 7,62x39 class by making the guns shoot the .308" rather than the .310" rounds it makes them look stupid not make them use the same bullets as the sks & ak47? It would keep me from buying an american made gun that shoots 7,62x39 for sure. Like I said before I wonder what bore the barrel from Numrich is?

I have a scoped sks that I was sighting in lastyear and as the groups tightened up the scope came loose but it did shoot very accurately and tight before it happened, it kind of surprized me it shot that good with Chinese Norinco ammo of course. Since then I loctited the scope screws so it can't happen again. I was using the same brand of chinese norinco ammo with my chinese paratrooper that was shooting 1 1/2" to 2" groups benchrest. My point is the imported surplus ammo that we think is crap can actually shoot pretty good of course if we have a good barrel too. I'm guessing if we build a bolt action again with the right size barrel it could be a tack driver with this ammo or even better with reloaded ammo. Of course we must remember the 7,62x39 is good for up to deer sized game. I wouldn't go bear hunting with it. But i think the cheap affordable ammo makes this an attractive setup for plinkin and hunting and thats what draws people to it. Right now with new modern ammo costs going out of sight and who knows where it will level off the cheaper new imported ammo sure is becomming very popular(with me anyway). I would kringe when i purchased ammo for my 338winmag when it was $20 a box and now its over $30 a box needless to say I don't plink or target shoot with this gun. A day at the range with bought ammo isn't so cheap anymore I can remember when 30-06 ammo was $8 a box and now its $15 to $25 so if I shot 6 boxes of ammo at the range it gets costly. So a 1,000rds of 7,62x39 thats under $100 looks attractive and that will put meat on the table too.

GGaskill · « **Reply #19 on:** March 09, 2005, 02:23:18 PM »

The leade on 7.62x39 chambers is only 1Â° which allows the safe use of .311" bullets in a .308" barrel. Swaging down a bad bullet during firing seems to improve it as the British long range shooters routinely used .305" diameter barrels for their 7.62 NATO rifles when using the issued military ammo.

1911crazy · « **Reply #20 on:** March 09, 2005, 04:11:20 PM »

Quote from: GGaskill

The leade on 7.62x39 chambers is only 1Â° which allows the safe use of .311" bullets in a .308" barrel. Swaging down a bad bullet during firing seems to improve it as the British long range shooters routinely used .305" diameter barrels for their 7.62 NATO rifles when using the issued military ammo.

Wait a .305" diameter bullet is smaller than a 308" bullet so its ok, but the .311" bullet in the 308" bore is a tighter fit. I won't do that. I think one must becareful which bullet is used in which guns because some are 308 and some are 310/311 bore diameters. The american made guns are 308 and i'm not sure what the CZ is.

vesmcd · « **Reply #21 on:** March 14, 2005, 09:26:45 PM »

I put a Numrich 7.62X39 conversion barrel and feed kit on my Vz-24. The bore is .308 and has a loooong throat(lede,lead?? what ever, I guess so you can shoot milsurp without excessive pressure ).It is sporterized(bubba'd).The stock is nose bedded,has a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad and has been reshaped to have a semi-pistol grip.Bolt is rehandled for a scope(3-9 Tasco). I modified the extractor to put a little more tension on the case rim for better ejection. It feeds and ejects like stock.It groups PMC into 1 1/2" at 100yds. My best hand load is 3/4" at 100yds, 130gr PSP Remington bullet,37gr.Reloader7 powder, Win primer,PMC cases loaded .020" short of the lands. Runs 2500fps.Had 110's running 2650fps but lousy groups, couldn't load them long enough.
Why go to that effort? Because:
1. I had the rifle
2. I like to play with centerfire rifles, but I am a recoil pussy(my favorite toy is an M1-Carbine)
3. I have a buttload of 7.62X39 ammo from when I had an SKS
4. Nobody else I know has one, unlike RemWinBrownSavErbys.

1911crazy · « **Reply #22 on:** March 15, 2005, 12:05:36 AM »

Great post vesmecd!!!! People ask why a bolt action in 7.62x39? I say why a bolt action in .223? There is a lot of people looking for a 7.62x39 for there kids so they can start out hunting. I think the gun manufacturers are missing out in making this gun with an affordable price. I emailed mossberg and suggested making one.

1911crazy · « **Reply #23 on:** March 16, 2005, 08:18:38 AM »

I found another option in building a cheap 7,62x39 rifle. If you took a 1916 Spanish 308 mauser and installed the 7,62x39 chamber adapter for around $25 you now have a bolt action rifle that shoots 7,62x39. They make these chamber adapters for a lot of calibers even to change the 7,65 Argentine to 7,62x39 too. Here's a few articles you may want to read if you interested in looking further into it;

http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews/tigerloudhousecat/index.asp

The manufacturer for the chamber adapters who also manufacturers cast lead bullets too even out dated stuff that you may find interesting too.
Go To: http://www.mcace.com/index.

I think the 1891 Argentine mauser is a very good candidate for a build because it has the larger .311/.312 bore already. I have one that was converted carbine that was a long rifle. Its one of the Ye Old Gun Shop conversions that was done in the 60's so there would be able to sell them on the US market. Its just a build that anyone can do with no machining or special tools needed.

myarmor · « **Reply #24 on:** November 06, 2005, 08:14:18 AM »

Been awhile sense this was up, but I was curious as if anyone has tried the insert for the 7.62x39 yet?

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #25 on:** November 06, 2005, 10:23:18 AM »

Quote from: myarmor

Been awhile sense this was up, but I was curious as if anyone has tried the insert for the 7.62x39 yet?

Ask Robert as I recall he almost destroyed a handi rifle barrel with one.

myarmor · « **Reply #26 on:** November 06, 2005, 01:44:36 PM »

I believe it was a 7.62x25 insert? Yeah I remember he had a time with getting it out.