Author Topic: Rifle Project Idea! (Read 1334 times)

Honay · « **on:** March 28, 2005, 06:32:18 PM »

I was wondering if it would be possible and fairly easy to make a project rifle from a model 98 mauser. I am having some thoughts about fianally building a rifle. Not yet sure about caliber, 7mm-08, 338-06, 25-06, or stick with an 8mm chambering and just get a new barrel. Rifle would be used for target shooting, deer and bear hunting and mabey some small game or larger game depending on chambering. I was just wondering if any of you have tried any projects like this.

Thanks

earschplitinloudenboomer · « **Reply #1 on:** March 28, 2005, 07:43:50 PM »

Probably been more rifles built on '98 Mausers and thier derivatives than any other action. A good '98 action is the basis for a fine sporter...but to complete the project at todays prices, unless you can do some of the work yourself, is quite expensive. Should you decide to rebarrel, you will still need to modify or replace the bolt handle, the safety, drill and tap for scope mounting and possibly relace the trigger. Then there is the stock.
I do not wish to discourage you, just want to make a few points. This is an enjoyable project if you do not hurry, think ahead a little, and "shop around" for good prices on the action/barrel, and other work that you cannot do yourself.
Keep us posted.

best to you and yours...
ears-

beemanbeme · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2005, 05:10:53 AM »

This sort of thing is a two edged sword. Unless you're rolling in dough and can just consign the project to a smith.
Undoubtedly you will end up with more money invested than it would take to buy a new rifle. A pretty good rifle at that. But you will end up with something that is an individual rifle, make for you to your specs. And you can indulge yourself in one of the more exotic chamberings if you wish. That is worth a lot. Also, the project can be advanced in stages. As money is saved or becomes available.
If its just something to do over the winter, something to help keep you off the streets, I'd suggest buying a factory rifle in the calibre of your choice. :grin:

kombi1976 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2005, 02:39:28 PM »

Beeman, I'm in the position where I coudn't afford a new rifle by any means and so was forced to look around for a good 2nd hand one.
I was actually after a BSA or Parker-Hale 7x57 at the time.
But when the sporterised '41 98 Mauser I own now poped up for $135 with a box of 20 PMC factory rounds I leapt at the chance.
There's pitting on the outside of the barrel but the inside is good and sharp, the action is nice and tight, the numbers all match and the waffenampts are even intact.
I'm at the point of having it drilled and tapped right now and in the near future will have it Parkerized and put in a new synthetic stock.
So while it may actually have been less overall to get an entirely new rifle(especially when I put a new barrel on it some years away) it'll cost me less at once and meanwhile the military barrel has plenty of shooting left in it.
So if something comes up that is suitable but not necessarily what you first envisaged don't be afraid to have a go.
And do try 8x57.
It's really as capable as a 30-06 and these days there are plenty of good bullets in 8mm cal.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2005, 01:59:37 AM »

Kombi, U R rite. I guess I'm up for the "DUH" award. Your idea of buying a vintage mauser and using it whilst you re-hab it didn't enter my mind. I was strictly thinking of buying the rifle for the action and so forth. I guess I was thinking of a friend of mine that spent over two years just accumulating the components for his wonder rifle before it was shipped to a smith to be put together, another for the bluing, and yet another for the stock.
You are also right that there ain't no flies on the 8x57. I have a couple but they do kill the deer around here a lot deader than they need to be.
:grin:

Mikey · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2005, 02:47:08 AM »

honay - with the cartridges you listed, I would stick with the 8mm. Mikey.

Lawdog · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2005, 11:55:37 AM »

Quote from: Honay

I was wondering if it would be possible and fairly easy to make a project rifle from a model 98 mauser. I am having some thoughts about fianally building a rifle. Not yet sure about caliber, 7mm-08, 338-06, 25-06, or stick with an 8mm chambering and just get a new barrel. Rifle would be used for target shooting, deer and bear hunting and mabey some small game or larger game depending on chambering. I was just wondering if any of you have tried any projects like this.

Thanks

I have built a few rifles based on the M98 action. My wife's current favorite deer rifle is a 6.5mm Swede built on a civilian M98 action. Seeing that you may throw in some varmints then I would go with the .25-06 for the caliber choice. Should make an excellent rifle. Lawdog

riddleofsteel · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2005, 11:55:55 AM »

If you go with a used Savage rifle you can switch barrels and set head space yourself with minimum tools. The bolt is also modular and you can change bolt heads for a variety of web sizes and even controled feed if you desire.
A host of premium add ons are available and you can complete your custom without ever seeing a gunsmith.

longwalker · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2005, 12:31:15 PM »

The Savage Idea has merit. They are relatively cheap to buy used, are easy to rebarrel and you have options as far as calibers go.

Most people don't like the Savage because of it's looks. The beauty of the design, you can make it do just about what you want without machining parts. That makes it a very nice project gun to begin with. If you are mechanically inclined this is a very attractive way to go.

I made a 338-06 out of a .270 total cash investment about $450.00 including the special wrench needed for the barrel nut.

It's a great hunter and a good shooter.

longwalker

Ramrod · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2005, 12:40:35 PM »

If you start with a Savage, that's all you will have in the end. If you start with a Mauser, you will have taken the world's most respected and longest lived bolt action, and made yours better. And you can do it for alot less than $450. Like the man says "You pays your money, and you takes your choice."

kombi1976 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2005, 01:28:08 PM »

Quote from: Honay

Not yet sure about caliber, 7mm-08, 338-06, 25-06, or stick with an 8mm chambering and just get a new barrel.

Honay, something struck me when I read Mikey's comment about staying with the 8mm, which of course I advocate if you need a good heavy hitting cartridge.
You mentioned 3 cartridges up there that you'd possibly change to.
The cals are fairly divergent, I might say.
338-06 is a real thumper, 25-06 is varmint right out to a good sized deer and 7mm-08 is multi-purpose so I'm actually a little unsure as to where you're heading by building in one of these.....what do you actually need? :|
Plus 2 are standard action and the 7mm-08 of course is short action.
Why waste the extra action length on a short action cartridge?
What ever the case here are a couple of cartridges that may suit.
7x57 is perfect for the 98 action and requires no alteration at all to feed perfectly.
It also has no upper limit in terms of bullet weight(unlike the 7mm-08) and is pretty forgiving in terms of recoil.
If you're reloading you couldn't find a better all round cartridge as it'll perform as well if not better than a 7-08 with premium handloads or with the Hornady Light Magnum load.
280 Remington is also excellent if you like 30-06 based cartridges.
It's not far behind the 7mm Rem Mag in terms of performance and has a very wide variety of bullets due to it being a 7mm round.
If you're really up for an interesting rifle try chambering in 7x57 Ackley Improved or 280 Ackley Improved.
Brass is easily fireformed from standard rounds and the leap in performance is quite considerable for both cartridges.
Best of luck. :wink:

riddleofsteel · « **Reply #11 on:** March 30, 2005, 02:37:26 PM »

IF you can find a Mauser action for the same money as a Savage you will still have to drill and tap it, bend or replace the bolt handle, replace the barrel, refinish and restock it.

Unless you can do your own gun smithing I think the bill will stack up pretty dern fast for sporterizing any military action.

The attraction of the Savage system is all you need is a vise, a barrel wrench, a set of wooden blocks, a punch, hammer and a fired case and you get to a rifle that will give you the same or better results.

I have and appreciate fine Mausers, Remingtons ect. I a have also built and sporterized military rifle for years.

Quote

Rifle would be used for target shooting, deer and bear hunting and mabey some small game or larger game depending on chambering.

To me a hunting rifle is a tool. I judge it on accuracy, reliability, durability and due to the cruel facts, price.

For the tool shed gun maker with no access to a lathe, milling equipment, drill press or blueing tanks the modular Savage system is a seldom thought of alternative that will often out shoot rifles costing 2 or 3 times as much.

IMHO

YMMV

kombi1976 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 30, 2005, 02:52:41 PM »

Riddle, I don't think anyone is denigrating your opinion here.
It's just that Honay intends to use a 98 action.
There's nothing wrong with Savages of course but a finely customised Savage is still not a Mauser, whether it shoots better or not.
Perhaps Honay will take up your suggestion, if so good.
If not, well then he can blow his dosh the way he wishes.
We do appreciate your experience however.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #13 on:** March 30, 2005, 03:45:40 PM »

If a hunting rifle is merely a "tool", why bother to customize anything? Just buy you a $35 Ethiopian 9.736x50R, a case or so of milsup, corrosive ammo and duct tape a $25 scope on it. I certainly shoot and handle my rifles a lot more than I get to hunt with them and to me, aesthetics counts for quite a bit. That's why I don't buy Savages. If a custom mauser rifle is a tool, then a Savage is a club. :lol:

riddleofsteel · « **Reply #14 on:** March 30, 2005, 04:52:14 PM »

No offense taken. The great thing about a discussion is the diversity of opinion.

As far a junker milsurps go...My first 4 or 5 deer were taken with a 7.62x54 Mosin-Nagant rifle in full military stock. As I remember I was using a batch of FMJ surplus ammo the same gun shop owner sold me. I do not ever remember losing one from poor rifle performance. After learning to shoot I killed deer and chucks with it quite nicely. Later my Grandpa's 7.7 Jap with Norma soft points took me into my teens and I killed a pile of deer with it as well even over open military sights. No need for duct tape.
After I moved out on my own I bought a 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser and a .303 Enfield at the Sears Employees store. I used the open sighted 6.5 for deer, hogs and even a small black bear until I bought my first Remington 788 and scope in the 1970's.
Most of these fine old rifles have been either sold, sporterized, or both. I must say I miss them all. However, at least once a year I take to the woods with an open sighted 1898 Mauser in 7x57 or Schmidt Ruben milsurp or a open sighted lever action in 30-30 or .35 Rem, to me it feels like old times. On occasion I still reach for my scoped sporterized 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser as a primary rifle. It loves the deer woods as much as I do.

Honay · « **Reply #15 on:** March 30, 2005, 05:56:50 PM »

Hey guys thanks for all the input. The savage idea is really good but I already own 2 of them. I want something that is different. As for the caliber not really to sure just threw some possibilities out there, but I would also like something that is not to common and not to bad for recoil. I have a 7mm-08 for my fiancee but it will be used almost exclusively by her. A 30-06 and 300 win mag savage rifles, and a 22-250 handi rifle. I don't really want or need another mag but something different would be liked. I have heard a lot of good about the 257 wby and the 6.5x55 swede. Oh just too many choices!!

kombi1976 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 30, 2005, 06:45:35 PM »

If you want different with lower recoil then definitely go the 7x57 Ack Imp.
It'll blow your socks off.
Imagine a 7mm-08 that keeps up with a .270......yup! :grin:

kevin.303 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 30, 2005, 07:05:43 PM »

if i where building a .25-06 i'd start with a pattern 17 Enfield. no modification to the bolt or mag, and i like the look of them

kombi1976 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 31, 2005, 03:39:36 AM »

Quote from: kevin.303

if i where building a .25-06 i'd start with a pattern 17 Enfield. no modification to the bolt or mag, and i like the look of them

So long as it's chambered for 30-06.
One that's chambered for .303 Brit has the Magnum sized bolt face, not the 06 bolt face.

Brithunter · « **Reply #19 on:** April 18, 2005, 03:13:36 AM »

Hi All,

Oh the P-14 is the 303 and the Model of 1917 the later derivertive. You may the price a bit of a shock on these now as most seems to be selling in the $500 upwards range now so not many folks are buying them for sporterising now due to this.

About the cheapest Mauser action availble surplus is I believe the Turkish one, however there are a couple of differences to the normal 98 action, the handguard lip for one and some have a large ring outside but a small ring thread for the barrel shank. A very nice sporting rifle can still be built on them though.