Author Topic: interarms mark x actions (Read 41009 times)

ggardner · « **on:** January 20, 2006, 04:50:28 PM »

Giving some thought to building a custom project of my own. I was considering various actions and have read many responses here about Rem 700 actions but have heard little about Interarms Mark X actions. Also I have seen Howa barreled actions offered. Are they a reasonable quality and value? I will be building a whitetail gun in 257 Robers or 257R A.I.

Looking for your views. thanks, Gary

rodgervich · « **Reply #1 on:** April 09, 2006, 03:59:46 PM »

The Interarms Mark X is a commercial grade large ring Mauser action, they are very good. I have one in 30-06, factory gun and handloads shoot 3/4" no sweat. I'd build a custom on one, if I could find one, in a flash!

PaulS · « **Reply #2 on:** April 09, 2006, 09:12:16 PM »

ggardner,

Any one of the actions you mention would make a fine custom 257 or AI.
The question will more likely be which of those actions can you find to use for your project. I have a Remington built 03A3 action (missing a bolt) that I am considering making into a 257 custom. I would prefer a 700 action but they are hard to find and expensive when you do find them. The Mark X and Howa actions are even more expensive and harder to find. My last custom was built on a 700 action and I love it - sub-caliber accuracy in a package that fits me as well as my dad's hand-me-down 3006. A 257 Roberts would fill out my selection and give my wife a rifle she would feel comfortable shooting. She may end up taking it for herself.

Blink · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2006, 04:48:31 PM »

If you can find a mark X action or complete rifle, I'd jump on it. I found 1 in 30-06 in about 95% a few years ago for $250. planned on building a 35whelen, didnt happen, wife like it more and kept it for her hunting rifle. Great gun, great accuracy and reliable.

I still keep my eye and checkbook for one, they kinda dried up atleast up here without remortgaging the house to buy it atleast.

oneb · « **Reply #4 on:** April 12, 2006, 12:45:06 PM »

You might look at the Charles Daly actions -- now being marketed by Remington, They are all from the Zastava works, the maker of the old Mark Xs. I would plan on some action truing and slicking to make them work at top capability.

oneb

Cknerr · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2006, 12:47:18 PM »

If they are hard to find, why not go back to the original Mauser98? I use them all the time for the rifles I build for clients. They are just as sound and have the extra of being "original equipment". Granted it has raised a few eyebrows, why use that old stuff....but this old wood chopper likes the mystique! So far, the largest I have built one was a 308 Norma Magnum. I was apprehensive enough just looking at the size of the cartridge. I was stunned when I shot it, once. I built an iron horse to finish tuning! The fellow did not want a muzzle brake, not even a thick recoil pad. Kills at one, maims on the other end. Never heard from him after I delivered the rifle.

Your 257 is close enough to my favorite, .270. The old stuff works beautifully.

These are both 270's BTW. The walnut one I am repairing and the maple is mine.

As you can see, these are not cheap. The receiver maybe -inexpensive-....

Decision, decision, it never seems to end does it? Sometimes you have to jump in and get wet first.

Best of luck and have fun,
Chris

Con · « **Reply #6 on:** August 19, 2006, 02:05:48 AM »

It depends a bit on your definition of "custom". The Interarms is a great commercial M98 action, suitable for just about anything appropriate. One of the few complaints I've heard is that for the true no expense spared custom rifle, the receivers are often too finely polished, which makes the gunsmiths job a bit harder to sort out any imperfections in the receivers.
Cheers...
Con

roper · « **Reply #7 on:** August 19, 2006, 04:47:34 AM »

You could buy in the white a Interarms Mark-X action that was before Charles Daly they worked well for alot of projects and if you liked the mauser type actions. Now those old Mark X rifles are hard to find and a good one will bring top dollar. I took one of those old Interarms mini mauser 223 had Hart redo it into a 6ppc as a varmit rifle sure shoot nice. I'm from the era when the Santa Barbara action was used.

JD11 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2006, 05:18:23 AM »

So are you guys of the opinion customs with the Mark X barelled actions have gone up in value? I built one (22-250) with a fiddleback "blonde" maple stock similar in looks to the top pic, contrasting wood on fore end and pistol grip, but no checkering. If I say so myself, mine turned out real nice, but my first thought after I finally finished it was I'm NEVER doing this again.

Roper, I built mine back in about 1970 and somehow "Santa Barbara" sounds famillar. At the time were they called Mark X Santa Barbara Barelled Actions? I just took a look and all I could find on mine was Zastava, Yugoslavia, Mark X, Interarms, Alexandria, Va.
Thanks for any info.

Broom Rider · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2006, 12:34:44 PM »

The Santa Barbara action is characterized by a slightly shorter bolt handle while the Mark ten will have the underside of the bolt handle flattened and checkered like an FN Mauser action would. Santa Barbara action were made in Spain and I sometimes see them for sale but not at prices I would buy one for. (been tempted though)

Cknerr · « **Reply #10 on:** August 26, 2006, 01:58:24 AM »

I looked through some of my books on Mauser receivers and their copies. I was very surprised at just how many variations by so many companies are made. They seem to have miner variations; however, the parts are still or mostly (?) interchangeable.

The design has stood the test of time. With this many variations, and most modern bolt actions - irregardless whatever company you look at- having come up with only variations on a theme of Mauser, You won't go wrong.

Whatever you choose to go with, make sure it is a reputable company you are dealing with and the version you are getting will accept the cartridge you want to use. With a barrel/receiver unit, you hardest choice will probably be what/who's barrel to use!

A small piece of advice, like many projects we choose to complete, the first one is always the hardest. If you should decide to make another, you'll find it takes 1/2 the time and 1/2 the effort for better results. After all, experience makes a difference!

Have fun,
Chris

Cknerr · « **Reply #11 on:** August 26, 2006, 02:59:54 AM »

JD11,

It is not so much who made the parts (they are all classified as M98) but the work done on the rifle that makes the price tag. Custom made rifles that are well made bring a good price. I have seen several of my rifles over the years go up for re-sale and the prices the owners are asking for and getting for them have not depreciated a bit. They seem to get the same amount they paid for it + inflation.

Now these are not made from semi-inletted blanks, they are all hand made with exhibition grade wood. The checkering does add a little to the appearance...it really adds to the price tag. Then there is the finish. That takes a minimum of 6 weeks, I prefer 3 months. People give me looks that make my poor father turn over in his grave when I mention this. Those rifles have to perform as new when a 2nd generation uses it anywhere from steaming swamps of Florida to -30 degrees hunting polar bears in the arctic. That is what people pay for...and the rifle better shoot sub-minute groups too. Often the client can't

but the rifle can.

Please don't stop at one stock. You have done the hardest part of the learning curve. It might have been a few years ago, but you will not have forgot everything. Each time it gets easier and easier, this is from someone who can not walk and chew gum at the same time!

What did you finish your maple stock with? The stock in the picture above had a wash of Magnesium permanganate applied and then scorched before I started the finish. Light sanding, then blonde shellac to level the wood and finally many layers of a mixture of oil and synthetics till done. That last bit of finish work I do is a light buffing with an abrasive polish to turn the shiny finish to semi-gloss. I do not like the glare from shiny finishes, it hides too much pretty wood. Then a coat of carnauba based paste wax to protect and even out the glossy/shiny areas across the stock.

Take care,
Chris

PS: any pics of the stock you made?

JD11 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 26, 2006, 06:23:26 AM »

Quote

PS: any pics of the stock you made?

I would do a pic if I could figure out how to do it correctly. I resized, etc, and still couldn't even get my avatar pic to work.

I went for a shiny finish, but it's been so long ago, I can't say what I used. I was fortunate enough to go directly to the stock company and pick out the grade, etc, of wood that I wanted. I was after about the second finest grade of birdseye maple, but at the time they were out so I ended up with about the second or third grade of fiddleback maple.

Quote

Please don't stop at one stock. You have done the hardest part of the learning curve. It might have been a few years ago, but you will not have forgot everything. Each time it gets easier and easier, this is from someone who can not walk and chew gum at the same time!

You're right, but I have too many irons in the fire nowdays to even think about a project like that. And unfortunately my biggest problem is just the opposite attitude of what a guy posted on one of the fly rod building sites years ago. He said he didn't care about the finished product, his enjoyment was in all the steps along the way during the building process. I get to a point where I get too impatient and want to get the thing finished so I can play with it.

rk4570 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 28, 2006, 07:24:38 AM »

I just recieved a copy of The Midway Flyer, Sept. #231. they have Rem. actions listed for
$ 399 to $439, barrels from Shilen from $157 to $295, stocksfrom Bell & Carlson from $199 to $229 along with lots of other good stuff! These sale prices are good untill Sept. 30th. You can check them out at : www.midwayusa.com or 1-800243-3220

Cknerr · « **Reply #14 on:** August 31, 2006, 01:19:07 PM »

yup, got mine too. That is a good way to get started.

Everytime I get that flyer, I keep thinking about how much money I could spend, not how much I am saving though. So far I have resisted.....

Take care,
Chris

DLEB · « **Reply #15 on:** February 22, 2007, 01:08:46 AM »

I have a Interarms Mark 10 that I just picked up in a trade. I am told that they have an adjustable trigger. Looking for a diagram/instruction for this if I can find it. If I can't adjust it I will try to decide on a aftermarket trigger and maybe a new stock. This is my first Interarms product so I know very little about them, just learning. Any help would be appreciated.

psydragmast · « **Reply #16 on:** September 24, 2009, 05:24:42 PM »

I got a Interarms Mark X that has a cracked stock. Does any know if u can get a replacement synthetic stock? I really want to get one that either has a through thump hole for better grip or a ajustable length stock with a pistol grip Like
AR-15 stock or the SpecOps Adjustable stock. Because in the really soon near fiture I want to find some really good rifle stock material and want to design and make my own stock. So what is the best choice u think for a custom stock. I really like the new stocks you are seeing on some guns with the multi layered colored stocks, I seen them in grey, red, blue, purple, and pink already. Any one know what the material is called. I would love to get some of the red or the grey.

My ideas for my new Mark X stock:

*hand craved designed on stock(design to determined)
*vented barrel
*mold the stock so it floats the barrel
*finger grips (foregrip)
*thicker rear stock with a thumb through / pistol grip
*molded check rest
*fold away biopod the fold into the stock
*limbsaver buttplate on a spring loaded recoil setup

SO IF ANY ONE CAN GIVE ME SOME INFO, I WOULD BE GRATEFUL. AND TELL ME WHAT U THINK ABOUT MY STOCK DESIGN FOR MY MARK X 30-06.

mauser98us · « **Reply #17 on:** September 24, 2009, 06:31:41 PM »

Parker-Hale used the Santa Barbara actions,made in Spain. All interarms weree made by Zastava in what is now Serbia,formerly Yugoslavia

Bigeasy · « **Reply #18 on:** September 25, 2009, 01:00:20 AM »

The Howa action is a good, strong, stiff action, available at a reasonable price. It is the same action used in the Weatherby Vanguard rifle. I looked at a couple of the recent Charles Daily actions, and was not to impressed compared to my military 98 based mauser sporters. Not sure about the rifles being made under Remington specs. A couple years ago, I picked up a Sears 30-06 bolt action in decent shape for $175. It uses the FN comercial mauser action, slick and very well made. I might use it this winter for a project I have in mind....

Larry

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #19 on:** September 25, 2009, 07:09:08 AM »

Early this year I was fortunate to get a good deal on a brand new Mark X action. (The seller had had it for a couple years and got tired of dragging it to gun shows.)

OK, “good deal” is relative – I could have purchased a complete Interarms Mark X rifle for less, but at least mine came with a Timney trigger.

The first thing I did was buy a Boyd stock and send everything off to Krieger Barrels. Got word a couple days ago it will ship early next week.

24” stainless, fluted barrel, 1-8 twist, 6.5mm-06AI chamber
Pillar and glass bedded
Boyd JRS pepper laminate stock
Timney trigger
Action trued
Lugs lapped

The action is blue. Can’t wait for the UPS truck to arrive, although it is too late for this year’s hunts.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #20 on:** September 25, 2009, 08:02:41 AM »

So you're finally going to get your 6.5/06AI!

Coolness and light!

Can't wait to hear how it shoots! I know I've said it before but I love 6.5's and especially the 6.5/06. I still can't understand why Rem. didn't base the 260 on the '06 case... $:-\$

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #21 on:** September 25, 2009, 01:34:21 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on September 25, 2009, 08:02:41 AM

So you're finally going to get your 6.5/06AI! Coolness and light! Can't wait to hear how it shoots! I know I've said it before but I love 6.5's and especially the 6.5/06. I still can't understand why Rem. didn't base the 260 on the '06 case... $:-\$

The most expensive gun in the safe is my Ruger stainless MKII VT in .22-250 and that cost yunder $500. Most ran $250-$350 and all shoot great. For what I've got in this one I could have bought 3 or four good used rifles - if it turns out to be a dud I'm going to be one unhappy camper...

Guess you throw the dice an take your chances...

glsmith · « **Reply #22 on:** September 30, 2009, 06:10:54 PM »

Hi Guys,
just googled and found this forum.
I have an interarms mark x full wood carbine in 270W. I have only used it a handful of times and my younger brother currently has it at his house. He says it doesn't shoot very straight. I knew very little about this rifle as I inherited it from my older brother(Dec) who bought it from a deceased friend.
From reading here it looks to be worth something. I guess it about a 1980's model, in good condition.
My plan for it was possibly shorten the stock, ie remove the full wood carbine to standard length and then possibly bed the action and float the barrel. Will this detract from its value, if not should I also re-barrel??

Any ideas appreciated.
Regards

Bigeasy · « **Reply #23 on:** October 01, 2009, 04:17:09 AM »

GLSMITH-

Don't do that. Full stock rifles are rare, and prized by collectors. You are better off selling it, and getting the rifle you really want. Full stock rifles can be harder to get to shoot well, but the same principals apply - good bedding without any un-even pressure on the barrel usually results in good accuracy. Free floating, and uppward pressure on the last couple inches of the stock are proven tricks to improve accuracy.

Larry

glsmith · « **Reply #24 on:** October 01, 2009, 11:04:25 AM »

Thanks Larry,
will try that then, don't really want to chop it.
cheers
glsmith

Swampman · « **Reply #25 on:** October 01, 2009, 11:20:54 AM »

I just sold a real nice Interarms rifle in .270 Winchester with a Simmons 3-9X40 scope on it for $200.00. It was the toughest rifle to sell I've ever owned.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #26 on:** October 01, 2009, 02:42:05 PM »

wow! i would have given you more for it!

too bad, i really hate selling mine....especially when its to pay a bill and not for something else i want.

mauser98us · « **Reply #27 on:** October 01, 2009, 05:55:39 PM »

If you look at mark 10 actions,the date of production will be stamped on the rear receiver ring. I beleive on the side the plugs for the receiver sight are.

mannyrock · « **Reply #28 on:** October 02, 2009, 12:06:48 PM »

As Swampman indicated, Interarm commercial mausers are not that easy to sell. First of all, nobody except people over 50 seem to have a clue what they are. Younger shooters have never heard of them and simply don't care.

Second of all, as with all mausers, they are heavy. Most active hunters today grew up in the 70s and 80s when the big move towards light and lighter rifles began. This movement was entirely responsible for the great sucess of the Remington Model 7, and the later mountain rifle craze. Trying to convince somebody today that a rifle that pushes or exceeds 8 pounds (without the scope!) is a nice sporting rifle is a very hard sell. The vast majority of deer hunters today hunt from a stand, and lugging a big heavy rifle (with a 24 inch barrel) up and down a stand is simply not necessary.

Best,

Mannyrock

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #29 on:** October 06, 2009, 10:16:27 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on October 01, 2009, 11:20:54 AM

I just sold a real nice Interarms rifle in .270 Winchester with a Simmons 3-9X40 scope on it for $200.00. It was the toughest rifle to sell I've ever owned.

$200? Whoever got it didn't buy it, they stole it.