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Gunsmithing My Mauser chassis rifle

jwSubMOA

jwSubMOA

Sergeant
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
May 13, 2010
490
95
Mississippi
#1
I built a series of rifles like this a few years ago and thought ya'll might get a kick out of this one.This particular rifle was built for a friend of mine who is a local LEO and department trainer.My original rifle was a single shot with a heavy 8x57mm barrel 16" long with the same stock confiquration.This rifle is in .308 and uses an internal 8 round magazine to be upgraded to AI mags someday.I built one that used FAL mags with a modified receiver and a AR M4 stock.This rifle uses a trued VZ24 Mauser receiver with an all steel one peice bolt handle that seats into a machined recess to maximize bolt clearance.Originaly we used a Shilen Match blank turned 1.187x26" and Match chambered.For the past few years it has had an Israeli 1919 BMG barrel that has a chrome chamber and bore.As I posted in another topic these barrels must have the breech end sleeved so you can keep the chrome chamber.We tried this barrel as an experiment for cheap builds and were astounded to discover that it shot as well or better than the Shilen.The two barrels are the same diameter within a couple of thousandths and the Israeli is 24".The only change to the Israeli was crowning it.As you can see from the pictures there is a barrel support ahead of the receiver,this was used on both barrels.If I can find some pictures of groups I will post them,but with Federal GMM or similar handloads it has shot near one hole groups at 100 yards and none over MOA out to 700 yards.We were very happy at these results and also in that it shoots the same zero at cold bore as it does after several strings.The stock is 6061 T6 aluminum and I modeled the adjustable set-up after the Tubb 2000.It uses an elastomer spring from a mountain bike fork for recoil absorbtion and also an adjustable monopod.The forearm has bolt on sides of poplar and the bottom has a space for cleaning gear and spare parts.In the pictures it has a Doctor Optics 8-25x50 scope but usually has an 8-25 Mark4 Leupold.The grip stick which has the trigger guard and floorplate release also will accept nearly all AR pistol grips and currently has a SAW type.This one uses a Timney trigger set at 3 lbs.Due to the bigass barrel it weighs 17lbs +- depending on optics empty.Once I recover from my motorcycle accident and get back on my feet(foot really)I plan on shortening the barrel to 18-20" and threading for a suppressor.I guess thats everything so you guys let me know what you think.


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#3
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is custom stock you designed?
</div></div>

if so thats bad ass.
 
#7
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

Can you still get the 308 bore MG barrels? I've got a Mauser action sitting in the cabinet doing nothing for a while now. As much as I have no reason to have a 308, keeping one that shoots common ammo is sometimes a benefit. I'm thinking about building a 308 to just "have around"
 
#8
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can you still get the 308 bore MG barrels? I've got a Mauser action sitting in the cabinet doing nothing for a while now. As much as I have no reason to have a 308, keeping one that shoots common ammo is sometimes a benefit. I'm thinking about building a 308 to just "have around" </div></div>

You can get them new from several sources but SARCO has them for about $85 new.Just make sure you ask for the chrome lined barrels.If you decide to do this PM me and I will explain how to do this.
 
#9
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

I love that stock!!! I will have to forward this on to my machinest friend and see if he can do something like this for my 284. Right now it is just in a sporterized walnut stock and screaming for an upgrade.

Great post.
 
#10
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

This is way too cool!!!!!
I almost can't recognize this is a mauser until I saw one of the picture that focus on the receiver and bolt.

Great job!!
 
#12
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

Thanks!If I can find the pics you'll flip over the one with a 3 rail Picatinney forend,20 round FAL mags,fluted 16" barrel,side rail for Russian optics,M4 stock and a suppressor!
 
#14
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwSubMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bohem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can you still get the 308 bore MG barrels? I've got a Mauser action sitting in the cabinet doing nothing for a while now. As much as I have no reason to have a 308, keeping one that shoots common ammo is sometimes a benefit. I'm thinking about building a 308 to just "have around" </div></div>

You can get them new from several sources but SARCO has them for about $85 new.Just make sure you ask for the chrome lined barrels.If you decide to do this PM me and I will explain how to do this. </div></div>

Very good, thank you. My dad works about 20 mins from SARCO. I'll have him call ahead and then go hand pick one for me soon.
 
#15
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

Cool.Get him to pick up a 8x63 Swede barrel too.They are for a variant of the 1919 BMG and they are new and awesome.You can cut the threads off and rechamber to any 8mm round from 8mm Mauser to 8mm Remington Magnum.They are tapered and come out to about .940 at the muzzle.Sarco has a ton for 28 dollars each.
 
#18
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

Nice job . I am in the process of a similar project on a M98 and looking for different ways to go about it.
Can you give some construction details please .
What is the purpose of the big hex clamping section at the front of the action other than just support ? Switch barrel ?
Would this support still be needed with lighter barrels ?
If so give details ?
Is the front action screw still going into the recoil lug base?
If not where else?
Did you machine the base of the action and lug first?
Is the base of the recoil lug bedded or floating ?


 
#19
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Country</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice job . I am in the process of a similar project on a M98 and looking for different ways to go about it.
Can you give some construction details please .
What is the purpose of the big hex clamping section at the front of the action other than just support ? Switch barrel ?
Would this support still be needed with lighter barrels ?
If so give details ?
Is the front action screw still going into the recoil lug base?
If not where else?
Did you machine the base of the action and lug first?
Is the base of the recoil lug bedded or floating ?


</div></div>

Thanks!The hex clamp is just support since the barrel is so heavy,it is most of the gun's weight.On lighter barrels it would not be required.Yes the front screw still goes into the stock location in the recoil lug,also both screws are standard replacement Mauser screws with hex sockets.No no machining was done to the underside of the action,only deburring and stoning smooth.The recoil lug recess is machined for the action used so it requires no bedding.You must be exact with your center to center measurments,lug depth and the counterbore diameters for the screw bosses for the front and rear action screws.Make sure to chamfer the edge of the recoil lug recess where it meets the action and lug.PM if you have any questions.
 
#22
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

Do you think that it'd be possible to get a 'smith to flute and install one of those MG barrels to cut down on the weight and better the heat dissipation? Or would they have issues with prior use and the possibility of being microscopically out of spec? I'm totally intrigued by the idea of a chrome-lined 8x57 stick.
 
#23
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer G</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you think that it'd be possible to get a 'smith to flute and install one of those MG barrels to cut down on the weight and better the heat dissipation? Or would they have issues with prior use and the possibility of being microscopically out of spec? I'm totally intrigued by the idea of a chrome-lined 8x57 stick. </div></div>

I see no reason any competent gunsmith would have any problem with it.There are 8x57mm 1919 barrels available,but I don't think they are chrome lined.The 8mm barrels I talk about in my post are brand new 8x63 Swede barrels that are alot lighter than the Israeli .308 barrel on that rifle.Using these to build an 8x57mm Mauser you simply cut off the existing threads and thread and rechamber for your action.I have fluted one of these and they look great.Sarco has them for about $28 plus shipping.Don't let a smith tell you you can't build a great rifle without an expensive match barrel.A competent gunsmith that loves this work will be glad to build what you want as long as it is safe and legal.If you have any questions or your smith has reservations just PM me and I'll help.Hopefully in the next year or so I will be building some of these oddball projects to order.
smile.gif
 
#24
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308saiga</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very sweet, now that is what I call a free float barrel... I just wish mine had a heavy barrel. It is a M48 with a 308 Adams & Bennett 1X10 twist barrel...

I put some photos of her here....

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...952#Post1811952 </div></div>



Thanks for your response!I love Mausers,mainly cause I'm poor LOL!I really like your M48 that is nice!I've always had good luck with the Adams&Bennett barrels.Personally I think until you get into some of the very high end barrels,most of the accuracy you can expect from a given rifle or action is a result of proper and careful machining and construction of the base components.I built a 7mm Rem Mag on a Weatherby Vanguard(Howa) with that same stock and a medium weight Adams&Bennett barrel.I added a custom muzzle break,finished with semi gloss black ceramic and topped it with a Bushnell 6-24x50.With 175gr factory loads it will shoot way under MOA out to 800+yrds.
 
#25
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwSubMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">


Thanks for your response!I love Mausers,mainly cause I'm poor LOL!I really like your M48 that is nice!I've always had good luck with the Adams&Bennett barrels.Personally <span style="font-weight: bold">I think until you get into some of the very high end barrels,most of the accuracy you can expect from a given rifle or action is a result of proper and careful machining and construction of the base components</span>.I built a 7mm Rem Mag on a Weatherby Vanguard(Howa) with that same stock and a medium weight Adams&Bennett barrel.I added a custom muzzle break,finished with semi gloss black ceramic and topped it with a Bushnell 6-24x50.With 175gr factory loads it will shoot way under MOA out to 800+yrds. </div></div>

Agreed, this is one of the first things I want to do. but I have to get a job first... I was thinking of a HBB 26" 11 1/4 twist... When the time comes I'll ask you for your opinion on a barrel & smith to do the work for me, if you do not mind....

Question, can I change the bolt on this or do I have to have it custom made? Thx
 
#26
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308saiga</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
jwSubMOA said:
Thanks for your response!I love Mausers,mainly cause I'm poor LOL!I really like your M48 that is nice!I've always had good luck with the Adams&Bennett barrels.Personally <span style="font-weight: bold">I think until you get into some of the very high end barrels,most of the accuracy you can expect from a given rifle or action is a result of proper and careful machining and construction of the base components</span>.I built a 7mm Rem Mag on a Weatherby Vanguard(Howa) with that same stock and a medium weight Adams&Bennett barrel.I added a custom muzzle break,finished with semi gloss black ceramic and topped it with a Bushnell 6-24x50.With 175gr factory loads it will shoot way under MOA out to 800+yrds. </div></div>

Agreed, this is one of the first things I want to do. but I have to get a job first... I was thinking of a HBB 26" 11 1/4 twist... When the time comes I'll ask you for your opinion on a barrel & smith to do the work for me, if you do not mind....

Question, can I change the bolt on this or do I have to have it custom made? Thx











Of course I don't mind I would be glad to help.I can tell you that I know very few other people that do this kind of work,any of the guys on here could direct you to a good gunsmith near you.I am a bit picky about having someone else do work for me that I can do myself.I think either you misunderstood me or I misunderstood your reply.I meant that you can build an extremely accurate,more accurate than the shooter can take advantage of,rifle using average or low cost barrels.This assumes that you can either true,machine and assemble the rifle yourself or pay a competent smith to do it.Almost every build I've done has cost less complete than a typical highend barrel,and I have yet to be disappointed with the accuracy.If what you are building is going to be used as a duty rifle that someone's life may depend on,sure get that barrel that's a months pay.If you want a nice rifle to go and shoot and maybe embarass some of the high rollers try some of the low cost and suplus barrels.

What bolt are you referring to?What do you mean custom made
Click to expand...
 
#28
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mdesign</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pretty nifty Mauser build you have there... </div></div>


Thank you!I enjoy building oddball projects.I'll try to post pictures of some others soon.
 
#29
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwSubMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mdesign</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pretty nifty Mauser build you have there... </div></div>


Thank you!I enjoy building oddball projects.I'll try to post pictures of some others soon. </div></div>

Please do. I broke down today and ordered one of Sarco's 8x63 barrel blanks for the princely sum of $24.95. I would have ordered two, but I could just see the look on SWMBO's face if I told her that I intended to have two rifles built, let alone one. I wonder if my otherwise derelict looking Yugo M48A receiver is worthy of such a barrel?
 
#31
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwSubMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good choice!You will love that barrel,and will be amazed at the quality. </div></div>

So what is the update on this rifle? What is your MOA and at what distances???? I thought I forgot about this huhh?? LOL
 
#32
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308saiga</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwSubMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good choice!You will love that barrel,and will be amazed at the quality. </div></div>

So what is the update on this rifle? What is your MOA and at what distances???? I thought I forgot about this huhh?? LOL

</div></div>


Howdy!I haven't shot in a while but the last time I did it shot an average group size of .40" at 100yrds for 5 5 shot groups.On the same day and conditions I got an average group size of 1.879" for 5 5 shot groups at 300 yards.The load was 43.5grs of IMR4895 with once fired Winchester brass,Winchester LR primers and 168gr SMKs.I don't have any targets to prove it,but once I'm able to shoot some more I'll post some pics.I'm planning on doing the upgrades to it soon and I'm curious as to how the shorter barrel will affect accuracy.
 
#33
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwSubMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Howdy!I haven't shot in a while but the last time I did it shot an average group size of .40" at 100yrds for 5 5 shot groups.On the same day and conditions I got an average group size of 1.879" for 5 5 shot groups at 300 yards.The load was 43.5grs of IMR4895 with once fired Winchester brass,Winchester LR primers and 168gr SMKs.I don't have any targets to prove it,but once I'm able to shoot some more I'll post some pics.I'm planning on doing the upgrades to it soon and I'm curious as to how the shorter barrel will affect accuracy. </div></div>

Not bad, no need for targets I take a mans word on his say so... So I do not know if you remember, I told you that I have a M48 Mauser with a Adams & Bennett barrel 1X10. well went out the other day with her after getting my scope back from Barska (BTW folks stay away from Barska's) and zeroed it at the 50 yrds range, she was shooting +- 5-6" high and 1" to the left, I purposely left it like this because I was heading over to the 300 yard range & I could not hit the broad side of the barn...

So after a lot of consideration I decided to do this: (drum roll please) I cut the barrel from 24 1/4" to 20 1/4" removing 4"'s. I still have to recrown.. A buddy of mine has a industrial size chop saw and cut it for me, I filled the end down and smoothed it.... I will be renting a crowning tool next week but it will not be here before I go out so we will see, I am not expecting miracles but this thing has to come in better then what it has been shooting, the muzzle diameter went from a 0.480 to a 0.630....

I'll keep you posted....

Added:

YugoMuzzle.jpg

 
#34
Re: My Mauser chassis rifle

I don't like to drag up old threads but this one is why I joined. After searching dozens of results on googlefu, I found your rifle. I think it is very cool. It's like you read my mind.

I have an Isreali 1919 .308 barrel and a Turkish Mauser. I think it's a 1903/30 from what I could find online. I don't think the rifle has much collectable value and wanted to do something similar to your rifle. I think my receiver is a large ring small shank. Do you think I could use that receiver for the project?

ETA. When I say that you read my mind, I didn't mean that I thought up a work of art like you built. I just meant mating a 1919 barrel to a Mauser action.
 
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