Potential Mauser Build

[robtan]

Hey all I recently picked up an already sporterized gewehr 98. The bolt knob has been re-welded to accommodate scopes, the receiver has been drilled and tapped, the action has been bedded, and the stock has been re-contoured. I got the gun cheap so no matter what decision i make it wont hurt the pocket book to bad. My question to all of you is should i try to make this a decent 800yard (max i can get to at a local range) gun? Or should i just send my money else where for a nice long range shooter? I have been looking at re-barreling to maybe a .260 though i am not set in stone on caliber selection, as well as picking up a rich's micro fit stock. With all that said what do you think? Any advise is appreciated.
Thank you
Robert T.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Potential Mauser Build

It will be a very poor investment. Build on a Remington, FN or even a Savage.

Sell it, use the money to buy a different action to start with.

 

[Luke]

Re: Potential Mauser Build

Mausers can be made to shoot well with a lot of work, but I agree with jasonk, your money will be much better spent on a Remington, Savage, FN, etc.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It will be a very poor investment. Build on a Remington, FN or even a Savage.

Sell it, use the money to buy a different action to start with.</div></div>

 

[budiceale]

Re: Potential Mauser Build

i'm relativly new to the long range game but i don't think it would be worth the money to make it a long range rifle. too many better options. however, i would spend a little and rebarrel it to something in the x57 or 06 family and have a classic hunting rig. i built one in 6.5x57(98/22 action) and inherited one in 416 aagard(mex mauser action) and i really like them for meat getters. my next one will be a good old 8x57.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Potential Mauser Build

As all the others above say. Action is too flexible for a really good long range rifle. Sounds as if you want to do some of the work yourself. If it is the original barrel, you may want a real gunsmith to remove it from the action. It can be a bear after all those years. Have him do that and install one of the prefit, short chambered barrels from Brownell's and chamber it properly to a hunting caliber. The 7x57 will take anything in the lower 48 states and is easy on the shoulder and wallet. Then spend the real dough on a modern action...not necessarily new...the resale area here on the hide usually has some decent rifles for sale at less than full custom prices. JMHO

 

[280 AI]

Re: Potential Mauser Build

I have a 280 AI built on a 1909 Mauser Action and it shoots great. I have shot out to 850 with it.

 

[robtan]

Re: Potential Mauser Build

Thanks guy, i think with all that being said I am just going to buy myself a used remington and build it the way i want it. After reading some of the stickies (or what ever the permanent post are called) as well as some other build threads I will end up picking up a cheap sps throwing in a b&c stock, get me a shilen barrel and pull the glass of the mauser (wotac 10x40) and i think I'd be happy.
Again thank you guys for your opinions its much appreciated!

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: Potential Mauser Build

ah don't listen to these fools, lol. i have a 3k dollar mauser build goin on right now.... now i have no idea how its goin to shoot but we will see. mauser was the action to build on for a LONG LONG time, is there better out there? yes. Do I care? no. Will be fun to take my 1909 actin and run against the high speed guns.

 

[robtan]

Re: Potential Mauser Build

Dang bigjoe it sounds like you are going to have a tack driver on your hands. Sadly im on a tight budget thanks to fee hikes at school

If it wasn't for stupid old school i'd go against the grain like you have and make the mauser something special (at least special for me

).