Gunsmithing Western Field / Mauser 98

[steelcomp]

I have a Western Field mdl 750A EGP with a Mauser action that I'm trying to identify. The only markings are an X under the receiver just behind the recoil lug, and an X behing the four number s/n. Can anyone help me identify this action?
TIA

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

I'm not sure about this yet. But, I understand the Western field model 750's (A included) were built by Sako. Take the complimentary firearm made by Sako and that is what it should be worth. However, because it has 'Western Field' on it, it will forever, never be worth what the Sako would be.

FWIW, I thought this would be a Winchester as they did a lot of stuff for Western Field. This is a new one on me.

 

[DMann]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

Golden State Arms imported the 750A EGP which was a sporterised Mauser - possibly Czech VZ-24's.

It is worth what a sporterised Mauser is worth.

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

It's definitely a large ring Mauser 98, just not sure of who made it. Hoping someone might recognize the X marking. Would that be consistent with the Czech action?

 

[DMann]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

Not sure - probably a partial obliteration of a military marking to "de-militarize" it for importation.

Go to http://mausercentral.com and peruse some of their forums and articles. If they don't know it over there, then we'll have to dig up PP Mauser himself and ask.

 

[bohem]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

Can you take a picture or two and put them up? With pictures I can reference it from my Mauser book when I get home this morning.

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

OK...here are a few pics:

The X behind the recoil lug, and the X9029 are the only markings on the receiver.

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

Here's a couple of the bolt:

The number 029 can be seen etched on the underside of the bolt handle which seems to correspond with the s/n..

 

[Parallax]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

A K98 receiver with an X and with numbers etched on the bolt generally indicates the original rifle was a Russian capture. The Germans didn't etch anything... just stamp.

Of course who knows if it's a commercial receiver... but there appears to maybe be Waffenamt stamps on the barrel near the receiver ?

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Parallax</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A K98 receiver with an X and with numbers etched on the bolt generally indicates the original rifle was a Russian capture. The Germans didn't etch anything... just stamp.

Of course who knows if it's a commercial receiver... but there appears to maybe be Waffenamt stamps on the barrel near the receiver ? </div></div>Stamp on the barrel in front of the receiver is PF. I have no idea what that means.
What I know:
This rifle was bought new in the late 60's from Monkey Wards and probably hasn't has 200rnds through it.
Golden State Arms supplied these Mauser action rifles for Western Field as designated by the EGP in the model number: 750 A EGP
Golden State Arms supposedly used all kinds of different Mauser actions. Some military, some commercial. Some, like the Spanish Santa Barbara actions were of lesser quality with cast parts and inferior steel alloys. I'm trying to determin who made this one, how old it actually is and where it rates on the quality scale.
It doesn't "look" refurbished or like there have been markings removed, but that could be hard to say. It looks original to me.

 

[Parallax]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

I don't think it was military... lacks the usual thumb cut on the receivers left side. You may be on track with the Santa Barbara actions though they used many. Most of the Santa Barbara actions that were GSA guns I saw had spain in small letters on the tang, IIRC along the side of it.

 

[jimurphy]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

That receiver was never a military issue, there is no thumb cutout for use with stripper clips in the left frame rail. It is probably a commercial Mauser, you could measure the action screw spacing to determine if it is a full length action. Most Mauser aftermarket parts should fit.

 

[mexicanmatch]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

I agree, no thumb cut, have never seen a military mauser without but one never knows.

 

[nikko]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

Does it have an adjustable trigger? The reason i ask is that it looks like a late style M98 made by Zastava in Yugoslavia,imported by Interarms.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

steelcomp,

So what do you plan on doing with it?

 

[x ring accuracy]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

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

So what do you plan on doing with it? </div></div>


I think he needs to send it to me

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

Thanks for all your input guys. I really appreciate it.
Well, this is the wonder of the internet. After almost the entire day yesterday, trying to find something...anything on this action, my best guess based on a number of things is that this is an FN 98 commercial action, which is obviously very pleasing to find out. I am now the resident expert on M98 actions

. (LOL...internet experts...I hate 'em)
I had NO idea what I had here, but I know now that it's something worth building on, and it's in really nice condition.
Here's something cool...this "el cheapo" Monky Wards .30-06 has a 5 rifling barrrel on it. Un fortunately I have yet to be able to identify it's origin. Probably something Golden State Arms bought a truck load of for $10.00 a piece.
Every comment I read on these Western Field rifles was a good review. All were very positive, all claimed above average accuracy and no one ever mentioned anything bad.

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: seadog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does it have an adjustable trigger? The reason i ask is that it looks like a late style M98 made by Zastava in Yugoslavia,imported by Interarms. </div></div>No, non adjustable trigger, Probably the least desirable part of this action. It's also a blind magazine with no bottom metal.

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

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

So what do you plan on doing with it? </div></div>
Re barrel it w a #4 or 5 V contour, find a decent stock, put a trigger on it, true up the action, put it back together and shoot it.

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: keydiverfla</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">steelcomp,

So what do you plan on doing with it? </div></div>


I think he needs to send it to me

</div></div>What would YOU do with it?

 

[howdydoit]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

Im thinking its a J.C. higgins,Mod 50, they tended to be solid hunting rifles modeled after the K98's that were pouring into the states around the 50's.

 

[steelcomp]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: howdydoit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im thinking its a J.C. higgins,Mod 50, they tended to be solid hunting rifles modeled after the K98's that were pouring into the states around the 50's. </div></div>JC Higgins was Sears, this is a Western Field, which is Montgomery Wards.

 

[Kilosierra]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

Other then the bolt knob, trigger, and some of the markings, it looks exactly like the Charles Daly/Zastava Mauser I bought a couple of years ago and the FN Mauser Supreme action I bought last month. The mark on the barrel just ahead of the receiver is a proof mark I think. The FN action has an X behind the recoil lug just like that one. The cutout for the magazine box is different then either of mine.

It's definately a post WWII manufacture commercial Mauser action. It's not a Sako L57 action. They're pushfeed actions like the Howa 1500/post '64 Winchester and this is a controlled round feed action.

 

[FMARK]

Re: Western Field / Mauser 98

I HAVE A WESTERN FIELD MODEL 760 30-06 , FN MADE IN BELGIUM. IN A 1957 MONTGOMERY WARD CATALOG PG 90 YOU COULD ORDER A FN BARRELED ACTION IN VARIOUS CALIBERS DRILLED AND TAPPED FOR SCOPE PLUS RECEIVER SIGHTS,SAKO ADJUSTABLE TRIGGER, VARIOUS BISHOP STOCKS AND BUTT PADS AND OTHER OPTIONS. THEY WERE SOLD AS A KIT AND NOT LISTED UNDER THE REGULAR MODEL NUMBERS IN THE CROSS REFERENCE LISTS AS FAR AS I CAN TELL. MINE HAS A BISHOP MONTE CARLO STOCK, SAKO ADJ. TRIGGER ,IRON SIGHTS. SOMEONE ALSO MOUNTED A WESTERNFIELD 3x9 SCOPE ON IT. IT SHOOTS LIKE A DREAM