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Model 98s

Alan Rushing
Which of the military Model 98 action rifles are considered to be the best choice for the basis of a build-up action? Sturdiest action? Smoothest operating?

I've heard people commend the early made German Mauser, compliment the 1909 Argentine and the FN Belgian Mausers, any insight, experiences, input? Which would you choose for the basis of solid dependable shooter?

(I'm not referring to trashing any collector value rifles with matching numbers and in "as new", or excellent or great condition.)
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • jaegermister
    Probably you will get various answers from different members. Perhaps it would be better to ask what is your intention, to make a custom hunting rifle, a competition rifle, what caliber, or leave as is?
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    well from my experience
    #1. 'Mauser' banner, and any 1930's to erly 1940's
    #2. Styer (pre ww 2)
    #3. FN (pre ww 2)
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  • ern98
    I'd probably add some of the Check Burno actions to that list. Banner Mauser and other German marked actions are getting a little scarce as the value of whole rifles has gone up as collectables. FN actions are not as common as they used to be either. But, Burno rifles and actions are still readily available and the earlier models, pre VZ24, were of decent quality and function. Even the VZ24 actions can clean up pretty well.
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  • butchlambert
    Alan,
    The guys have given you good info. What cartridge are you planing to go with? The 1909 Argentines are tight and are machined well and they have a hinged floorplate to begin with. That is probably worth $150 of the price. The Brno, Standard Model, and Banner mausers are great. The 1940 and older are more desireable.
    Butch
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  • sandwarrior
    Alan,

    I've got rebuilt Mausers on Argentino 1909's(German), VZ-24's (Czech) 1908 Brazilian (German), 1918 Danzig (Polish/German) M-48BO (that's right someone butchered one of those, ME!...before I knew better[:(]) M48.
    Mexican 1910 (Mexico, 1933!)

    Point is it's a great action to build on no matter where it started as long as it's relatively true to start with.

    Any serious Mauser rebuilding gunsmith will know that if he has to take too much material off, it will have to go through a re-hardening process as most of these were heat treated/hardened from the outside. If you take too much material off it gets to the softer (but still excellent steel) of the core of that piece.
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  • v35
    It wasn't long ago when BRNO and Mexican 98s were high on the list.
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  • 35 Whelen
    The 1909 Argentine and 98/29 Persian Mauser would be at the top of my list.
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