.243 mauser
What would be the best Mauser to build a .243 from? Would the 6.5 Swede work well? Would like the action o be as short as possible. I will be adding a new barrel.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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That should do it...as well as say a 1895 Chilean Mauser action. It was originally chambered for the 7mm round. ONLY drawback to this action is that it cocks on the closing stroke.
John
The original point and click interface was made by Smith & Wesson0 -
Or you could go with the 6mmRem, which is nothing more than the x57 Mauser case necked to 6mm (thinking about potental feeding issues with the 308 case). Same (or a little more) power than the 243Win.
The Yugo Mauser has a M-98 type (3rd lug and cock on open) receiver that is just big enough for the 6/7/8/9.3 x 57mm cartridges (it's shorter than the M-98).
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
Either of the actions already named will work as well as the original Model 98. I don't find the cock on closeing feature to be a draw back. It makes the bolt a little harder to close, but, a little easier to open as you are not cocking the action at the same time that you are trying to open the bolt. 0 -
My 17 year old daughter's custom built 243 is built on a VZ-24 receiver. Just built it this summer and still need to sight in the scope. I am having a Parker Hale 308 bull barrel barreled on my next project now on a VZ-24 receiver as well. Only reciever I do not reccomend is the Turks IMHO.
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you.
Rita Mae Brown0 -
The Swedish Mausers and all the other military Mauser actions except for the model 98 were designed for lower pressures than the 243 Win will produce, plus the Swedish action has a larger bolt face to accomodate the larger case rim of the 6.5 x 55 making one more thing to fix. J&G Sales has CZ-24 rifles for $69.99 if you want a surplus model 98 action at a good price, but if your budget can handle it Charles Daly is importing a nice action at a good price based on the model 98 but with all the features like hinged floor plate, adjustable trigger and made with modern heat treated steel and in various lengths for the different cartidges. Good luck 0 -
Gavin,
Here is some good, concise reading regarding Mausers:
http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catalog/mauser_reference.html
Here is a drawing of the action lengths:
http://www.gunstocks.com/digst.html
About 1/3 of the way down the page, 'Mauser Identification'.
The point of this is that there just isn't that much difference between the Mauser action lengths to qualify the comment "Would like the action o be as short as possible". Mausers are terrific to build on and I support the concept completely. But if you are looking for a shorter action for the .243 bullet then I would go with the Winchesters that are set up for the WSSM's since they are by far shorter actions and you can get the .243 WSSM which is about the same capacity as the 6mm Remington and only slightly larger than the .243 Win.
Couple this with the fact that by the time you get a good quality barrel fitted to the Mauser, you will have at least the equivelant cost of the Winchester. That doesn't include the cost of a stock for the Mauser, either. Another option would be to find a good used Remington Model 7 chambered for the .243 Win. which would be both light and short, or a used Remington 600/660 in .243 Win.
If the Mauser is the only option that you want then you can use the Swede 96 or 38 with confidence. Contrary to popular opinion, they were manufactured with the best of Swedish steels and by the finest of craftsmen. It has been proven time and again that the Swedish 96 will hold up to modern, reasonable pressures by P.O. Ackley and Kimber. It is hogwash that they are weaker actions! If someone wants to use the argument that the Swedish 96 doesn't have a 3rd lug and is therefore less safe, they need to determine why modern 2 lug receivers (Win., Rem. Howa, Ruger, et al.) are safe. The Model 96 is a very well made receiver for custom rifles. It can also converted to cock-on-open if desired.
It is also of interest to point out that the difference in rim size between the 6.5 x 55 Swede and the standard rim of the .243 Win. is 0.007", not enough to worry about since that is equal to about the diameter of 2 human hairs. It certainly doesn't require fixing! And while on the Swedish receiver, why not just get a Swede 96 or Model 38 and call it good to go? It is an exceptionally good quality cartridge and is capable of shooting bullets in a range (85 gr. to 165 gr.) for varmints to the Swedish moose. It would work for nearly everything here in North America. The only thing that you might want to improve would be the stock and there are several versions that will be drop ins. Then, you might want to get it drilled and tapped for a scope, although it is not required since the Swedes and the cartridge are known for accuracy.
Do you really want to build on a Mauser or do you just want to build a rifle? Check with a qualified gunsmith for pricing before buying anything. You might be surprised at the cost of converting a Mauser. As I said above, I love Mausers and all of their variations for custom rifles but do your homework for the costs.
The only Mauser that I definitely stay away from is the Erfurt.
I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, just trying to clear up a few things.
Best of luck!0 -
quote:That should do it...as well as say a 1895 Chilean Mauser action. It was originally chambered for the 7mm round. ONLY drawback to this action is that it cocks on the closing stroke.
I think Brownell's still offers a cock on opening conversion.
"Aim small...Miss small"0 -
Thanks for the replies! I have a Mark X in 25-06 already so the 6.5 would be too close. That is the reason I wanted a 243. Cost really is not a factor. I like guns older than me (47) that have character and that I can pass on to my two sons.
Nononsense, thank you for for the detailed information and the things to consider.0 -
Gavin,
Excellent, glad to hear that you want to afford this project! Mausers are classic receivers and deserve all the time and effort lavished upon them. I've posted most of these before but it never hurts to see nice rifles again. Unfortunately, none of them are mine... however, I do have others...
Best of luck and post pictures when you're done!0 -
bundy,
Thanks for the info on the Charles Daily Mauser. I finally went and looked at them and they seem to be a replica of the Interarms Mark X. They even have the mini mauser. I may may go that route by getting the barreled action then getting a Richard's Micro fit stock in Claro Walnut. My dealer thinks he can get me one for around $300.
eddy0 -
A VZ-24 action is the best of them all..............
Gun control is hitting what your aiming at.0 -
The 98/22 or vz24 is a good choice cheap easy to find and strong, draw back for a .243 is the action is a tad long so you will have uneeded bolt travel, but will pose no problem.
If you dont want extra bolt travel get a shorter action go with an m48 [ yugo ] they have a large ring reciever but a shorter action. richards microfit has custom stocks for these as well as standard length 98's.
hope this helps
"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe
~ Jesus Christ [Luke 11:21.6]
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