Mauser options

1022man

I seen the yugo 24/47 which is supose to be close to the vz-24. These are large ring aren't they? They looked nice, and have a nice price. But when rebarreling a mauser how big can you go and still be safe and also still have a repeater. I seen the 458cal barrels, are they safe enough on these old actions? Anyone that can help I thank you know. I realy would like to be able to talk to some one that has converted mausers. Please either post hear or e-mail me at osok@bright.net

Der Gebirgsjager

Yes, they are large ring. There are currently many large ring Mausers of various model descriptions on the market. The VZ-24 is no slouch, and makes a great sporter. Probably the best of the current crop, but once again fast disappearing, are the German 98Ks which were captured or surrendered to the Yugos at the end of WWII and reconditioned. Sounds like you don't want a collector piece anway, so you wouldn't mind if the Nazi markings were removed. The Turk 1938 rifles are also O.K., which brings me to directly answer the other part of your question. A customer recently brought in a .458 Win. Mag. built on a Turk action. It was rebarrelled by one of my competitors and an amazing sight to behold in that it had been rebarrelled with a Mauser military barrel of unknown origin that had been newly bored out to .45 Cal. and rifled. The shoulder of the barrel was approx. 1/4 inch short of touching the face of the receiver ring and one can actully see approx. 1 1/2 threads. The barrel is only 20 inches in length. The proud owner has actually fired a box of Win. factory loads, and a second box of handloads which are somewhat reduced in power as his prize packs quite a whollop on both ends. The owner and the rifle seem none the worse for wear. The rifle holds 3 rounds. '98 Mausers are very strong and have been successfully converted to every cartridge that will fit through the magazine well. Now, all that having been said, practicality and your wallet should dictate how far you should go, and what you should do in the way of converting your rifle. Some of the world's most beautiful sporters have been made out of surplus Mausers, but when you consider all of the steps necessary to make this happen, and the fact that the gunsmith is in business to make a living (and a modest profit) and will charge you for each step, i.e. weld bolt, alter trigger guard, install adjustable trigger, drill and tap for scope, recrown barrel (or the charges associated with rebarrelling), reblue, etc., etc., you will reach and pass the cost of a new factory made rifle in the latest 50 Atomic Magnum Caliber made by one of the common makers like Win., Rem., or Sav. and would be better off to buy their product, as you are getting a new gun with a warranty that was designed for your cartridge choice in the first place; not a 60-80 year old action. I love Mausers, convert Mausers (in practical calibers only), and shall probably continue to do so for a long time to come, but these are the facts you should consider. Regards.