I recently
acquired a custom 98 Mauser that was customized 30 or so years ago. It’s a family heirloom of sorts. The gunsmith who did the work is no longer
living. It’s chambered in 6mm Remington,
which seems to be an exceedingly underrated round given its attributes.
I had
never been a fan of the Mannlicher style stock, but it actually grows on you
after a bit. The extra room on the
forend seems to give more freedom for the support hand to find its own sweet
spot in snapshooting. I don’t know what
it is exactly about this gun, but I would say so far that it “points” better
than anything else I have. It made me
think of what Rawhider said about the 1886 carbine that seemed to just come up
on target for everyone who used it. The
length of pull on this is long like my Sako 75, 14 and a halfish or so.
The rifle
seems light in comparison to my Model 70, but it’s a little heavier than my
Sako 75. The balance is nice. It seems long, but the barrel is only 22”.
Back in the
day, a custom stock was a huge part of what made a custom gun. This stock is definitely a work of art.
The bolt
handle is rather slender, and there isn’t much room to clear the ocular on the
scope that’s on it. If I decide to
update the glass I’m going to have to keep that in mind.
The bolt
is more difficult to work than my Model 70.
It also has a distinctive sound and feel. The smooth knob is larger, but more difficult
to maintain contact with. It would take
me quite a while to learn to make this bolt sing.
I really
like the way the bolt shrouds look on Mausers.
You don’t see intricacy like that much in modern manufacturing.
The extractor
is jeweled, but unfortunately, it doesn’t extract. It seems like a little too much material was
removed to get it to clear a “drop in” round, so it slips over the rim when
opening the bolt. I’m going to have to
get a new extractor. I may decide to
learn to jewel the new one so it matches the established theme.
As I
mentioned before, the 6mm Remington seems like a very cool round. I don’t know what the twist rate is on this
barrel (all my rods are .30 cal), but I’m curious to find out.
I’m
looking forward to seeing what this rifle will do.
Who did the work? I have an idea, and I am curious if I am right or not...
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure the name is Chet Dyson.
DeleteThat is just too cool, I caution over whelming it with big optics, it is classic and if you fool around with it you may find it is the go stick for a packing rifle. Classy and practical -don;t see that much anymore
ReplyDeleteIf money were no object, I would be looking at a lower power variable Swaro with a 1" tube.
DeleteThe bolt clearance will make sure to keep me from putting something unreasonable on it.
Greetings RS - lovely stick. I am totally biased, I know, but that thing would be 'the business' with a vintage Lyman rear peep instead of the scope (but you would have a minor mission getting a foresight sorted). In any case, Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIf the stripper clip guide were intact, it might convince me to go to all that trouble. I do like scopes a lot though.
DeleteI generally don't like a Mannlicher style stock either, but I have to admit that wood has a really nice pattern. I guess it would not be safe to assume the new gun has a 9 twist, huh? Can't wait to see your results from the range.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been able to check the twist for lack of a proper diameter rod (a guide would be nice too).
DeleteThat's an absolutely beautiful rifle. Congratulations. I had a Ruger 77 with a Mannlicher in .308 and I wish I hadn't traded it off. Short, fast and handy are all good attributes for an every day type rifle. I may have to go looking for another...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful rifle, bet it could tell some stories!
ReplyDeleteAR-15, tactical bolt actions and glocks are nothing more than tools to me. Wood and blue steel get me excited.
That's a beauty! I can't wait to see how it shoots.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Scott
Oh dear, my oh my. You finally got yourself a sporterized Mauser. Very very nice!
ReplyDeleteThat is the sort of thing we were all trying (with varying degrees of success) to make when I went through Trinidad gunsmithing school in the '70's. Classic sporter with a hint of the California style at the flared pistol grip bottom. And if you think that bolt shroud is hard to machine, try hand-polishing out all the machining marks. ;-)
Coyotes, antelope, deer, long walks in the field, and rifle bounces. Yes indeed.
As Jonno might say, "Good on ya!"
Oh, and the bolt handle looks like the original, forged to clear the scope. At least, that's how my forged one looks.
DeleteWhat an outstanding piece of work. You forgot to mention how the rifle feels when you mount it. I'll also be among those interested in the range report.
ReplyDelete