96 over 98
- Thread starter brybenn
- Start date
- Location
- Western Manitoba
I think you will discover that a 275 Rigby is simply a British gunmaker's sales name for the old timer 7x57 German cartridge, that had been successfully used by Boers and others in the 1893 pattern Mauser small ring mauser rifle. So, it's breech pressures were right in line with all the other mauser cartridges designed before 1900. If you want to "rev them up" with 2020 powders and bullets, have at 'er. But the 7x57/275 Rigby had their standards created long before anyone living was born. Some of us are just fine with that. '96 Swedes are probably the epitome of the pre-98 mausers - many, like the Swedish CG63E, were produced and used in 7.62 NATO cartridge. Main issues have been mentioned - a "98" is #### on open, has a "safety lug" and handles escaping gas from a disintegrating cartridge case much better than the '96. But, I, like others, had to go "snobby nosed", and I sold my Ruger No. 1 in 7x57 and bought a replacement that is scroll marked "275 Rigby". Even bought 150 new brass with that head stamp!!
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I realize the 7x57 and the 275 rigby are interchangable. I had my mind made up for a 98 action but i maybe offered a mint 96. Theres a very specific reason in why i want it stamped as a 275. The barrel will be new manufactured
- Location
- Steel Town and The Peg
I would try and find a nice commercial model 98, and if you're lucky, maybe even a commercial small-ring 98--lighter, safe and still very strong.
The model 96's are also excellent and 7x57 is low pressure so you would have nothing to worry about.
7x57 exudes class and history, and personally, I prefer using that nomenclature. Paul Mauser got it right long before any of us were born, and the cartridge is just as relevant and loved today. 275 is just a British rename.
The model 96's are also excellent and 7x57 is low pressure so you would have nothing to worry about.
7x57 exudes class and history, and personally, I prefer using that nomenclature. Paul Mauser got it right long before any of us were born, and the cartridge is just as relevant and loved today. 275 is just a British rename.
Jim Corbett used a .275 Rigby to hunt Tigers and Leopards in India.
He would hunt the man-eaters by himself and his books are a very good read, one example,
The Temple Tiger, and More Man-eaters of Kumaon; by Corbett, Jim
His books are found in the VPL and BPL library systems.
He would hunt the man-eaters by himself and his books are a very good read, one example,
The Temple Tiger, and More Man-eaters of Kumaon; by Corbett, Jim
His books are found in the VPL and BPL library systems.
I have a few 6.5×55 purpose built target rifles, CG63 and CG80, built on m96 actions, and a Danish m/69 built on a VZ24 m98 action, and while I love the Swedes, they're my favorite, I also love the VZ24.
People promote the better gas handling of the 98, which is true, but in this day and age that's really not a primary concern. 100 years ago, yes, but with modern ammo that's so remote.
In fairness the VZ24 on the M/69 is exceptionally smooth and it locks up like a vault. It also has a Schultz & Larsen adjustable trigger, so that helps.
The #### on close never bothered me, it's 6 of 1 1/2 dozen of the other, one's harder to open, one's harder to close. I don't hunt, so I'm not sure how one is better than the other in that regard.
And the old peacetime Mauser fit and finish is really nice, and super smooth.
Not much help I guess, but it just comes down to personal preference.
Now if you can find a nice commercial FN action, hmmm...
People promote the better gas handling of the 98, which is true, but in this day and age that's really not a primary concern. 100 years ago, yes, but with modern ammo that's so remote.
In fairness the VZ24 on the M/69 is exceptionally smooth and it locks up like a vault. It also has a Schultz & Larsen adjustable trigger, so that helps.
The #### on close never bothered me, it's 6 of 1 1/2 dozen of the other, one's harder to open, one's harder to close. I don't hunt, so I'm not sure how one is better than the other in that regard.
And the old peacetime Mauser fit and finish is really nice, and super smooth.
Not much help I guess, but it just comes down to personal preference.
Now if you can find a nice commercial FN action, hmmm...
Thanks for that! Sucks they're closed though...
There is an omnibus volume, Maneaters of India, that combines Maneaters of Kumaon, The Rudraprayag Leopard, and More Maneaters into a single book.
I expect that Baribal can provide the definitive answer to the OP's question.
FWIW (which aint much), after much research & field testing, I chose the modern equivalent of :
- the Mauser action ---> Win M70 CRF (stainless receiver & barrel/composite stock),
- the 275 Rigby/7mm Mauser cartridge ---> 7mm-08.
Heath and safety to you and your families ...
-Dennis
FWIW (which aint much), after much research & field testing, I chose the modern equivalent of :
- the Mauser action ---> Win M70 CRF (stainless receiver & barrel/composite stock),
- the 275 Rigby/7mm Mauser cartridge ---> 7mm-08.
Heath and safety to you and your families ...
-Dennis
"Jungle Lore" is also a pretty interesting read.
