I aimed to build a period style game rifle in 9.3x62, similar to the rifles Mauser or the English may have sent to Africa to help keep a handle on game. For this, it doesn't need to be too fancy, but a to-the-point and functional rifle that is rugged, powerful, and accurate. I aim to make this my main hunting rifle for all game here in Alberta, but to also take with me on my travels in the years ahead. I didn't have an unlimited budget, so it needed to be significantly cheaper than a full custom rifle. I also didn't want something in perfect condition so I wouldn't feel guilty about scratching it up. So what rifle do you start with?
To me, it was a Husky 146 in 9.3x57. As a fan of Husqvarna rifles for quite some time, I have always known they would be excellent candidates for a project rifle. While this may offend Baribal (and for this I apologize), the way these are configured from factory make them perfect for a slender period rifle. This one is identical to the one I started with in its configuration:
These rifles have all of the key classic features - Barrel band sling swivel, irons, FN Mauser 98 action, a well proportioned walnut stock, and great balance. My idea was to do a "mild custom," reusing many of the original parts like the stock, action, barrel, rear sight, etc., while adding upgrades like a new bolt handle, hinged floorplate, 3-position safety, etc. My inspiration for this project really kicked into gear when I saw this thread of a similar rifle project:
http://forums.nitroexpress.com/printthread.php?Cat=0&Board=mauserarchive&main=169487&type=thread
As per suggestions I got on here, I spoke with Chris Griesbach at the Calgary Gun Show earlier this year and saw some of his work. Later that night, I ordered the base rifle online and shipped it to him.
What was done:
The original stock was kept. It turned out to have very good figure which was a pleasant surprise. A recoil pad was added, the action was fully bedded, traditional oil finish, and some minor shaping was done like the ejection port. While technically not required, Chris recommended a cross bolt in the stock as it is a pretty slender piece of wood. A new steel grip cap was added, and the fore end was chequered in an English style with an African Blackwood tip.
The action work was a little more comprehensive, with the action lapped, a new bolt handle, Dakota 3-position safety, Timney trigger, Talley quick detach ring with custom bases to contour around the charger guide, and hinged bottom metal. The rifle currently wears an older Leupold Vari-X III 1.5-5x20, though this may change to a 2.5-8 of some kind, we'll see. I like the look and usability of these 1.5-5 scopes. I shoot with irons a great deal, so I don't feel handicapped without a powerful optic.
The plan was to keep the original barrel, ream it out from 9.3x57 to 9.3x62, and put on a NECG front sight. Once Chris got into it, it was clear the original barrel wouldn't cut the mustard, so I ordered from Tradeex a Lothar Walther 9.3x62 barrel instead. It was threaded for a Mauser 98 already which saved time and money. The contour it showed up with was borderline horrendous, so Chris shortened and recontoured it to match the original.
This new barrel wears the original back sight and sling swivel band, but a new NECG front sight, specifically R-100 with the R-115 hood. While I haven't shot the rifle yet (updates to come once I do), it most likely worked out for the best with a higher quality barrel than stock. Chris' test grouping was about 1.25" at 100M, which I should be able to get down with handloading. All metal parts were then blued.
Just handling it, I am very happy...it feels great in every regard. Hopefully these pictures do this justice and act as an advertisement for Chris and his work - he was absolutely wonderful to work with in every regard.
I'll update this once I do some load development and shoot it for the first time
To me, it was a Husky 146 in 9.3x57. As a fan of Husqvarna rifles for quite some time, I have always known they would be excellent candidates for a project rifle. While this may offend Baribal (and for this I apologize), the way these are configured from factory make them perfect for a slender period rifle. This one is identical to the one I started with in its configuration:
These rifles have all of the key classic features - Barrel band sling swivel, irons, FN Mauser 98 action, a well proportioned walnut stock, and great balance. My idea was to do a "mild custom," reusing many of the original parts like the stock, action, barrel, rear sight, etc., while adding upgrades like a new bolt handle, hinged floorplate, 3-position safety, etc. My inspiration for this project really kicked into gear when I saw this thread of a similar rifle project:
http://forums.nitroexpress.com/printthread.php?Cat=0&Board=mauserarchive&main=169487&type=thread
As per suggestions I got on here, I spoke with Chris Griesbach at the Calgary Gun Show earlier this year and saw some of his work. Later that night, I ordered the base rifle online and shipped it to him.
What was done:
The original stock was kept. It turned out to have very good figure which was a pleasant surprise. A recoil pad was added, the action was fully bedded, traditional oil finish, and some minor shaping was done like the ejection port. While technically not required, Chris recommended a cross bolt in the stock as it is a pretty slender piece of wood. A new steel grip cap was added, and the fore end was chequered in an English style with an African Blackwood tip.
The action work was a little more comprehensive, with the action lapped, a new bolt handle, Dakota 3-position safety, Timney trigger, Talley quick detach ring with custom bases to contour around the charger guide, and hinged bottom metal. The rifle currently wears an older Leupold Vari-X III 1.5-5x20, though this may change to a 2.5-8 of some kind, we'll see. I like the look and usability of these 1.5-5 scopes. I shoot with irons a great deal, so I don't feel handicapped without a powerful optic.
The plan was to keep the original barrel, ream it out from 9.3x57 to 9.3x62, and put on a NECG front sight. Once Chris got into it, it was clear the original barrel wouldn't cut the mustard, so I ordered from Tradeex a Lothar Walther 9.3x62 barrel instead. It was threaded for a Mauser 98 already which saved time and money. The contour it showed up with was borderline horrendous, so Chris shortened and recontoured it to match the original.
This new barrel wears the original back sight and sling swivel band, but a new NECG front sight, specifically R-100 with the R-115 hood. While I haven't shot the rifle yet (updates to come once I do), it most likely worked out for the best with a higher quality barrel than stock. Chris' test grouping was about 1.25" at 100M, which I should be able to get down with handloading. All metal parts were then blued.
Just handling it, I am very happy...it feels great in every regard. Hopefully these pictures do this justice and act as an advertisement for Chris and his work - he was absolutely wonderful to work with in every regard.
I'll update this once I do some load development and shoot it for the first time
Last edited:
