Mauser 96's at Tradex?

mmattockx

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I am looking at buying a sportered 96 from Tradex as an all purpose deer/coyote/bear/moose rifle that shoots well and I don't have to worry about a scratch or two. Problem is, they have so many it is hard to choose. Some are listed as having a very good bore, while others are "very shootable, slightly dark". How big of a concern should "slightly dark" be to me for use on a hunting/truck gun? I want it to be accurate, and the 96's in 6.5x55 have a terrific reputation as accurate milsurps, but I don't want to get a worn out beater that shoots patterns.

So, should I avoid all the ones with less than "very good" bores or not limit myself that much?

Thanks,
Mark
 
Pay for as good as you can afford. It's worth it... Tradeex is VG to dam fine for descriptions.

It's not the cost, they range from about $175 to $240, not exactly a mint either way. But what if I like the stock and accessories on one and it happens to have a less than perfect bore?

Mark
 
It's not the cost, they range from about $175 to $240, not exactly a mint either way. But what if I like the stock and accessories on one and it happens to have a less than perfect bore?

Mark

By two and mix the parts then sell the worse bore/stock combo.
 
By two and mix the parts then sell the worse bore/stock combo.

Well, in that vein, who makes aftermarket stocks for the 96? I found lots for the 98 action, but very little for the small ring 96. That would be a reasonable way to go, buy the best steel I can and then change out the stock if I don't like the way it fits or looks.

Mark
 
mmattockx

There are stocks for the M96 action available from Choate and Ramline for sure. I was on the same quest awhile back...... I got a stock from Elwood Epps to tuck my Husky model 46a in (same action, with bent bolt). Try them. You could try Milarm too, but they had nothing in stock at the time.
 
There are stocks for the M96 action available from Choate and Ramline for sure. I was on the same quest awhile back...... I got a stock from Elwood Epps to tuck my Husky model 46a in (same action, with bent bolt). Try them. You could try Milarm too, but they had nothing in stock at the time.

Anything in wood? I am not a big fan of plastic on my rifles. I looked at Boyd's, but they do not list anything for the 96, only the 98. Maybe I will email them and see what they say about a stock for the 96 action.

Thanks,
Mark
 
One more stupid question for the guys who have one. How does the front sight come off? I plan on scoping it and don't really want a big hooded sight in the way.

Thanks,
Mark
 
I'm not sure what exact set up the rifle you want has but mine is a slip on ring(for lack of better description) that matches the barrel exactly. In my case I'm sure a hammer and hardwood block would take it off.

It might be soldered on.....as for the wood stocks, I did come across them in my search...who knows where that was though. I remember a price tag around $230. I'll go check back in my mess for ya.:D
 
I've bought several rifles from Tradex-everything was accurately described,or better than described .I picked up a Choate stock for $75 from them and will put that on one of the 6.5x55's .I figure for $200-$250 you can get a very fine hunting rifle in either 6.5x55, 8x57 or 9.3 x57.The wood is generally very good walnut and a little work steaming out dings and refinishing results in a very nice looking as well as finely crafted rifle-likely better than most production rifles on the market today.
 
I figure for $200-$250 you can get a very fine hunting rifle in either 6.5x55, 8x57 or 9.3 x57.The wood is generally very good walnut and a little work steaming out dings and refinishing results in a very nice looking as well as finely crafted rifle-likely better than most production rifles on the market today.

That is kind of my feeling. For less than a Stevens 200 I could get a real wood stock, old time craftsmanship and quality.

Here are the two I am looking at:

The one with the good bore: http://www.tradeexcanada.com/index.php?option=com_paxgallery&task=view&gid=5&iid=3662

The one with the less good bore, but the stock I like: http://www.tradeexcanada.com/index.php?option=com_paxgallery&task=view&gid=5&iid=3684


Mark
 
if you get a 6.5x55 with an excellent bore,altered bolt ,bases installed, and are prepared to spend a couple of hours steaming out marks ,light sanding,cleaning,oiling and refurbishing the stock, you end up with a low recoil,highly efficient and very accurate deer rifle second to none.Look for a nice used leupold ,and you're still in for between $400 and $500-you could easily spend 3 times that for a new rifle and scope and not have better quality-or accuracy.I think the swedes are about the best value for your dollar-top quality,nicely finished milsurp on the market today.Look at the 9,3x57s as well if you want a heavier caliber for moose/bear[got three-one with a norma peep sight] - that caliber got me started reloading too,wasn't as hard as I thought either .The only downside[in terms of explaining to your spouse why you ''needed'' another rifle ]to these swedes is it tends to be catching,you see one-then another one,and the last one turned out so nice...
 
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That is kind of my feeling. For less than a Stevens 200 I could get a real wood stock, old time craftsmanship and quality.

Here are the two I am looking at:

The one with the good bore: http://www.tradeexcanada.com/index.php?option=com_paxgallery&task=view&gid=5&iid=3662

The one with the less good bore, but the stock I like: http://www.tradeexcanada.com/index.php?option=com_paxgallery&task=view&gid=5&iid=3684


Mark


Buy them both and make one rifle. You know you want too.....
 
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