Czech vz 24 vs Yugo m48
- Thread starter polaris
- Start date
CAN 14;
"The czech rifles that I have weren't refinished like the yugo m48's were"
I don't know how you arrived and this general statement.... As a matter of fact most of the M-48s we sold in Canada and the US were "as new" un-issued rifles....
"One of the yugo m48 has a short firing pin from polishing and won't fire!"
This is really strange, how does one end up with a short firing pin from polishing ?? Is it assembled properly?
John
"The czech rifles that I have weren't refinished like the yugo m48's were"
I don't know how you arrived and this general statement.... As a matter of fact most of the M-48s we sold in Canada and the US were "as new" un-issued rifles....
"One of the yugo m48 has a short firing pin from polishing and won't fire!"
This is really strange, how does one end up with a short firing pin from polishing ?? Is it assembled properly?
John
Just picked up a Yugo M48 for my brother and had the opportunity to get it out and shoot it yesterday. It took a monumental amount of work to get it disassembled and cleaned properly, however once that was all finished I have a few things to note :
-The quality of the finish and craftsmanship is excellent, I assume due to it being un-issued.
-Excellent balance and handling characteristics
-Looks like it makes a consistent grouping, however adjusting the sights isn't the easiest or most precise exercise
-The action doesn't seem to like dirt or any kind of fouling. It will still function, but the difference when you operate the bolt is very noticeable. I imagine this is due to tight manufacturing tolerances in the Mauser action, and would also be a factor with the VZ24
I can't compare to the Vz24 as I haven't handled one yet, however I'm quite impressed with the M48. I do prefer the turned down bolt handle however, as it allows for slightly faster and easier cycling.
-The quality of the finish and craftsmanship is excellent, I assume due to it being un-issued.
-Excellent balance and handling characteristics
-Looks like it makes a consistent grouping, however adjusting the sights isn't the easiest or most precise exercise
-The action doesn't seem to like dirt or any kind of fouling. It will still function, but the difference when you operate the bolt is very noticeable. I imagine this is due to tight manufacturing tolerances in the Mauser action, and would also be a factor with the VZ24
I can't compare to the Vz24 as I haven't handled one yet, however I'm quite impressed with the M48. I do prefer the turned down bolt handle however, as it allows for slightly faster and easier cycling.
A few VZ.24 / M48 comparisons
1. Bores and Barrels: The VZ-24 bores are generally well used and dirty but not necessarily frosty or dark. You WILL have to spend a lot of time getting your barrel cleaned out. I'm soaking the barrel down and giving it 48 hours to sit before the next cleaning and I'm still getting black crud out of it. I don't think these rifles saw a strict cleaning regime. In this regard there is much less risk associated with M48 So this is a feather in the hat of the M48's as they have (for the most part) new barrels.
2. Got Wood?: The VZ-24 wood to metal fit much nicer than I was expecting. The wood is a little boring but clear of any major dents or cracks. Also a large majority of the VZ-24's currently entering Canada seem to have missmatched hand guards. A personal pet peeve of mine but I can deal with it. The M48 wood, that I have seen, is much more attractive so far as grain and figure is concerned. Another notch for the M48.
3. Blueing / Finish: The VZ-24 has outstanding blueing. Deep and rich blue although there were areas of pitting under the wood line that was blued over. I put the blueing on par with the M48 (a draw - or tie in this circumstance).
4. Actions: The VZ-24 action is extremely smooth and very easy to manipulate, even more so than the M48 in my opinion. Heaven forbid you bought the VZ-24 for sporterizing the standard length action is much more privy to .30-06 length wildcats. I really like the czech's attention to detail here - a great mauser action. This point is earned by the VZ-24.
5. Bolt Handles: Not everybody likes the straight bolt handle but it is something you get used to. Left handed people should especially take note of the straight bolt handle. You will find it much easier to manipulate than a turned down bolt. Point to the M48 because I think most people prefer a bent bolt but this is again personal preference.
6. Sling System: The VZ-24 sling system is (in my opinion) superior to the M48. There are two carry systems available on this rifle so if one doesn't suit you there is an alternative carry angle. Also I was never a fan of the std mauser design of using a sling through the butt-stock. I find that it makes shooting the m48 while using a sling for support difficult. The VZ-24 wins this point.
7. Sites - No specific difference with the exception of the front site protector. I prefer the VZ-24 for ease of removal than the M48 which is tricky. So in this respect I award a point to the VZ-24
8. Rifle Take Down: The VZ-24 was extremely easy to tear down. I find that the M48 rifles are a little more difficult - especially the bayonette / barrel band - very tight usually. It can be a real bugger to get off on the M48's. No problems with the VZ-24 though. A minor point for the VZ-24.
9. Feel: I like the fat wrists on the M48 stock. Much beefier feel to it than the VZ-24. Again this is a personal preference But I'm awarding a point to the M48 for its stock design.
10. Trigger: No notable difference. The trigger on my VZ-24 is very nice and crisp. Most of the M48 rifles I have owned had very good triggers to. Tie
11. Ancilliaries: Both the M48 and the VZ-24 come with a bayonette, sling and ammo pouches. The VZ-24 comes with a russian web sling for the mosin nagant (which is silly) but in practical terms it will work. In both cases a good compliment of ancilliary components. Tie
From a personal perspective I call it a tie but I'm leaning to the VZ-24 personally. Both are excellent rifles and I do not hesitate to promote either of them.
Having said that....
For the newbie getting into to the world of military surplus rifles I advocate the M48 rifles. I have sent numerous people off to Marstar to pick up one of their M48's over the years. There is much less risk on getting a rifle with a bad bore when it comes to the M48. As Stephen Redgwell says "Caveat Emptor" (buyer beware) but its nice to have someone near by with a little experience under their belt to help you make the right decision. After all, the availability of cash these days seems to be stretched pretty thin right now. A bad milsurp can ruin a new milsurp collector's enthusiasm and I hate to see that.
If you do go with a VZ-24 place a LOT of emphasis on getting a rifle with an excellent bore. If the retailer cannot guarantee you an excellent bore don't buy it (assuming you don't want to take forever cleaning your barrel)
1. Bores and Barrels: The VZ-24 bores are generally well used and dirty but not necessarily frosty or dark. You WILL have to spend a lot of time getting your barrel cleaned out. I'm soaking the barrel down and giving it 48 hours to sit before the next cleaning and I'm still getting black crud out of it. I don't think these rifles saw a strict cleaning regime. In this regard there is much less risk associated with M48 So this is a feather in the hat of the M48's as they have (for the most part) new barrels.
2. Got Wood?: The VZ-24 wood to metal fit much nicer than I was expecting. The wood is a little boring but clear of any major dents or cracks. Also a large majority of the VZ-24's currently entering Canada seem to have missmatched hand guards. A personal pet peeve of mine but I can deal with it. The M48 wood, that I have seen, is much more attractive so far as grain and figure is concerned. Another notch for the M48.
3. Blueing / Finish: The VZ-24 has outstanding blueing. Deep and rich blue although there were areas of pitting under the wood line that was blued over. I put the blueing on par with the M48 (a draw - or tie in this circumstance).
4. Actions: The VZ-24 action is extremely smooth and very easy to manipulate, even more so than the M48 in my opinion. Heaven forbid you bought the VZ-24 for sporterizing the standard length action is much more privy to .30-06 length wildcats. I really like the czech's attention to detail here - a great mauser action. This point is earned by the VZ-24.
5. Bolt Handles: Not everybody likes the straight bolt handle but it is something you get used to. Left handed people should especially take note of the straight bolt handle. You will find it much easier to manipulate than a turned down bolt. Point to the M48 because I think most people prefer a bent bolt but this is again personal preference.
6. Sling System: The VZ-24 sling system is (in my opinion) superior to the M48. There are two carry systems available on this rifle so if one doesn't suit you there is an alternative carry angle. Also I was never a fan of the std mauser design of using a sling through the butt-stock. I find that it makes shooting the m48 while using a sling for support difficult. The VZ-24 wins this point.
7. Sites - No specific difference with the exception of the front site protector. I prefer the VZ-24 for ease of removal than the M48 which is tricky. So in this respect I award a point to the VZ-24
8. Rifle Take Down: The VZ-24 was extremely easy to tear down. I find that the M48 rifles are a little more difficult - especially the bayonette / barrel band - very tight usually. It can be a real bugger to get off on the M48's. No problems with the VZ-24 though. A minor point for the VZ-24.
9. Feel: I like the fat wrists on the M48 stock. Much beefier feel to it than the VZ-24. Again this is a personal preference But I'm awarding a point to the M48 for its stock design.
10. Trigger: No notable difference. The trigger on my VZ-24 is very nice and crisp. Most of the M48 rifles I have owned had very good triggers to. Tie
11. Ancilliaries: Both the M48 and the VZ-24 come with a bayonette, sling and ammo pouches. The VZ-24 comes with a russian web sling for the mosin nagant (which is silly) but in practical terms it will work. In both cases a good compliment of ancilliary components. Tie
From a personal perspective I call it a tie but I'm leaning to the VZ-24 personally. Both are excellent rifles and I do not hesitate to promote either of them.
Having said that....
For the newbie getting into to the world of military surplus rifles I advocate the M48 rifles. I have sent numerous people off to Marstar to pick up one of their M48's over the years. There is much less risk on getting a rifle with a bad bore when it comes to the M48. As Stephen Redgwell says "Caveat Emptor" (buyer beware) but its nice to have someone near by with a little experience under their belt to help you make the right decision. After all, the availability of cash these days seems to be stretched pretty thin right now. A bad milsurp can ruin a new milsurp collector's enthusiasm and I hate to see that.
If you do go with a VZ-24 place a LOT of emphasis on getting a rifle with an excellent bore. If the retailer cannot guarantee you an excellent bore don't buy it (assuming you don't want to take forever cleaning your barrel)
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i bought a "new/unissued" M48 from marstar around 2002 and while the rifle was matching and appeared new (and had a lot of cosmoline everywhere), the boltface was pitted. so i am thinking it was refinished or else salvaged parts where used in the manufacturing of it. unless that was from the test firing.
I don't know much about the Yugo rifles but the VZ24's are supposed to be highly respected. Once the Nazi's took over they accepted that the Czech standards were as high as their own, which meant alot at the time as the war was still going very well for the Germans at that point.
If you go on Youtube, look for "Iraqveteran8888" and his review on the M48bo Mauser. Very extensive, he tests several types of ammo, and it's a must see for people considering purchasing one of these rifles. I am waiting for my income tax return, because I'd love to get my hands on one, I just wish ammo was more readily available for them....
I wonder if a better comparison would be a Yugo M24 and a Czeck VZ24 or even an FN contract '24'?
I have both a Yugo M24 and an FN contract '24' built in 7.92x57mm for Greece.
So both have seen little use outside of vendettas or blood feuds.
I have both a Yugo M24 and an FN contract '24' built in 7.92x57mm for Greece.
So both have seen little use outside of vendettas or blood feuds.
WOW this is a blast from the past.
OK this stuff can be confusing - especially for me.
Thinking back in time and space....
1. The Yugo M24 as I recall it was made by FN Hertal for Yugoslavia - intermediate length mauser actions with the 'Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes' Crest on the receiver
2. The Yugo M24b made from German Gewehr 98's. Std length mauser actions...
3. The M24/47 (44 marked) were rebuilt M24 FN Herstal actions performed by the Yugoslavians with the commie five-torch flame and star logo adorning the receiver. Made in Yugoslavia on purchased FN Herstal tooling.
4. The Czech model VZ24 was refurbed post WWII by the Yugoslavs and designated the M24/52C (also with commie crest) Some of these still have WaffenAmpt marked components and I have also read of models still adorning the Czech Rampant Lion crest on the receiver. I'd love to have a minty example of one of these mausers !
I'm not going to go into the M48 series. I'm sure we're all familiar with those lovely little mausers.
Off the top of my head that is the initial break down. I might be missing a few details.
OK this stuff can be confusing - especially for me.
Thinking back in time and space....
1. The Yugo M24 as I recall it was made by FN Hertal for Yugoslavia - intermediate length mauser actions with the 'Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes' Crest on the receiver
2. The Yugo M24b made from German Gewehr 98's. Std length mauser actions...
3. The M24/47 (44 marked) were rebuilt M24 FN Herstal actions performed by the Yugoslavians with the commie five-torch flame and star logo adorning the receiver. Made in Yugoslavia on purchased FN Herstal tooling.
4. The Czech model VZ24 was refurbed post WWII by the Yugoslavs and designated the M24/52C (also with commie crest) Some of these still have WaffenAmpt marked components and I have also read of models still adorning the Czech Rampant Lion crest on the receiver. I'd love to have a minty example of one of these mausers !
I'm not going to go into the M48 series. I'm sure we're all familiar with those lovely little mausers.
Off the top of my head that is the initial break down. I might be missing a few details.
Damn I want an nice Mauser so bad right now, but don't have the cash yet, hopefully in couple of months. gonna be a hard decision between these 2. Rreally want an original German one but can't justify the price for a good one, and don't want anything I can't shoot either , so looks like it's gonna be between these two. The richer history of the Czech which may have seen battle in Europe vs the Yugo which has it's own history and is unissued and essentially brand new. Tough decision.
Don't forget the Romanian contract Vz 24s. Does anyone know if these and the Czech Vz 24s being sold now are matching? My understanding is that the Czechs did not stamp parts like the Germans did (speculation is that the quality was so high they didn't need to stamp the parts).
Romanian ones are Russian capture so are they reassembled like the RC German K98ks after refurbishing?
Romanian ones are Russian capture so are they reassembled like the RC German K98ks after refurbishing?
I have the Romanian contract,the quality of refurbisment proces seems to be lower comparing with refurbished Mosins.
I have forever remourse for selling a non refurb Vz24 Lion creast in exelent condition for 350$ about 4 years ago.
