M98 vs Husqvarna 1600?

LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1

LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1

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Really want to have a nice custom hunting rifle built. I have decided for the most part on some sort of Mauser Action. Which action I have yet to decide on. Pretty much have it narrowed down to a FN98 (M98) or a Husqvarna 1600 series.

I was wondering if either the FN98 action or the Husqvarna actions have advantages over the other one?

My understanding is the 1600 is a improved M96 action that had a lot of the features of the M98 added.

The FN98 is a good old high quality M989 action, nothing really to expand upon.

Anyone take one over the other and why?

Thanks.
 
One advantge of the HVA is you can pick up a complete ready to go rifle in 30-06 from tradex for less than $450 some other cal available.

Have not seen a mauser action go (action only) for less than $500
 
What calibre? The 1600, being a small ring, will probably save you a few ounces if you want a lightweight rifle. The 98 will have more options for aftermarket parts ( safeties, triggers, bottom metal). If you're trying for an old English or European look, the 98 would be the way to go.
 
1600 is cleaner looking for a build, aftermarket '98 Timney triggers fit it fine, you just need the one with a safety built in. Stocks will be an issue for the 1600.
As mentioned, '98 will have more options and be easier to piece together.
 
I was under the impression that the 1600 had a unique trigger size that is non-standard once made by Timney [Tradewinds ] but no longer available.Harold
 
Was thinking 6.5x55. I know Tradex has 1600's in 6.5 but I was planning on a complete build with a new barrel and stock so its really just down to an action.
 
Hitzy said:
It's a standard '98 trigger, just the wood is not inlet for a direct drop in replacement, and you would need to use a different cocking piece off of a military '98 with the V groove cut in it.
http://forums.gunboards.com/archive/index.php/t-383599.html
Click to expand...

You don't even need a new cocking piece if you get the right trigger... the #301 is for flat bottomed cocking piece while the #302 is for "reversed V" (military) style cocking piece.

Also, the 1600 action can be fitted with a K98 bottom metal, so no big worried about customizing this action. It can even be fitted with the K98 original cocking piece and wing safety....

As for action strenght, the 1600 series have no shame besides the k98 as it uses modern steel vs most of the k98 using low carbon steel..
 
Baribal said:
You don't even need a new cocking piece if you get the right trigger... the #301 is for flat bottomed cocking piece while the #302 is for "reversed V" (military) style cocking piece.

Also, the 1600 action can be fitted with a K98 bottom metal, so no big worried about customizing this action. It can even be fitted with the K98 original cocking piece and wing safety....

As for action strenght, the 1600 series have no shame besides the k98 as it uses modern steel vs most of the k98 using low carbon steel..
Click to expand...

How much work is it to fit a 1600 into a '98 stock?
 
Well, since it's a Small Ring you need to fill the gaps... except that, it's quite the same as fitting a 98 action..
 
One interesting difference is that the 1600's fixed ejector does not line up with a locking lug, so the port side locking lug is not cut to allow its passage. That said, who has ever heard of a 98 failing due to an extractor cut through the locking lug? While this might be considered an improvement from an engineering perspective, its unlikely to matter to an end user.
 
It is also meant to direct escaping gases trhrough the receiver's left bolt raceway in case of case head failure....
 
Baribal said:
.....As for action strenght, the 1600 series have no shame besides the k98 as it uses modern steel vs most of the k98 using low carbon steel..
Click to expand...

Yes Sir! The come factory-chambered in many high pressure cartridges, 243, 308, 7mm Rem Mag, 308 Norma Mag.

One rarely hears about a problem with the 1600 series rifle.
Ted
 
Why not? said:
Yes Sir! The come factory-chambered in many high pressure cartridges, 243, 308, 7mm Rem Mag, 308 Norma Mag.

One rarely hears about a problem with the 1600 series rifle.
Ted
Click to expand...

Yes, Ted,
But very few .308 NM are known to be really made at HVA factory so I guess you meamt .358 NM
 
Baribal said:
Well, since it's a Small Ring you need to fill the gaps... except that, it's quite the same as fitting a 98 action..
Click to expand...

Right....
For an action I'd say the 1600 is a bit nicer to use for a full custom build, but then I guess you would need a custom stock made as well (if you don't want an OEM 1600 stock) which will add a lot of $$ to the build.
The commercial FN98 would be easier to stock for sure.
 
I really don't like the bolt release on the 1600 series. Large ring FN 98 for me all the way!
CZ550 is right in there too...
 
When I was a young gunsmith, just starting out, I was quite convinced the Husqvarna small ring was the superior action but it wasn't too long before I changed my mind. Intitially, I felt the fact that the left locking lug was unslotted was a big deal and I liked the appearance of the action. After just a couple of years though, I came to realize that the slotted lug of the 98 was not a big deal and felt that the breeching system of the 98 was enough better to outweigh any other concern about strength. There is no question that the 98 is amply strong. In addition, the bolt stop and ejector system of the 98 is nearly indestructible and I have never seen one fail. I saw a lot of HVA's which had suffered a broken spring or screw which rendered the bolt stop and ejector useless. The heavy, creepy, single stage trigger on the 1600 was and is a turkey. The two-stage military trigger is superior in every way. I also preferred the bolt-sleeve safety which positively blocks the striker. The Buehler safety on the left side was and is an excellent safety.
So, for myself, I would choose the 98 every time. In fact, for a serious hunting rifle, I consider the 98 to be the most dependable bolt action which has ever been made.
 
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