Mannlichers....

Who still makes these today? Sako does, CZ used to (still do?), who else? There's a Ruger No.1 in full stock but it's in a boring caliber.

Most of the modern European rifle companies still make fullstock "Stutzen" versions of their rifles. However, these can be limited production runs and those few extra inches of wood often add substantially to the price.
 
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Who still makes these today? Sako does, CZ used to (still do?), who else? There's a Ruger No.1 in full stock but it's in a boring caliber.

Ruger makes the M77 and No.1 in International versions... and they generally don't chamber boring cartridges these days... .257 Roberts, .250 Savage, .260 Rem, 6.5X55, 7X57 (.275 Rigby) etc... nice hunting rifles chambered for nice deer cartridges... perfect for a stroll through the hardwoods.
 
Zastava. Not the fanciest or nicest, but decent solid rifles. TradeEx usually carries a few, looks like they're sold out at the moment.

The Mauser 98 is a proven action, arguably one of the very best, but in the case of the Zastava it is a little rough and needs some work, smoothing it either through just cycling the bolt (a lot) or with the assistance of a good stone....and the wood is a bit on the bulky side with just plain awful checkering, but it is walnut, even sometimes with decent figure hidden under the muddy finish, and there is plenty of wood to slim down and refinish. With a bit of relatively easy work you can really improve it...sort of like a Harley.
 
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The Mauser 98 is a proven action, arguably one of the very best, but in the case of the Zastava it is a little rough and needs some work, smoothing it either through just cycling the bolt (a lot) or with the assistance of a good stone....and the wood is a bit on the bulky side with just plain awful checkering, but it is walnut, even sometimes with decent figure hidden under the muddy finish, and there is plenty of wood to slim down and refinish. With a bit of relatively easy work you can really improve it...sort of like a Harley.

Agree on all points. I haven't dolled mine up, it's a nice enough looking gun as is, reliable, decently accurate, and I'm not afraid to take it into the bush.

The hidden gem of the Zastava guns is the trigger pack. You can adjust the take up, over travel, and draw weight. A bit of time and patience with a jeweler's screwdriver is all it takes, and you can adjust it exactly to your desires.
 
BRNO small ring Mauser 98. Caliber 8x57S
Barrel Length: 20.5" to front of bolt. Double set triggers.
Hensoldt-Wetzlar 6x scope. German No. 1 reticle.
See-through claw mounts. Leather scope case.
Dated 1951 on barrel and receiver.
Matching serial numbers on barrel, bolt and stock (in barrel channel).
Both Czechoslovakian and German (Ulm) proofmarks.
Right side of barrel ahead of rear sight marked in English "Made in Czechoslovakia".
Receiver and barrel stamped "Geco" (German retailer, Gustav Genschow & Co.)
Stock stamped WB (inspector) in a cartouche on bottom of stock behind the pistol grip.
Tally marked stock (silver inlays of Roe Deer, Wild Boar, Red Deer, and Fox...w/silver pins)
Weight approx. 6.5 lb. w/o scope.


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I have a Mannlicher schoenauer chambered in 6.5x54 ms. I’m shooting RWS ammo loaded with 159 gr sp’s was wonder what kind of accuracy you guys are achieving. Mine leaves a lot to be desired wondering if it’s worth reloading for? I’m achieving 5” groups on a good day at 100 yards.
 
I have a Mannlicher schoenauer chambered in 6.5x54 ms. I’m shooting RWS ammo loaded with 159 gr sp’s was wonder what kind of accuracy you guys are achieving. Mine leaves a lot to be desired wondering if it’s worth reloading for? I’m achieving 5” groups on a good day at 100 yards.

Over the last 4-5 decades, I've owned M-S rifles that wouldn't hit the side of a barn and others that shot consistent moa groups. Find the right factory ammo and/or the right handloads and they will usually perform. Its impossible to give much advice without knowing details of your rifle's bore condition, bedding, type of sights/scope, etc. I'd say for a start try a few different brands of ammo. In my experience, sometimes cheaper is better.
 
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