Mexican 1956 Mauser 98 Rebarrelling Project?

[bryan.14]

Hi Everyone,

I have a Mexican Mauser 98 complete Action that I would like to make use of. I would like to have a nice rifle built on this action if possible. Its just a bare action with bottom metal. Bolt is already bent down nicely. Budget is about $1000 give or take.

Parts I need are:

1. Barrel (maybe Military or a new blank) (was thinking 6mm Remington, 6.5x55, 7x57, or .270, 30-06)
2. New trigger
3. Boyds stock or similar.
4. Gunsmithing

Anyone done one of these before have any advice before I start ordering parts?

 

[rgg_7]

Which Mexican Mauser model do you have? 1910, 1924 or 36? Picture will tell us for sure. Do you have the correct, complete bolt? does it have the "Springfield" knob cocking piece? These are all short or intermediate action and not 98 large ring Mausers. Ok for 260 Rem, 7 x 57....nothing larger. You would be better going with a large ring for availability of stock, barrel and other components.

 

[bryan.14]

It says 1956 on the reciever. and Mod 54.
I can't find much information on it. I read it was the same as the 1936 but
chambered in 30-06.

Yes It has the Springfield style knob. And bolt is complete

Thanks for the info, I will try and post pictures tomorrow.

 

[rgg_7]

1936 is a small ring. The date on the receiver is the production year not the model. Any metal pitting below the stock line?

It says 1956 on the reciever. and Mod 54.
I can't find much information on it. I read it was the same as the 1936 but
chambered in 30-06.

Yes It has the Springfield style knob. And bolt is complete

Thanks for the info, I will try and post pictures tomorrow.

 

[dan belisle]

The 54 is a modernized version of the 36. It is still an intermediate length 98 action, so a lot of the regular 98 accessories will not fit. Swedish Mauser bottom metal can be fitted, and if memory serves the scope bases will fit too. It's a lot of work though, might be better off selling it too one of surplus guys and buying a much easier to work with version. - dan

 

[bearhunter]

That action will make a fine sporter. If memory serves, Boyd's makes drop in stocks for it.

It is already machined and the mag is the right length for any 30-06 length case and the bolt is right for any standard cartridge head.

They are interesting actions and quite strong.

I guess you already know that you can buy a brand new commercial rifle off the shelf with all of the features you want to build into your rifle??

All it takes is time, patience and money. You will need an after market trigger or if I remember, a standard 96 or 98 trigger will do the job.

The after market products that used to be available for milsurp conversions to sporters are not as plentiful as they used to be. Sometimes they show up at gun shows or in older gun shops that still have old dusty stock on hand.

I have seen a few of them done. They make a nice rifle if done properly. Thousands of them went through the aspirations of Bubba many moons ago. They are getting to be rather rare.

If you're planning on doing the work yourself, as a learning project, you have made a good acquisition. One thing I did find with them myself, the receiver ring is often hard as hell and it is very easy to break a drill bit or tap if you're planning on mounting a scope.

 

[bryan.14]

Thanks for the info Bearhunter!

I have a timney trigger on the way and Boyds website show a few options for a Mexican mauser 98.

I will need a gunsmith to the barrel work for me when I find a suitable barrel.
Does anyone know If I can use a Surplus Mauser barrel? Or should I order a new Shilen?

 

[bearhunter]

Thanks for the info Bearhunter!

I have a timney trigger on the way and Boyds website show a few options for a Mexican mauser 98.

I will need a gunsmith to the barrel work for me when I find a suitable barrel.
Does anyone know If I can use a Surplus Mauser barrel? Or should I order a new Shilen?

If you're going to do this as a learning experience, do it right the first time. Shilen barrels are good barrels but there are also a few Canadian makers that put out some products that are at least as good and often better.

 

[Mauser98]

Thanks for the info Bearhunter!

I have a timney trigger on the way and Boyds website show a few options for a Mexican mauser 98.

I will need a gunsmith to the barrel work for me when I find a suitable barrel.
Does anyone know If I can use a Surplus Mauser barrel? Or should I order a new Shilen?

Keep in mind that the M1954 is a small ring 98 so not just any old surplus Mauser barrel will fit. Pre-threaded barrels for Swedes And other small rings will fit.

Of course if a new blank is used, the 'smith will cut threads as required.