My Schultz & Larsen M69 -- UPDATED with an easy reference list of TRADEEX rifles

The Kurgan said:
Now that I'm keeping my rifle (as I sold enough "extra" toys)... I decided to freshen her up a bit...

She's now sitting with a gunsmith with the following "to do" list:

1. Refinish the nicely grained beechwood stock (durable satin finish)
2. bead blast and re-blue all metal (hot blue)
3. high polish bolt and bolt handle (keep shroud and wing safety blued)
4. high polish and jewel the extractor
5. cut and re-chamber
6. re-crown to 11 degree target crown
7. glass bed action
8. new Timney trigger (set at 2 lbs)
9. install conventional sling swivel stud 4 inches below original swivel to accommodate Harris bipod
10. action screws "tidied up"
11. "new" Mauser capture screws (which I provided)

As difficult as it was for me, I decided to keep the convential diopter/globe sights instead of DT and scope. So, it will still be an M58 with new finishes and a better trigger. :) I guess it will be an M69 after all!

Now how to pass the time until it's done next spring? (if I'm lucky).
Click to expand...

How much will cost you???
 
Good stuff. My metal parts are with Murdoc at Barret Arms getting bead blasted, parkerized, and Arma-coated as I type. Then back to my gunsmith for light glass bedding. Can't wait to shoot her.
 
Beautiful rifle and stunning ashtray. From viewing these two items alone, I can discern you are truly a member of the 'Distinguished Gentleman's Club'.:)
 
Anyone reloading for their target 6.5x55 rifle yet? I finally got my dies. What components have you tried. I have some PRVI ball ammo to shoot for brass. Thanks!
 
I might buy another for a refinishing challenge. Under that old blue, patina, surface rust, and shellac is a gorgeous, well made rifle that sports a bit of WWII history. The beechwood stocks are also surprizingly nice! (and durable)
 
The Kurgan said:
Did you buy that nice byf '44?
Careful, they're addictive. :)
Click to expand...

That's the one....

Had it narrowed down to 4 which were complete, with adjustable triggers, and VG bores....this one won out. Figure the adjustable trigger will save a couple $$ buying aftermarket....
I already load for the 6.5x55 so that made it easier lol
 
As I noted earlier in this thread, Tradeex is offering a mix of M52, M58, and M69 target rifles that they’re simply calling “M69”. There are a number of key differences between the model designations, complicated by the fact that many of these rifles were in active service with Danish target clubs for many decades, and therefore, saw various updates over the years.



On page 2, I provide 10 examples of a mix of M52, M58, and M69 rifles. This will help give you a visual reference of the differences.



M52 (produced 1952-1957)

Carefully inspected K98, Gew 98, or M98 (Radom, Vz-24, FN) action, bolt, and bottom metal sourced from abandoned German Mausers.

**ANY year or factory combination is possible.

Usually non-matching parts, but occasionally matching, or, force-matched.

Re-shaped and cut-down K98 stock (hardwood or laminate)

Polished/re-worked K98 or M98 trigger

Military style rear peep sight (M1 Garand style)

Military style non-hooded front sight post (M1 Garand style)

S&L medium heavy contour target barrel

**Sometimes an original or re-fitted K98/M98 military stepped barrel is found. (Why? I don’t know.)

Waffenampts and other military stamps usually left intact.



M58 (produced 1958-1968)

Carefully inspected K98, Gew 98, or M98 (Radom, Vz-24, FN) action, bolt, and bottom metal sourced from abandoned German Mausers.

**ANY year or factory combination is possible.

Usually non-matching parts, but occasionally matching, or, force-matched.

Re-shaped and cut-down K98 stock (hardwood or laminate)

Polished/re-worked K98 or M98 trigger

S&L-made rear aperature/diopter sight

S&L-made front globe (tunnel) sight, fitted by means of a dovetail joint

S&L-made medium heavy contour target barrel

**Sometimes an original or re-fitted K98/M98 military stepped barrel is found. (Why? I don’t know.)

Waffenampts and other military stamps usually left intact.



M58E

The “M58E” was produced for the British market and was chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO.

It typically resembled an M69 but with slightly different front and rear target sights. Tradeex does not offer these variants.



M69 (produced 1969-1979)

Carefully inspected K98, Gew 98, or M98 (Radom, Vz-24, FN) action, bolt, and bottom metal sourced from abandoned German Mausers.

**ANY year or factory combination is possible.

Usually non-matching parts, but occasionally matching, or, force-matched.

S&L-made target stock made of strong European Beechwood

**K98 style stock recess and lower profile shaped bolt handle sometimes found on later M69 builds.

Polished/re-worked K98 or M98 trigger, OR, S&L-made adjustable trigger

**S&L-made adjustable triggers typically found on later M69 builds

S&L-made rear aperature/diopter sight

S&L-made front globe (tunnel) sight, press-fitted

S&L-made medium heavy contour target barrel

Waffenampts and other military stamps sometimes left intact, but much less so on later M69 builds.



So, for a target rifle, an M69 is the way to go. However, whether or not an S&L adjustable trigger is included shouldn’t be a deal breaker as a Timney trigger is only $100 and is superior. Lastly, don’t let “minor surface rust” or “blue wear” deter you. This is easily remedied by way of oil/0000 steel wool or a complete refinishing. Bare metal can be easily polished to “in the white” again, and wood stocks easily refinished. There’s a beautiful, well-made rifle under that “thin layer of age”!



If you’re looking for the action only, there are many variations to choose from, but pick a common variant if you’re drilling and tapping! J please.
 
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