Opinions on old M98 actions

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Hi everybody,

I am sorry if this has been asked before, but I've been trying to find anything about this here since last night, without any success. So, I'd like to kindly ask for your help.

I've been looking at the Mauser 98 based rifles offered by Tradex, but have really no idea which ones are better than the others. So I would like to ask to those who know: Of all the M98 sporting Mausers now offered by Tradex, irregardless of caliber and stock condition, which one would be the best? Or, how would you class them? I'm thinking smoothness of operation, strength and accuracy. I already have a military config. M96 and really like it's smoothness and accuracy, but now want a #### on opening/stronger M98.

I have always heard good stuff about FN Mausers, but Tradex has so much more I've never heard anything about (Voere, HVA 1600-not really 98 but-, Parker Hale, Sabatti?, Brno, Geco and some m98 sporters?) that I wouldn't know which one to choose.
I am looking for a good quality/good value M98 based rifle in .30-06, mostly for paper punching and as a back-up to my Weatherby MK-V when moose hunting. I am leaning towards either a Voere or HVA commercial FN98, but don't know much about either, especially the Voere. I also know that Brno's are good, but they seem to be pricier than the rest at Tradex, and I would like to keep the price as close to $500 (or under) as possible. So, what say you?
 
That's a good question you asked. I can't help you with the answer, but will be interested to hear what those very familiar with the subject will say.
If it was me in your position, prepared to pay $500 or so, for a Mauser 30-06, I would be looking for a good used older commercial 30-06.
Excellent Husqvarna's seem to sell in that range. Or, the odd time a Remington Model 721. Or a Savage 110. Or that fancy looking H&R in 30-06.
For a shooter, I would take the above examples ahead of any military Mauser on the market.
 
I'd like to know too. So I am watchimg for the Mauser gurus to speak. I've read stuff on the internet (Wikipedia) but still want to learn more.
 
Depends on what the previous owner or gunsmith has done to said military Mauser.
A well loved one can be far better built then many modern arms in it's price range.
Especially Swedish rifles.
 
I understand what you say Calum, but unfortunately without the privilege of being able to inspect all of them before choosing, there's no way of actually verifying what type of care has been provided to any of these rifles, neither to what extend they've been butchered. Now, Tradex is very good at classing their guns, but unfortunately it is still no substitute for hands on inspection by the buyer. But alas, it is impossible to hand inspect Tradex's rifles, at this moment anyways, so for the purpose of my question we'll have to assume similar working conditions for all of them.

I also understand what you say about Swedish rifles. At this moment I own 3 Mauser based rifles: a Carl Gustav Stads M96 in military guise, a butchered Turkish M38 (Ankara) and a brand new Winchester M70. Of all 3, the M96 has definitely the smoothest action of all, and probably is the most accurate, too. Only my Weatherby MK-V is as smooth, but not really smoother. The Turkish must be one of the roughest Mausers ever built. Bolt fit in the action is very loose and very rough. Accuracy isn't too bad, but its barrel is practically wasted already, so impossible to compare. The Winchester is a real beauty, but unfortunately not anywhere near as smooth as the M96. And, although after some work I have been able to get it to group accurately, it did come with a very rough bore and first groups weren't very impressive.

I actually haven't seen a modern rifle similarly priced, that would be a better buy than any of these Mausers. I have worked on and fired different Remingtons M700's and at least a couple of Savages, and I wouldn't trade my M96 for any of them.

I don't think I could go wrong with a HVA FN98 actually, it's just that I'd feel much better if I knew anything more about all these rifles before really deciding which one to buy.

Thanks a lot for all your responses.
 
Whichever 98 is chosen, make sure it has a low bolt handle and safety(for scope clearance) and is drilled and tapped. Personally, I'd go for one of the FN98's or Voeres.

My second choice would be a Husqvarna M98. I don't know who made the actions on these rifles-perhaps FN but with different labeling on the rifle.

Tradex also lists quite a few Husqvarna 1600's in 3006 and other calibers. These are small-ring Mausers with a number of 98 features. I've handled and shot a number of these and they are nice rifles.

Personally I'd stay away from those rifles that have been drilled and tapped for side mounts. No particular reason other than they're ugly.
 
Best Mauser is the British one: P14 or M17. Best sights, best safety, best trigger, best stock and IMO, best handling all round.

The Swedes are beautifully made, but crappy safety and not as strong as the P14/M17. Don't like the triggers or sights either.

IMO the Tradex rifles are cheap enough that if you don't like what you get you can sell it here an probably not lose any money, even make some perhaps.
 
Depends what you really want. If you like to tinker and modify a bit - a cheaper 98 sporter may be your ticket.

if you want out of the gate good- lean to a BRNO, Voere (sp) , or similar. They will have safeties (non-military), likely a better one stage trigger and a good stock.

Myself, I would not hesitate to buy a BRNO zg-47 from Tradeex. Even if it needs a little stock gluing to fix a crack or two, if Anthony says the bore is very good - then that is what it is. You will have a rifle that will last forever and hold its value very well.

Even a BRNO 601,600 or 602 - you know what they are like and know they are great dependable rifles. I feel the BRNO line is the best Mauser. The 600 series does not have the cut through the left front locking lug which some say adds to strength. me - i dont think that means much as they are all plenty stong.

The BRNO / CZ line uses a superior scope mounting system with their 19mm dovetails to accept the clamp on scope bases. No little screws to strip out of the receiver or mis-drilled swiss cheese base holes.

The newer Voeres (sp) may use a non-controlled feed system in their bolt (like a remington) which is fine as well. I find they tend to be "smoother" or the bolt tighter in the receiver. Again, that may appeal to you, but they both function fine. I dont mind a bit of slop with a mauser type bolt as long as it doesnt bind and it locks up tight (most do)

The commercial HVAs are not well known to me so I cant speak about them - suffice to say they are also wonderful actions and rifles.

I really dont think you can go wrong with those choices. phone and talk to Anthony - they are great and will tell you all about your choices and send pictures of the details.

I find some may take a very little work (stock cracks- maybe a butt pad etc) - but when done you wil have a keeper - I dont think I have bought a bad one from them yet.

I would stay away from one with welded on scope bases or other bubba type options - that is a bit of a stetch for me.
 
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Best Mauser is the British one: P14 or M17
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P14 or M17 - ??? - these are not Mausers.

Not sure about what Anthony has so this probably won't apply anyway. But military German made DWM versions like the 1908 Brazilian and especially the 1909 Argentine with its drop floor plate were favoured for quality custom sporters. Czech made VZ24s were good for that too. They required bolt handle, safety and maybe some grinding and D and T work. Not all M98s were made equally well as you note.
 
I have a Parker Hale Safari that will cloverleaf 3 rounds at 100 yards. It is 30-06. Really nice shooting and handling rifle. My only complaint is the bolt is sloppy at full extension, but from what I have been told this is normal. These are Santa Barbara mauser actions.
 
Good stuff! Please keep it coming.

Farshot, no complaints about Tradex. I've been buying things from Anthony long before I knew Tradex existed. I used to buy parts and other stuff from him at the Gun Shows in Montreal. I have also bought a couple of different guns from him and I have gotten exactly what he said I was going to get. I've been very pleased so far and I'm not expecting that to change.

Whelen B, I know Argentine and Persian Mauser actions are the Creme of these ex-military Mausers, but unfortunately so do must other Mauser tinkerers, so those are not only hard to find, but expensive when you do find them. I also know Brno's are supposed to be very good, but again, unfortunately for me, that is also reflected by their price. I am also looking at another rifle I'm about to buy from Tradex, so this being a second one, I'd like to keep it as cheap as possible, without sacrificing too much on quality.

I already named the different rifles available from Tradex at this moment, that is why my question referred to only those. I think I'll go with a Husqvarna FN98. I like the lines of the rifles and I assumed they were built by Husqvarna in Sweden using FN built Mauser 98 actions. But I would still like to know more about them. ;)
 
I have two HVA commercial-actioned 98's, and must say that of all the 98's I've had, they impress me the most. They were manufactured by FN. I also have an FN-manufactured '98 HVA with the thumb cut-out, another very well made action. If you are looking for a donor action for a custom, they are ideal.
 
I generally don't like linking to other message boards but Gun Boards (http ://www.gunboards.com) has a huge section on Scandinavian military and commercial firearms. I found a lot of information on all the different Husqvarna variants there. I would go for a Husqvarna FN98 for a large ring Mauser or a Husqvarna 1600 Series for a small ring Mauser.
 
98 Mausers

A lot of the 98 Mauser sporters offered by Trade-Ex are built on a military action. These have a thumb cut on the left side wall.

The Commercial rifles generally do not have this thumb cut, and thus are rated a bit stronger because of the solid side wall.

Husqvarna started using 96 actions for their sporting rifles....#### on closing. Up until approximately 1940, the Swedish made actions were made by Carl Gustav. Husqvarna made some military actions from about 1941 to about 1943, then used some for Sporters. They then made a 96 Commercial version with a solid left sidewall.

In the early 1950s, Husqvarna started selling their sporting rifles with the 1600 action. It was basically a 98 Mauser Commercial small ring action, with sporting features.

I would personally buy a 1600 series, with a side safety, drilled and tapped for top scope mounts, and a factory bent bolt handle. The Deluxe rifles have a cheek piece and a Monte Carlo type stock. They were made with aluminum and steel trigger guard/floorplates, and I would pick a steel one.

Some have adjustable triggers, but an aftermarket Timney trigger can be fitted. The 1600 series tends to be a hair lighter than a large ring type.

Voere is good, Parker Hale are usually Spanish Santa Barbara actions, Brno is good, but the safeties operate in reverse on most of them....back to fire.
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I have rebarrelen and "customised " a number of 98 actions. These were mostly from Lebarons who had 1909 argentines at good prices,


I know you military guys blanch at the thought but where can you get a PURE Mauser in 284 win,358 winor 35 Whelen,even 338 win!

JITC
 
buffdog said:
A lot of the 98 Mauser sporters offered by Trade-Ex are built on a military action. These have a thumb cut on the left side wall.

The Commercial rifles generally do not have this thumb cut, and thus are rated a bit stronger because of the solid side wall.
Click to expand...

I would not agree with this at all. The thumb cut is well behind the locking lugs and seats, and has no effect on the 'strength', at least in regard to breeching (and what else matters?).

On top of that, most commercial actions with the solid left wall (except the Brno ZG and the 46-51 FN among other variants) do not have full C-ring breeching, while the military variants all do. While it can be argued that the H-ring actions are strong and safe, I do not believe it can be argued that the full C-ring as designed by Mauser is not superior.

Having said that, any of the FN 98 pattern actioned Husqvarnas are top quality rifles, and already are properly drilled/tapped for a scope, as well as having a low bolt handle and safety.
 
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