Question on 6.5X55 mil surp rifles

powdergun

powdergun

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
245   0   0
I am curious about the the military surplus rifles in 6.5x55. If anyone has some knowledge I'd be greatful for any info on the following questions.

1) Which have the strongest actions ?
2) Which are inherently the most accurate ?
3) Which ones require the least work to mount a scope ?


Thanks
 
THe most often encountered service rifles in 6.5x55 are the Swedish 1896 and 1938 Mauser rifles, the autoloading AG42B and the Norwegian Krag. All are strong enough for the cartridge, the Mausers would have the edge in strength. All are accurate, assuming a fine bore, etc. All require alterations for scope mounting. The Mausers are probably the easiest to 'scope, considering the standardized procedure used, and availability of mounts, safety. Bolt handle alteration is necessary.
 
There were also a few K98 mausers that were converted by the Danes and possibly the Norwegians. They were converted for target purposes and are all pretty well used.

tradex has several already sporterised, some with scope mounts or drilled and tapped, others plain. $325 appx and less. Some with excellent bores as well.

Probably easier and cheaper to go that route than any other. bearhunter
 
If you want a mauser sporter, look very closely at what Tradex has. Most are already nicely sported, they come in several chamberings, and you will save a milsurp from the indignity of sporterizing and save a pile of time and money as well.
 
X3 on the Tradeex recommendation.
I have one of the Dane target conversions. Built on a beautiful 1938 receiver. Useful aperture sight, good shooter, but it is pretty used and the bore is less than crisp.
 
Who or what is tradex?

I'm a afraid to speak up here as there are such knowledgeable folks on this subject, but I'll take my chances. Doesn't hurt to be corrected if I'm wrong.

I think the Mauser 96 or 38 are the easiest to find and adapt to a scope. Make sure you get one with a good bore and matching part number on the bolt and other parts. If you are handy you can buy a one piece scope base and drill and tap the mount to the receiver. I used a redfield base on mine. Timney makes an inexpensive replacement trigger. Keep in mind that if you are reloading, there are limitations on how much pressure a small ring mauser like the 96 or 38 can take. I'm told its not capable of withstanding loads used on modern rifles, so I respect the data from the powder companies on reloading for surplus rifles. I've had good success with 120-140 grain bullets for deer hunting. A good M96 is capable of terrific accuracy and with a scope can hit a small target at 300 yards every shot. I've had a couple of AG42B (Ljungmans) and they are good operating rifles, but not as accurate as the bolt action guns. A little trickier to scope, although I've done it.
 
Like others have said, get one already altered.

You could be taking a $300 rifle, adding at least $200 worth of work, destroying what some value as an unaltered collectors piece and creating a gun with a resale value of about $250.

I've seen some "sportered" versions with an altered bolt handle, but unless you mount the scope unusually high, the safety won't function.
 
Its hard to believe these guns go for $300 now. Wow. I bought all mine back in the 70's and 80s when they all sold for less than $100.00, more like $70-$90.00.

As for the safety not working, I just ground mine out into a shape that cleared the scope bell. Pretty sure the timney trigger still sells for less than $50.00 for the swedish mauser. I simply cut and welded the bolt handle to a better angle. You used to be able to buy bolt handles that were nicely shaped and curved too.

If you have to pay $300 for an original gun, I'd say forget it.
 
One thing I love about the Swedish Mausers is their smooth trigger as is.

I bought a Timney for my 1953 Commercial Mauser 98 sporter and by the time it was purchased, shipped and installed it was more than $50.00.
 
Last edited:
I have notice some M96 chambered in 30-06 on tradeexcanada, they must be mistaken, I don't think the 96 action can handle the pressures of the 06. M96 action are for about 45000 to 46000 c.u.p.
 
6.5x55swm said:
I have notice some M96 chambered in 30-06 on tradeexcanada, they must be mistaken, I don't think the 96 action can handle the pressures of the 06. M96 action are for about 45000 to 46000 c.u.p.
Click to expand...

I don't think it is a boo boo.
They've been popping up in 308 Win, 243 Win, 30-06 and 9,3x62.

There seems to be alot of folks on each side of the fence as to what pressure the 96 will take. Some have evenmentioned they are proof tested at higher pressures than a 98 is meant to take. Hopefully they show up and give us the dirt.
 
tradeex are good people to do business with-I picked up a nice Husqvarna 9.3x57-and it was exactly as they described it.I'd do business with them again with no hesitation
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom