School me on M98 actions

[Delloro]

Dear All,

I would like to build a nice, working 9.3x62 hunting rifle on an m98 action. I would like to get a nice FN action that is rust free and drilled and tapped but they are not easy to find. What do you think about other actions like Zastava, interterms, Santa Barbara etc? I do not want to dump a lot of money building a rifle on an inferior action that will then need to be replaced. Also, I very much would like to have a 3 position side safety (like Win m70). I see a lot of mauser actions , like husqvarna 1640 with two position safeties beside the bolt. Can these husqvarna actions "upgraded" to the 3 position side safety.
All other advice when it comes to m98 actions are welcome and if you have one which you think would be a nice basis for a build please let me know.
Thank you, Ferenc

Sent you a DM.

 

[roklok]

It all depends on the skill on whomever is doing the repair. It could be barely noticeable if done right. I have a Remington 30 Express with a filled in sight notch that takes close examination to detect. Or you could mount a peep sight base to fill void.

 

[Old3Toe]

Sure, probably.

 

[John Wasmuth]

.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

Dear All,

I would like to build a nice, working 9.3x62 hunting rifle on an m98 action. I would like to get a nice FN action that is rust free and drilled and tapped but they are not easy to find. What do you think about other actions like Zastava, interterms, Santa Barbara etc? I do not want to dump a lot of money building a rifle on an inferior action that will then need to be replaced. Also, I very much would like to have a 3 position side safety (like Win m70). I see a lot of mauser actions , like husqvarna 1640 with two position safeties beside the bolt. Can these husqvarna actions "upgraded" to the 3 position side safety.
All other advice when it comes to m98 actions are welcome and if you have one which you think would be a nice basis for a build please let me know.
Thank you, Ferenc

I have two of the Interarms Mark X actions. One in .458 WM and the other in .300 WM. I have had the triggers replaced with Timneys and the safeties replaced with Model 70 type. I.have used the .300 for mule deer, black bear and moose in the US and BC as well as plains game in Africa. I have taken two cape buffalo in Zimbabwe with the .458. I have complete confidence in these two rifles, and they have become my two-rifle battery to take any larger animal anywhere. I think you would be happy with a rifle that had a Zastava, Interarms or Mark X action as they were all.made by Zastava. I believe Husqvarna got their 1640 actions there as well.

 

[mdwest]

Guys, apologize for the slew of questions. You can probably tell I am actively hunting for a rifle. Next odd question, I found a pretty nice FN mauser with a pristine action and a decent stock. My only concern is that the stock has a side mount peep sight cutout. Is this something that can be repaired with a decent cosmetic outcome. I doubt but it does not hurt to ask...
Thank youView attachment 730884

Don’t apologize… these are the type of discussions a lot of us enjoy engaging in…

They certainly beat the “is 375 H&H sufficient for buffalo?” Inquiries

 

[Ontario Hunter]

So this is the same Spanish action I alluded to earlier. It seems to have an unusual safety anybody can help supplying some more information about the action? IS this an aftermarket safety?

View attachment 730859

That is a Chapman or Wisner 2-position safety. They sold the kits but required some semi-sophisticated machining of the military bolt shroud.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Guys, apologize for the slew of questions. You can probably tell I am actively hunting for a rifle. Next odd question, I found a pretty nice FN mauser with a pristine action and a decent stock. My only concern is that the stock has a side mount peep sight cutout. Is this something that can be repaired with a decent cosmetic outcome. I doubt but it does not hurt to ask...
Thank youView attachment 730884

Yes. Toss the stock and order a nice one from Boyds. Gunsmith can fill and smooth the screw holes. You'll want to finish the action with rebluing anyway.

I presume it's tapped on top for a scope since the bolt handle has been modified.

 

[Delloro]

It all depends on the skill on whomever is doing the repair. It could be barely noticeable if done right. I have a Remington 30 Express with a filled in sight notch that takes close examination to detect. Or you could mount a peep sight base to fill void. View attachment 730887

Agree, easy repair. If the stock is sound and a good fit, just repair it.

 

[Wilkup]

I’ve also been considering something similar and was looking at the Interarms Mark X Witworth action because I prefer the 2 position safety to the wing style. I had a JC Higgins years ago that was extremely sloppy compared to my custom 700 style actions but just love the classic look of the Mauser 98 actions.
Are there any 98s out there with a tighter/smooth M70 style bolt to action fit?

 

[roklok]

The 98s are all kind of sloppy in my experience, inherent in the design. Especially comparing to modern actions such as custom 700s. Some are better than others, but every one I have experienced have a lot of side to side (and some up and down) bolt slop when action is open. The 1917/P14 actions are very Mauser like and have much tighter tolerances and smoother operating, also are suited to bigger cartridges than a standard 98 action. I have never had the opportunity to handle a true magnum length 98, maybe they are tighter.

 

[Delloro]

I avoided Mausers for years due to the seemingly loose bolts when open.

But then I realized it was designed that way, and ended up forgetting all about it.

I expect high-dollar customs and recently made receivers may be less loose, but they are out of my price range.

 

[Wilkup]

I avoided Mausers for years due to the seemingly loose bolts when open.

But then I realized it was designed that way, and ended up forgetting all about it.

I expect high-dollar customs and recently made receivers may be less loose, but they are out of my price range.

I knew I should’ve just stuck to my budget Savage actions from back in the day, but I got curious… I first tried a Sako 85, then a Weatherby Mark V and my snobbery and love of fine rifles just sort of took off from there lol
I’ll just have to chat with my gunsmith and see if he’s got a way to tighten one up a bit cuz at this point in my life I think they’re just too classic to not have one in the gun cabinet or on a mantle.

 

[Don416]

Ruger just released a 9.3x62, Sako/Tikka still makes them, there should still be Huskavarna and M98 actions around already chambered in 9.3x62.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I knew I should’ve just stuck to my budget Savage actions from back in the day, but I got curious… I first tried a Sako 85, then a Weatherby Mark V and my snobbery and love of fine rifles just sort of took off from there lol
I’ll just have to chat with my gunsmith and see if he’s got a way to tighten one up a bit cuz at this point in my life I think they’re just too classic to not have one in the gun cabinet or on a mantle.

You do know that even if there is a slight perceived wobble in the 98 bolt, the system is far more reliable than a 700 action. Right? Most people that hunt dangerous game prefer controlled round feed (CRF) rifles to push feed (PF) guns. I've had a 700 in 7RM for about 45 years and a PF Model 70 in .30-06 for about 50 years. Both rifles have been used hard and have never failed, but on my first African hunt a "dead" cape buffalo got up and started for my PH at about 10 feet. His PF M 70 had failed to feed after he shot. I broke the bulls neck with my Mark X Whitworth. I like my PF rifles, but I love my two 98's.

The pre '64 and the newer CRF Model 70's seem to be very good. I don't own any of those but others here swear by them.

 

[Wilkup]

You do know that even if there is a slight perceived wobble in the 98 bolt, the system is far more reliable than a 700 action. Right? Most people that hunt dangerous game prefer controlled round feed (CRF) rifles to push feed (PF) guns. I've had a 700 in 7RM for about 45 years and a PF Model 70 in .30-06 for about 50 years. Both rifles have been used hard and have never failed, but on my first African hunt a "dead" cape buffalo got up and started for my PH at about 10 feet. His PF M 70 had failed to feed after he shot. I broke the bulls neck with my Mark X Whitworth. I like my PF rifles, but I love my two 98's.

The pre '64 and the newer CRF Model 70's seem to be very good. I don't own any of those but others here swear by them.

Do you still have the Witworth?
How sloppy is the bolt fit?

 

[Huvius]

They are in high regard in Europe, at least those made by DWM, unsure if its the same with those built in Argentina.

Some where high end custom rifles are still built on this action, like this one: https://www.buechsenmacher-schiller...8x68s-based-on-argentine-dwm-action-1909/?L=1

When I built (or rather commissioned) my custom M98 my (german) gunmaker insisted on using the M98 DWM 1909 Argentine for the build.

Yes, the 1909 Argentines (DWM which I believe they all are) are a very good basis for a custom.
For a 9.3X62, probably no rail work will be needed. Magazine length should be good from the start. They have a nice hinged floor plate with the release in the trigger bow which is nice IMO.
The bolt face will not need anything either IIRC.
There are a couple little things particular to these actions such as the floor plate release doesn’t have a bump so your smith would need to make one or weld one onto the release arm - not a big deal.
Also, the bolt release doesn’t have the usual ridge on top but a little shroud like part that lays over the left side of the rear bridge - that can also be easily replaced though.
The bolt handle in stock form is straight so would either need to be bent or cut and replaced. Again, any good smith does this.

All that goodness and a complete rifle can still be found for around $600 - actions for less still.

 

[Huvius]

Of course, if you don’t want to commission a full build, remember, as mentioned before, that any 30’06 or 8mm Mauser can be rebored and chambered to the 9.3 and a 9.3X57 is usually just a rechamber away.
This is the most close effective way to get what you want I’d think.

 

[cajunchefray]

I’ve also been considering something similar and was looking at the Interarms Mark X Witworth action because I prefer the 2 position safety to the wing style. I had a JC Higgins years ago that was extremely sloppy compared to my custom 700 style actions but just love the classic look of the Mauser 98 actions.
Are there any 98s out there with a tighter/smooth M70 style bolt to action fit?

Regarding fit and bolt movement when pulled rearward,
The modern Zastava Mauser 98 Interarms Whitworth is fairly tight, for a Mauser.
Herr Mauser designed in the tolerances for battlefield condition.

Husqvarna 640 (M98 large ring FN Belgium actions) are similarly tight. I really like these. As others have said, Pre WW1 German DWM made rifles are the best in terms of tight Mauser tolerances, and smoothness. 1908 Brazilian DWM contract and 1909 Argentine DWM contract M98 is superb. I had a 1908 Brazilian DWM 7x57, all matching that in my foolish youth I sold. Those actions alone, with only minimal pitting below the wood line, go for at least $500 probably more.

Austrian Waffenfabrik Steyr 1912 vintage M98s are exceptional. That is what I have built into a 35 Whelen.

The JC Higgins Model 50 can be had with nice FN actions, but the bottom metal and trigger is a different setup than M98. I'm not a big fan of JC Higgins Model 51.

The Santa Barbara M98 I've had was a rough actions, rougher than any Zastava on a bad day. They can all be smoothed up.

I am just an amateur gun guy, but I have confirmed this process with my gunsmith/gunmaker. It's basically his process as well. I read this in Rifle magazine many years ago.
He built a Zastava M70 9.3x62mm. That rifle was extremely smooth.

They all can be smoothed up with 600 then 800 grit wet dry sandpaper with gun oil on a bolt raceway polishing tool (Brownells).
Remove the trigger and firing pin. DO NOT apply abrasive paste to the locking lugs. Check and keep the receiver locking lug recesses clean.
You don't want to alter the headspace.

Run the bolt raceway polishing tool with wet dry sandpaper and very slight oil.through the action at least 300 cycles
(watch a good hunting video while in your chair with a bit of whiskey).

Wash out thoroughly with a lot of extremely hot water (140 -180 degrees). I boil water in a large tea kettle. You want to flush and heat up the action with flowing water, so hot that you need gloves. It will dry in a couple of minutes

Then apply Flitz or the smallest grit valve grinding compound available to the raceways, but not the locking lugs recesses. insert the bolt and work the action at least 500 times.
Watch another good hunting video while working the bolt in the action. If appropriate, enjoy another whiskey (in moderation).

Keep the grinding paste out of the lug recesses. Check every few dozen strokes.
Hot wash again, you want the metal so hot you can't handle it with bare hands. Being a chef of 35 years, I can handle a bit of heat, but I use chemical resistant gloves.
When dry, then apply a light coast of your preferred gun oil.
I use CLP, there are many good products in the market today.
Reinstall the trigger and firing pin assemblies.


If I were to build a 9x62, I would search for, in order:

- FN marked action with Belgium proofs and FN roll mark

- unmolested Husky 640

_Zastava built M98, whether Interarms, Remington 798 or Zastava M70.
As I understand, these are built on FN M98 type tooling. This information is from several noted gun writers over the decades.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[ftothfadd]

Regarding fit and bolt movement when pulled rearward,
The modern Zastava Mauser 98 Interarms Whitworth is fairly tight, for a Mauser.
Herr Mauser designed in the tolerances for battlefield condition.

Husqvarna 640 (M98 large ring FN Belgium actions) are similarly tight. I really like these. As others have said, Pre WW1 German DWM made rifles are the best in terms of tight Mauser tolerances, and smoothness. 1908 Brazilian DWM contract and 1909 Argentine DWM contract M98 is superb. I had a 1908 Brazilian DWM 7x57, all matching that in my foolish youth I sold. Those actions alone, with only minimal pitting below the wood line, go for at least $500 probably more.

Austrian Waffenfabrik Steyr 1912 vintage M98s are exceptional. That is what I have built into a 35 Whelen.

The JC Higgins Model 50 can be had with nice FN actions, but the bottom metal and trigger is a different setup than M98. I'm not a big fan of JC Higgins Model 51.

The Santa Barbara M98 I've had was a rough actions, rougher than any Zastava on a bad day. They can all be smoothed up.

I am just an amateur gun guy, but I have confirmed this process with my gunsmith/gunmaker. It's basically his process as well. I read this in Rifle magazine many years ago.
He built a Zastava M70 9.3x62mm. That rifle was extremely smooth.

They all can be smoothed up with 600 then 800 grit wet dry sandpaper with gun oil on a bolt raceway polishing tool (Brownells).
Remove the trigger and firing pin. DO NOT apply abrasive paste to the locking lugs. Check and keep the receiver locking lug recesses clean.
You don't want to alter the headspace.

Run the bolt raceway polishing tool with wet dry sandpaper and very slight oil.through the action at least 300 cycles
(watch a good hunting video while in your chair with a bit of whiskey).

Wash out thoroughly with a lot of extremely hot water (140 -180 degrees). I boil water in a large tea kettle. You want to flush and heat up the action with flowing water, so hot that you need gloves. It will dry in a couple of minutes

Then apply Flitz or the smallest grit valve grinding compound available to the raceways, but not the locking lugs recesses. insert the bolt and work the action at least 500 times.
Watch another good hunting video while working the bolt in the action. If appropriate, enjoy another whiskey (in moderation).

Keep the grinding paste out of the lug recesses. Check every few dozen strokes.
Hot wash again, you want the metal so hot you can't handle it with bare hands. Being a chef of 35 years, I can handle a bit of heat, but I use chemical resistant gloves.
When dry, then apply a light coast of your preferred gun oil.
I use CLP, there are many good products in the market today.
Reinstall the trigger and firing pin assemblies.


If I were to build a 9x62, I would search for, in order:

- FN marked action with Belgium proofs and FN roll mark

- unmolested Husky 640

_Zastava built M98, whether Interarms, Remington 798 or Zastava M70.
As I understand, these are built on FN M98 type tooling. This information is from several noted gun writers over the decades.

I hope this is helpful.

Thank you. I think this is a common sentiment that is why I am searching for an FN action. If all goes well and my bid wins, I might have one by this Sunday afternoon. Stay tuned ;-)
Ferenc