2 New builds in progress custom M98's

[Stuart Satterlee]

Both of these rifle builds are based on small ring intermediate length M98 actions that I've machined from raw material bar stock and stocks by me as well.
The actions in these rifles are based on the 1910 Mexican M98 Small ring design. I decided to make 10 actions for the run.
The calibers are 6.5 x 57 and 7 x 57.
The 6.5 x 57 is a little different because i made special for it a drop box for one extra cartridge down under the bolt. It's a small bore version of a big bore British Express rifle and it's coming along bit by bit.
The 6.5 x 57
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Next is the 7x57.
This rifle uses the same design in the receiver and bolt but the magazine is standard style non-drop and barrel will remain clean, no sights. I'm making the stock on this rifle in the American Classic style, which is defined by a longer forend, American style cheek piece less drop at the heel, but is however cast off 3/8. A few photos of that build. Of course my passion and career is building rifles primarily bolt rifles of all classes, I post this to give the forum something interesting to look at and hopefully enjoy.

 

[RStien321]

Wow! I’ve been really interested in the 7x57 in a Mauser style build like you show here.... would you mind sharing the approximate price? Can send via PM also if you’d rather not share here.

 

[K981985]

Wow really nice!

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Absolutely stunning! Such talent in one person!

 

[BobT]

Beautiful work, thank you for sharing!

 

[Shootist43]

Very nice, the stock on the 6.5 x 57 is something else.

 

[CAustin]

WOW another highly talented member of the AH community! Wish you lived near me sir with your stock making abilities!

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Awesome looking rifles!

 

[ve7poi]

Superbly done

 

[sambarhunter]

They look fantastic.

 

[Stuart Satterlee]

Many thanks to all.
I'll be adding some more photos as I move forward with these two. They really come to life with the oil finish and rust bluing.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Both of these rifle builds are based on small ring intermediate length M98 actions that I've machined from raw material bar stock and stocks by me as well.
The actions in these rifles are based on the 1910 Mexican M98 Small ring design. I decided to make 10 actions for the run.
The calibers are 6.5 x 57 and 7 x 57.
The 6.5 x 57 is a little different because i made special for it a drop box for one extra cartridge down under the bolt. It's a small bore version of a big bore British Express rifle and it's coming along bit by bit.
The 6.5 x 57
.View attachment 327318View attachment 327321
View attachment 327320 View attachment 327319
Next is the 7x57.
This rifle uses the same design in the receiver and bolt but the magazine is standard style non-drop and barrel will remain clean, no sights. I'm making the stock on this rifle in the American Classic style, which is defined by a longer forend, American style cheek piece less drop at the heel, but is however cast off 3/8. A few photos of that build. Of course my passion and career is building rifles primarily bolt rifles of all classes, I post this to give the forum something interesting to look at and hopefully enjoy.
View attachment 327324 View attachment 327325

Stuart
Beautiful timber, hope it isn't spoilt by an epoxy finish. A nice hand rubbed oil finish would do it justice
Cheers mate Bob

 

[bruce moulds]

bob,
I have seen epoxy finishes that could be mistaken for oil finish.
oil finish is susceptible to moisture intrusion, where properly applied epoxy is not.
the epoxy must be thinned and soaked into the wood, with only the final coat being exterior to the timber.
you then work it with various products to look a little matt.
you can dent and gouge that finish and it will still remain waterproof.
if the interior is also epoxied at the same time, you could take it to Kodiak island quite happily.
bill hambly clark used to do that finish.
stuart,
that light coloured stock is as good a design as it gets, as well as pleasing to the eye.
cast is to be suited to the person.
for myself I go about 1/8" at the heel and 1/4" at the toe.
bruce.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

bob,
I have seen epoxy finishes that could be mistaken for oil finish.
oil finish is susceptible to moisture intrusion, where properly applied epoxy is not.
the epoxy must be thinned and soaked into the wood, with only the final coat being exterior to the timber.
you then work it with various products to look a little matt.
you can dent and gouge that finish and it will still remain waterproof.
if the interior is also epoxied at the same time, you could take it to Kodiak island quite happily.
bill hambly clark used to do that finish.
stuart,
that light coloured stock is as good a design as it gets, as well as pleasing to the eye.
cast is to be suited to the person.
for myself I go about 1/8" at the heel and 1/4" at the toe.
bruce.

Bruce
Agree mate if done properly it can look great, problem is were used to commercial epoxy which I don't like. My stocks are oil finished over a long period of time, usually 3 months. I use Linspeed ( yes correct spelling) it soaks into the pores and hardens then a few top coats cut back between coats followed by a couple of light top coats. After it has cured I apply Gilleys gun wax polish. Water beads and runs of it, dust just wipes off. You can also apply it ta all metal parts for protection.

Not a professional finish but not bad for a boy from the bush
Cheers
Bob

 

[spike.t]

Very nice.... 7x57 to same spec as the first one with iron sights would be great

 

[Stuart Satterlee]

Very nice.... 7x57 to same spec as the first one with iron sights would be great

I have another action in stock with the drop box magazine, ideal for the 7x57.

 

[spike.t]

I have another action in stock with the drop box magazine, ideal for the 7x57.

Just in process of talking to someone about building me one in exchange for a hunt or would have had chat with you... lovely rifles your building

 

[Accidental Villain]

Two real gems you got cooking there Stuart. The drop box ads a little character. Very nice .
What can you tell about the stock blanks? Ruglans Regia?
Original Mauser profile on those barrels?

 

[Stuart Satterlee]

The stock on the 7 came from a blank of Regia, Cecil Fredi out of Las Vegas Nevada, arguably the best wood supplier out there.
The 6.5 customer supplied Nigra.
The barrel contours are not Mauser contours, the 7 contour is a cylinder into a sharp radius and the taper, it's a lightweight sporter.
The 6.5 is a Krieger contour that I modified in the lathe then I machined the banded rear sight for it to the customers desired spec. He wanted it a certain height and width.

 

[Rick Cox]

Wow! You sir have some very rare skills! Can't wait to see the finished product.