Gunsmith for FN m98 action

[ftothfadd]

Dear Members,

I have recently purchased a 9.3x62 rifle built on a commercial FN action and a (Hart?!) barrel. The rifle is nice, but I want to make it even better without spending an unreasonable amount of money on it. I would like to have a 3 position (M70 type) safety installed, figure out why the second half of the bolt opening appears unreasonably difficult, and have the rifle cerakoted on gloss black (so I can sleep better if I grab it with my sweaty hands). The problem is that I live in the Minneapolis area and I am not aware of any gunsmiths who routinely does this kind of work. I would like to avoid shipping the rifle if I can. If anyone has any suggestions for an established, reputable gunsmiths in MN who does work on m98 rifles I would be very grateful.
Thank you!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Dear Members,

I have recently purchased a 9.3x62 rifle built on a commercial FN action and a (Hart?!) barrel. The rifle is nice, but I want to make it even better without spending an unreasonable amount of money on it. I would like to have a 3 position (M70 type) safety installed, figure out why the second half of the bolt opening appears unreasonably difficult, and have the rifle cerakoted on gloss black (so I can sleep better if I grab it with my sweaty hands). The problem is that I live in the Minneapolis area and I am not aware of any gunsmiths who routinely does this kind of work. I would like to avoid shipping the rifle if I can. If anyone has any suggestions for an established, reputable gunsmiths in MN who does work on m98 rifles I would be very grateful.
Thank you!

I am down to Minneapolis VA Hospital from time to time. I could install a 3-position Model 70 style safety if I'm in the area. Not very difficult if the bolt isn't messed up. I put a Parkwest 3-position safety/shroud in my Czech 98 Mauser 404J build and it did have a bolt messed up by previous bubba-smith owner.

Your bolt opening issue sounds very much like an aftermarket trigger installed incorrectly. A bit of work modifying the cocking piece sear with Dremel grinder can fix it . Timney trigger instructions say to trim the trigger sear as needed but it's much better to trim cocking piece sear. Cocking piece is cheap to replace if something goes wrong, trigger assembly not so much. Do you have a scope mounted on the rifle? Bolt opening issue can also be caused by screw for base extending through the receiver into bolt track. Very common.