School me on M98 actions

[ftothfadd]

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

 

[ftothfadd]

Also, anyone can tell me something about these proof marks?

 

[roklok]

I just installed a Parkwest three position safety on a Mauser 98, I believe they are also available for the Husky actions. I would place the Yugo or Serbian Interarms/Zastava actions above the Spanish Santa Barbara actions, but both have been used to build some fine rifles. I have a Zastava .375 H&H and it has been great. I would not hesitate to build a 9.3 on one.

 

[Tintin]

Those are Birmingham proof marks.

The T20 = 20 tons per square inch. This is a pressure measurement for the service pressure the barrel was tested to during proofing.

Possibly a Parker Hale?

 

[Old3Toe]

I think that Zastava produced the 98 Interarms actions. Someone else might be able to verify this.

Regardless my Interarms is perhaps my most accurate Mauser. The stock trigger is great, and, the low-profile sliding two-position safety (locks bolt on safe) is perfectly agreeable. Highly recommend these actions.

Commercial FN's are very worthy actions as well. I'm unsure of the vintage of mine but it's drilled and tapped. However I keep this receiver bare for use of the aperture sight on it. The high wing 2-position safety (which also locks the bolt closed) suits me and this gun well.

 

[Tintin]

Some futher and better particulars.

The BNP, surmounted by a Crown indicates Birmingham Nitro Proofed.

The letters S P surmounted by a Crown, denoting Special Definitive Proof, ie the firearm or barrel has been proofed for use with a Special Load.

A Special Load being a load that develops higher pressure than that of the Service Load.

https://www.gunproof.com/downloads/rules-proofing

 

[ftothfadd]

Thank you guys. Very helpful.

 

[steve white]

I would not build anything meaningful on a Santa Barbara action, though it is probably loose enough to work even full of sand!

 

[ftothfadd]

Thank you, I am also leaning toward waiting for something better.

 

[Noah_McCoy]

I may be wrong but I believe 1909 Argentine actions are held in high regard, I have a full custom 7x57 Ai I build on one and it it a fine rifle. I also have a 220 wby rocket heavy varmint gun I built on an fn action with a Palma barrel that is very accurate.

 

[roklok]

I have a Paul Jaeger custom 7x57 built on a commercial FN 98 action in 1953, and a Zastava produced Remington 798 circa 2006-07. I also have a Charles Daly Zastava in 30-06. Both are great actions, be hard pressed to really say one is better than the other. The Zastava may have been a bit rougher cycling when new, but I wasnt around in 1953 to experience the FN new. Yes, Zastava produced the Interarms mark x, the later Charles Daly, then the Rem 798. A long history of making mauser pattern actions back before WWII in the 1920s. A good source of FN actions is the JC Higgins 50 and 51, they can still be found for reasonable prices, built on FN actions.

 

[baxterb]

FIE is also another source for good FN actions. I had one that was stellar and like a complete idiot I sold it. Husky 640s are large ring FN actions. I have a 9,3 built on one. You'll need to get a 3-pos safety added. Jim Wisner makes a good one. I used REcknagel and it's top stuff as well.

I belive the 1908 Brazil actions are considered very good as well - they were made in GErmany

 

[Tex .416]

Here is a link to a FN in .270 that someone stuffed into a left hand stock. So it is priced well to use as a donor. I have one in .30-06 I would never let go at that price. They are beautifully built rifles. Stick to the FN marked rifles with the flag safety. JC Higgins and other rebranded cheap ones were built to a lower fit and finish. They also built later ones for Browning with push button safeties, which leave me cold for some reason.

Also, I am of a minority view, but the thumb cut out is a negative to me as it reduces rigidity of the receiver. The post WW2 commercial FN’s do not have the thumb cut out.

I have no connection to the seller.

CUSTOM BELGIUM FN MODEL 98 .270 WIN. CAL. RIFLE W/LEFT HAND STOCK AND BAUSCH & LOMB BALVAR 8A 2.5X8 SCOPE CIRCA LATE 1950’S. for sale

CUSTOM BELGIUM FN MODEL 98 .270 WIN. CAL. RIFLE W/LEFT HAND STOCK AND BAUSCH & LOMB BALVAR 8A 2.5X8 SCOPE CIRCA LATE 1950’S. for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

 

[KJE81]

I may be wrong but I believe 1909 Argentine actions are held in high regard, I have a full custom 7x57 Ai I build on one and it it a fine rifle. I also have a 220 wby rocket heavy varmint gun I built on an fn action with a Palma barrel that is very accurate.

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.

 

[cash_tx]

You might consider this 1909- based 7mm Mag that Skullkeeper has listed here. I'm haven't researched it, but a rebarrel to 9.3x62 might be pretty feasible; while still preserving a beautiful rifle.

Post in thread 'FS - Custom 7mm Rem mag/1909 action'

Yesterday at 4:19 AM

$1000 shipped

• SkullKeeper

 

[Nosler guy]

. 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.

They can be - but be careful what you wish for, and call an upgrade.

We have 2 Whelens built on the 1640 actions with the side safety. Always thought that the 3 position safety would be a nice feature. But after a ton of in field / hunting experience - hard to beat the practicality of that slide safety - simple - on or off, perfect location, quiet, positive, not much chance of any thing hooking on it. Just gotta be a very competent gun handler, during loading and unloading - the two position actually makes yu think about what you are doing. IMHO, one of the best safeties out there.

 

[baxterb]

You might consider this 1909- based 7mm Mag that Skullkeeper has listed here. I'm haven't researched it, but a rebarrel to 9.3x62 might be pretty feasible; while still preserving a beautiful rifle.

Post in thread 'FS - Custom 7mm Rem mag/1909 action'

Yesterday at 4:19 AM

$1000 shipped

• SkullKeeper

That wouldn’t be possible in any way. The bolt face is too large and the magazine and rails would all be setup for an 7mm , i.e. way too large.

 

[ftothfadd]

You might consider this 1909- based 7mm Mag that Skullkeeper has listed here. I'm haven't researched it, but a rebarrel to 9.3x62 might be pretty feasible; while still preserving a beautiful rifle.

Post in thread 'FS - Custom 7mm Rem mag/1909 action'

Yesterday at 4:19 AM

$1000 shipped

• SkullKeeper

IF it was a 9.3x62 I would be all over it ;-)

 

[ftothfadd]

They can be - but be careful what you wish for, and call an upgrade.

We have 2 Whelens built on the 1640 actions with the side safety. Always thought that the 3 position safety would be a nice feature. But after a ton of in field / hunting experience - hard to beat the practicality of that slide safety - simple - on or off, perfect location, quiet, positive, not much chance of any thing hooking on it. Just gotta be a very competent gun handler, during loading and unloading - the two position actually makes yu think about what you are doing. IMHO, one of the best safeties out there.

Does the safety lock the bolt when it is on "safe"?
Thank you, Ferenc

 

[Nosler guy]

Yes - very simple fool proof safety - either off or on - bolt locked when safety is on