One of a kind '98 Mauser
 

Well folks, I have good news. Another serviceable '98 Mauser has arrived. To make a very long story short, you will get the condensed and fast-forward version. About a year ago, I was in a favorite gun shop and saw an original VZ-24 military rifle with a horrible bore and bought it for $85 (the action and stock were worth that). Then I saw that Marstar had '98 Mauser barrels for sale at bargain basement prices. A '98 Mauser barrel with sights was ordered and took three weeks to clear U.S. Customs (I feel more secure due to the delay). Then I took the barrel to Friend Lester, the greatest gunsmith I have ever known and my very good friend. He did a few measurements and said he could do it.

The challenge was to take a Kar98k barrel and fit it to a VZ-24 action using the VZ-24 rear sight and the Kar98k front sight and hood. Lester called last night to say the project was complete and my total costs were $50 for his services. I picked up the rifle and was amazed at the results. The rifle will be sighted in tomorrow and it has a lot of good years left in it. All the best...
Gil

What caliber did you rebarrel with?

It is still an 8x57mm
 

The horrible VZ-24 8x57mm barrel was replaced with a lovely Kar98k 8x57mm barrel. It is a fine looking rifle. All the best...
Gil

The VZ-24 shoots very well
 

I had the local gunsmith install a higher front sight and I took the rifle to the range. After every group, the front sight was filed down a bit to get the elevation closer to point of aim. Right now it shoots about 2 inches high at 100 yards with the rear sight all the way down. I spend too much time with these old rifles, but it is better than cutting grass. All the best...
Gil

2" high at 100 yds? sounds like the recommended set-up for a lot of northern shooting... gonna try it out this season? :)

Darkwolf
 

Yes, I intend to take this rifle into the deer woods this fall. She shoots like a dream and the best group was too small to report without witnesses. All the best...
Gil

Hello Gil,

Congratulations on your German mauser. It looks like you took the correct route to getting a safe and accurate one. You know, I'm always hesitant about some of the old mausers, especially the German ones because the were subject to some horrendous usage over a long period. I hadn't considered Marstar, but will. It seems like a great solution to me. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Cal
 

I agree with your assessment about the older German Mausers. The Russian captured '98 Mausers are about the roughest I have ever seen.

The folks at Marstar have always been very helpful and the exchange rate makes shopping there a bargain. All the best...
Gil