Model 98 Turk Mauser
 

I have a chance to buy an old Model 98 Turk Mauser. It is well beaten up but the action is still very nice. How would this action do for a 280 Remington or 220 Swift?

Critch,

I have looked at a few Turkish Mausers and most were "Beat." I think most were made in Ankara Arsenal and the fit and finish were crude. Before I invested in making up a sporter in .280 or any other caliber, I would begin with a solid and nice German Mauser action.

Remember, there is a big difference between price and value.

Adam

It depends
 

The '98 Mauser action can handle a .280 Remington (or .270 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield) cartridge if the magazine box can handle the longer round. The 8mm Mauser has an OAL of .3.25" as contrasted to the .280 at 3.33". I have a rebarreled '98 Mauser sporter in .280 Remington, but need to seat the bullets a bit deeper to feed through the magazine. The magazine box can be opened up to accommodate the longer cartridge.

I would have a competent gunsmith check the action and determine if it is a candidate for the project. All the best...
Gil