One of a kind '98 Mauser

[Gil Martin]

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

[Mickey Rat]

What caliber did you rebarrel with?

[Gil Martin]

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

[Gil Martin]

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

[Darkwolf]

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

[Gil Martin]

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

[Cal Sibley]

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

[Gil Martin]

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