Mauser Question

[Scrateshooter]

Hey fellow levergunners

I have a VZ-24 in N.E. Texas that I want to "sporterize"

I want to have a new barrel turned to fit like the original and true up/bed the action. I also want to put a Williams FP sight and matching front sight on. It will be my N.E. Texas deer/hog rifle. I have three children and two are girls. I want to keep the rifle in Texas for everyone in the family to hunt with.

Here is the question:

Should I go with .243 or 25-06?

I want to keep it in the lower recoil range. I have never fired either caliber, I am leaning towards the .243 but I would like some input on how the .243 feeds in the Mauser action.

[Old Time Hunter]

Make a 6.5 X 55 out of it, best of all worlds and the action will not need any modification.

[mescalero1]

What Old Time Hunter said,
If you have never shot a 6.5, google it up, great round.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

Make a 6.5 X 55 out of it, best of all worlds and the action will not need any modification.

That's what I would do but I wouldn't convert the VZ. There are plenty of surplus M92's and M96's in 6.5x55 available. I have a Carl Gustav that I have sporterized. It's a pleasure to shoot very much like .243, light recoil and it's an absolute tack driver. Ammo availability can be dicy but not any more than 25-06.
I have both a 6.5 and a 25-06 sportized Mauser. The 6.5 is in a blind box type synthetic stock, it's a small ring action and the 25-06 is in a hinged floor plate large ring action synthetic stock, so the 25-06 weighs more than the 6.5 but still kicks more than the 6.5.

If you can find a Carl Gustav or Husqvarna surplus rifle that's not shot out that would be a great candidate for a youth rifle.

[Ben_Rumson]

Look for one of these M96/38 http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =132931902
Along about 1938 the Swedes cut down the M96 barrel/stocks and turned the bolt handle down to make a more modern rifle. As everyone has said they are super shooters.. If you reload the 120gr Sierra pro hunter will give you a load that will hardly be felt.

[86er]

Of your two choice I would go with the 25-06. Minimal modification to the Mauser action, good range of loads in varying "power" and a bit extra if needed over the 243. Plus the kids can easily take large, heavy hogs if they come in or larger game in the future.

[O.S.O.K.]

I agree that 6.5x55 is a better choice than either the .243 or 25-06.

Further, I would suggest selling the rifle and taking the poceeds towards the purchase of a used rifle that fits your needs - maybe a Ruger with sights that you can screw a NECG rear aperture sight onto -that would be perfect. Of course, it'll be hard to find 6.5x55 but another great choice would be 7x57 or 7-08. The cost would be about the same as what you propose in the end and you get something that will retain its value over time.

All of those cartridges will be great for the kids and are also very capable for larger animals.

Here's a dandy right here - gunbroker: http://v4.beta.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vi ... =132770438

I'm tempted to buy this myself.... but I'm hankerin for something else right now....

[model55]

Take a look at your magazine length.Although the cz24 is a long action it was design with a 57mm length case in mind not a 63mm like the 06 family of cartridges.This will effect the over all length of cartridges.I had a 280 made on one but it is a little on the short side as far as what can be loaded into it.That said the magazine box can be extended if you wish.Have had no trouble with 308 length cases so a 243,260,308,7-08 or 358 should work fine.You could step down a little and do a 257 roberts as well.Nothing wrong with either of your choices just depends on what you are willing to do work wise on the rifle.

[Hobie]

Make a 6.5 X 55 out of it, best of all worlds and the action will not need any modification.

That's what I would do but I wouldn't convert the VZ. There are plenty of surplus M92's and M96's in 6.5x55 available...

If you can find a Carl Gustav or Husqvarna surplus rifle that's not shot out that would be a great candidate for a youth rifle.

Dittos.

[220swift]

Just another plus for the .243,
1) you won't have to do anything to the bolt face
2) I'll check with my GEW 98, but I'm not sure if a loaded '06 round will clear the reciever on ejection or if it'll hang up.
3) There *shouldn't* be any problem with feeding, but if there is, it'll be an easy fix (not like a .458 which can be a pain to get to feed right)

Dan

[220swift]

Hello all, well, I just checked (30-06 thru an 8mm Mauser) the round does clear, but the magazine box would need a little more length.

Here's some food for thought.... .257 Roberts
less kick than a 25-06, and heavier bullet than the .243 (I'm assuming *feral* hogs, they're tough)

Dan

[Scrateshooter]

Thanks guys. I want to keep the weapon "original" looking to tag along with me and not look too valuable. .243 WIN might be the thing. My step dad always said it was the best for N.E. Texas. I am not sure how well it would work up where Grandpa is. I have the FN commercial Mauser in 30-06 and .308s but they give me a beating (in the prone) I am just looking ahead for when I get back to Texas. I think it would be neater to have a slicker than snot Mauser in battle dress. A sleeper with the peep sights.

Grandpa, do you have much experience with the .243 WIN?

[Charles]

Scratch... For what it is worth, here is my thinking on your question.

1. It would take extensive magazine work to get the short .243 to feed well in that action.
2. Both the .243 and 25/06 are long range high velocity rounds and make no sense in a short range receiver sighted "hog rifle".
3. Unless the barrel is to far gone, the original 8 X 57 round makes far more sense. It is a fine hog and deer round.
4. I hunted deer with a .243 for 20 years and it is a fine light deer round, but suited for a scope sighted rifle to take advantage of it's ballistics.

Last year, I built up a Mauser sporter. I bought a Persian 98/29 barreled action which is a BRNO rifle made in 1930. I cut the barrel to 24 inches, fited it a Redfield receiver sight and stocked up in American classic style. It is a fine rifle and the 8X57 is a fine round, especially when loaded to it's original "euro specs".

If recoil is an issue, load the 8X57 round down to your tolerance level. A slower 170 grain 8mm slug, will still be a better hog round than a faster 100 grain 6 mm slug.

The rifle belong to you and will be used by you, and you can do it anyway you want. The above is just my thinking on the subject at and. Good luck...Charles

[Scrateshooter]

Thanks Charles.

Recoil is the main consideration. The rifle will be used by all the members of the family. Four of the five grandchildren in my family are girls. If I can find a Swedish 6.5x55 carbine it will be the easiest route. I could also look into the 7x57. This will be the Boggy Creek Ranch rifle. I would like to stick with a common production cartridge.

[rjohns94]

I don't even know what a VZ-24 is.

[Bruce Scott]

I don't even know what a VZ-24 is.

Czech Mauser produced from 1924-42.

I had to look it up.........

[bcp]

New barrels in military contours:

http://www.lothar-walther.com/337.php

Bruce