| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/03/12 08:20 AM |
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Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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G'day Fellows,
What are the options these days for buying a factory 7x57mm bolt action rifle?
Also, what would be the better project to do-up nicely (including some metal work and an English-style stock): a new Zastava M70 or an old Chilean Mauser?
Or, would it be preferable to get some kind of CZ and cut it and barrel it to 7x57mm?
A nice old Brno in the calibre would be good.
Just thinking. Alex, when I give you a call I might ask about this.
Cheers,
Ben
| tophet1 |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/03/12 09:11 AM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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The cheapest way to get a new calibre it to buy a new rifle. Modifying, sporteriseing or custom build all end up more expensive.
The Zastavas are cheap. I think POSS had one for sale. There was a special edition CZ 7x64 for sale at Cleavers not so long ago which would have been a great buy.
The only way to get everything you want is a custom build and any 8x57 Mauser '98 will do that with no work needed to feed. Mill the rear bridge flat and everything else basically bolts or screws on.
The ideal (for me) would be a small ring Mauser however my full size Mauser 98 was built up by Tony Small into a very light and handy rifle.
Good wood and adding 'stuff' to the barrel gets expensive. Alex will have a few actions that are suitable, maybe even a barreled action. Gordon Cummings/Cummins ?? is also in Tasmania and he bought most of the supply of Geoff Slee stocks so you could pick up a 'English Classic' style stock easily enough.
| 264 |
| (.375 member) |
| 30/03/12 09:14 AM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Ben, i just bought a as new, Winchester featherweight in 7x57. had been looking for a long time. Just have to wait for PTA formalities then see what its like on game. Cheers Mick
| jimincolo |
| (.224 member) |
| 30/03/12 12:58 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Ben,
I have no idea what is available to you guys in Australia, but here there are some CZ 550's available in 7x57. I had wanted one for a number of years, & was about to settle for a well used Ruger, when a friend put me onto the CZ availability. I have now seen 5 of them, & all have upgraded wood with no upgrade in price.
Mine is a handsome piece, with a factory 50 meter target group measuring .216 inches. I'm just now beginning the load development process, & obviously have high expectations in that regard.
Jim
| John303 |
| (.300 member) |
| 30/03/12 01:07 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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You were on the right track when you stated old Brno (21H with integral mounts). Older HVAs are nice too - a lot of ways to go. --- John303.
| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/03/12 02:18 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Thanks, fellows.
| 264 |
| (.375 member) |
| 30/03/12 02:55 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Ben, the latest guns and game has a article on the zastavia m70 in 7x57. I considered going with one of these as a base gun and having work done to it. Check it out ,Cheers Mick
| eagle27 |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/03/12 04:12 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Don't know what sales were like in Aussie but here in NZ a lot of BSA Hunters in 7x57 were sold and come up for sale second hand occasionally. They usually fetch good prices but would make a good base to customise if a little shabby. The beauty of the Hunter model was that it was made in a medium length action just for the 7x57 cartridge.
They are a Mauser derivative, I had one in as new condition myself and it was a beauty, very strong and accurate, stupidly I sold it as I had other rifles in use at the time.
NitroX
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| 30/03/12 06:22 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Ben
Keep a look out for a nice second hand Mauser 98, older CZ etc, in 7x57 or a suitable claibre for rebarrelling.
Far better than a crappy new Zastava. Unless you want a rifle that you don't mind throwing off a cliff and getting it dinged up before you jump after it.
| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/03/12 06:27 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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What do you blokes think about these Chilean Mauser 98s?
http://www.cleaverfirearms.com/Collectors%20Gems%20Rifles.htm
Good buy for a project?
| 450_Ackley |
| (.375 member) |
| 30/03/12 07:14 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Well Ben, I'm thinking mine probably isn't your cup of tea!
| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/03/12 07:23 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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That looks pretty cool, but I would be going for something with timber and express sights (perhaps with QD mounts for a scope). But I am curious about the action. Is it a Chilean Mauser?
| underlever |
| (.300 member) |
| 30/03/12 07:23 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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The Chilean mauser [Waffensfabrik Steyr made, model 1912]is one of the best. They don't have a hinged floor plate like the Arg. 1909 but to me that makes no difference, its quality that counts and they have it by the truck load.
| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/03/12 07:25 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Thank you, Underlever.
| Phillip |
| (.300 member) |
| 30/03/12 08:58 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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This is my Brno ZG47 in 7x57...worth looking for!
| tophet1 |
| (.400 member) |
| 30/03/12 10:25 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Ben. I bought one of the VZ-24's offered by Cleavers over 12 months ago. It was a well done refurb.. On the left side of the reciever ring is stamped Waff. Sch..
I believe the mark identifies the German firm Waffen Schumacher GmbH, a present-day firearms dealer and exporter. Their site is: http://waffenschumacher.com/
It would be interesting if the Chilean 7x57 came through the same firm.
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 31/03/12 02:53 AM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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1990 BRNO 7x57: Leupold BRNO rings, I think.
| Homer |
| (.416 member) |
| 31/03/12 06:54 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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G'Day Fella's,
Ben, I have a similar project in the offing.
I already have the action/rifle to use and it is a 1950/60's era BSA Royal Featherweight ( well I actually have two, 1 in .243 & 1 in .308).
It has a Mauser full length non rotating extractor, Model 70 type standing ejector, a magazine length of 80mm (about 3 1/4"), an adjustable factory trigger and over all, it is a very light action/rifle.
I'm not exactly sure what you are planning to put together but I would like to end up with a nice light and handy, classic English stalking rifle.
I hope this may help and if you would like some images of the above rifle, email me.
Doh!
Homer
| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 31/03/12 07:39 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Yep, a nice light and handy, classic English stalking rifle would be just the ticket... in 7x57mm. That's the dream.
| Homer |
| (.416 member) |
| 01/04/12 08:32 AM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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G'Day Fella's,
Sorry Ben, I neglected to mention one of these Bezza's would end up as a 7x57 and the other....maybe a 6.5-284?
FYI, I placed a Winchester 175 grain, 7x57 factory load in the magazine of these Beeza rifles and there was still about, 1/8" or 3mm gap between the nose of this bullet and the front of the magazine box!
I'm no expert on these rifles but I think the pair I have are Medium length actions. I know they made a Long action for the .30-06 length cartridges but I'm not sure if a Short action was also made?
Doh!
Homer
| 375Brno |
| (.333 member) |
| 06/04/12 12:08 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Ben
You could also just luck onto one like I did recently. I advertised for a Brno Zkk602 with a popup peep and a guy rang me to see if I wanted to buy his Zkk600 in 7x57 with popup peep. Price was right for both of us so now it is on it's way.
Btw I also got the 602 and a spare popup peep.
There is a lot of stuff just sitting out there in safes not being used. For every one of us saying I wish I had this gun there is someone out there with it who would probably sell it at a reasonable price - within reason anyway. Food for thought.
Rick
| Rule303 |
| (.416 member) |
| 07/04/12 04:45 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Bit late posting on this thread.
Ben if you can get a hold of a Zkk600 in 7X57 they are hard to beat. A mate has one that will keep 3 shots inside 38mm at 180mts and it is a dream to shoot.
| Deutsche_Vortrekker |
| (.333 member) |
| 13/06/12 10:55 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Hello,If available I highly recommend the BRNO ZKK600 in 7x57.Scare as hell in USA but seem to be available elsewhere .An earlier ZG47 would also be nice but does not have the receiver peep sight.A modern CZ 550 is an excellent rifle ;if you can get past the stock.These clubby stocks can be reworked and recheckered however to a classic design.Here is a CZ550 7x57 I modified.
| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 14/06/12 06:46 AM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Are CZ550s produced in 7x57mm? I'll have to check it out.
| Deutsche_Vortrekker |
| (.333 member) |
| 16/06/12 12:30 AM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Quote:Here is my special order CZ550 7x57mm Standard rifle not usually available in USA
Are CZ550s produced in 7x57mm? I'll have to check it out.
| Dr_Deer |
| (.300 member) |
| 22/06/12 10:34 AM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Quote:
A nice old Brno in the calibre would be good.
There are currently three BRNO stutzens in 7x57 on usedguns.com.au
| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 28/06/12 08:02 AM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Can anybody tell me anything about the suitability / desirability of either of the two Mausers listed on Used Guns at the moment for a build? http://usedguns.com.au/Guns/used_rifles_7mm
| mauserand9mm |
| (.400 member) |
| 28/06/12 01:15 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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You mean the Brazilian and the Chilean?
My advice is not to touch these. They are for collectors/shooters of ex-military firearms. It would be a shame to modify these.
The cost for an ex-mil action and new barrel would probably be similar to the price of these anyway. The ex-mil barrels are stepped and would need work to streamline the profile. Realistically if you buy a beat up Mauser you are buying it for the action only. I'd stick with a 98 action.
On the other hand there is a 96 action (ad says M38 but this is actually a 96 action) that has been customised to some extent, has a scope and is 7mm-08 and is only $600. That looks like a good deal and you could rechamber to 7x57 without too much drama maybe? Even if you change the stock, mounts and scope, you're paying $600 for a modified action and barrel with the size hole you want.
| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 28/06/12 01:26 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Hey, thank you. Good advice. So, would any 98 action do, regardless of calibre? What about bolt size? Please pardon my ignorance - still got plenty of that!
| Caprivi |
| (.375 member) |
| 14/09/12 11:24 AM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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I had a very neat (previous "tarded up" before I got it) 1899 small ring (intermediate ???) commercial M98. Cools spindley stock with schnabel fore stock and side panels. I rebarreled it to 275 Rigby H.V............
Lately after my brothers success with a M-77 ruger, I am thinking I may "need" another.
Thinking stainless and plastic thou. A stainless 6-Lug Weatherby action and 23 or so inches of light contour barrel in a light synthetic stock
| Ben |
| (.400 member) |
| 14/09/12 01:47 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Thanks for your help, gents: My idle curiosity became quite active, and something good will soon be here...
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 14/09/12 03:59 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Quote:
Hey, thank you. Good advice. So, would any 98 action do, regardless of calibre? What about bolt size? Please pardon my ignorance - still got plenty of that!
A bit late answer on this, but no, not any M98 will do. Supposedly many actions made in the latter part of WW2 were not made well with good metallurgy. Due to difficulties in obtaining proper raw materials. This is just from what i read in a US custom rifles book in the past, but it makes sense.
I know the collector angle of not using "fine" mil rifles is often said, but having purchased a rifle which sat on the net for sale for two years once, and no 'collector' picked it up, it didn't cut it for me in that instance.
Collector rifles also often sit in huge collections mostly gathering dust. I think rifles were designed to be used. But modifying fine examples of rarer ones, well yes, that might be a shame.
Ben, good luck on your new expected rifle.
| darwinmauser |
| (.300 member) |
| 14/09/12 10:50 PM |
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Re: Just thinking... Idle curiosity... Options for a 7x57mm?
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Yep look for a 1943 or earlier action if your looking at ex German military hardware ,the metal was OK up until the last months of the war but by the end of 43 the tolerances started to become more generous and the external finish deteriorated . The heat treating became suspect on some of the 1945 actions ,we found one that had been hardened all the way through when it was drilled and tapped....it ended up in the scrap bin.