Which Mauser 98 action is "best?"

2DaMtns · January 6, 2009, 09:22 PM

So I know a guy who is really into these rifle and is always telling me about this year's action and that one, etc., etc. He has a couple of really nice ones and over time has gotten me to wanting one. The other day I was talking to him and he has an action that he said was a German made 1915 action and that it is one of the best ones you can get for a rifle. What does he mean by it being the best? Strongest, most reliable, or what? Thanks in advance.

Scorch · January 6, 2009, 10:19 PM

"Best" in that case usually refers to smoothest action and best finish from the factory. All of the Mauser 98 actions were essentially the same, but there are a few that are especially desirable due to finish, hinged floorplate, very well-done metal finishing, etc. The 1909 Argentine rifle is considered one of the finest military Mauser 98 actions ever produced, because they were made at a time when the firms marketing those rifles were trying very hard to capture more of the military business around the world. There was a war going on in S. America during that time (one of the longest-running wars since the Middle Ages), and the Argentines had the money to pay for the best.

Ruger4570 · January 6, 2009, 11:25 PM

I have to agree with Scorch, the Argentine Mausers..

Hawg · January 7, 2009, 12:04 PM

Argentine is best followed by F.N. in my opinion. F.N.'s are easier to find but you can buy two nice new rifles for what it'll cost to build a sporter off a Mauser action and do it right.

GEM · January 7, 2009, 12:13 PM

Echoing the vote for the Argentine. Most of today's modern bolts are based on the Mauser bolt. Sure, they tune, tweak and slightly change the design, but essentially it hasn't changed much. Some things simply can't be improved upon, even if the design IS a hundred years old.

I think I just saw my 1911's all nodding

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January 6, 2009, 09:22 PM	#1
2DaMtns Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2008 Posts: 457	Which Mauser 98 action is "best?" So I know a guy who is really into these rifle and is always telling me about this year's action and that one, etc., etc. He has a couple of really nice ones and over time has gotten me to wanting one. The other day I was talking to him and he has an action that he said was a German made 1915 action and that it is one of the best ones you can get for a rifle. What does he mean by it being the best? Strongest, most reliable, or what? Thanks in advance.

January 6, 2009, 10:19 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	"Best" in that case usually refers to smoothest action and best finish from the factory. All of the Mauser 98 actions were essentially the same, but there are a few that are especially desirable due to finish, hinged floorplate, very well-done metal finishing, etc. The 1909 Argentine rifle is considered one of the finest military Mauser 98 actions ever produced, because they were made at a time when the firms marketing those rifles were trying very hard to capture more of the military business around the world. There was a war going on in S. America during that time (one of the longest-running wars since the Middle Ages), and the Argentines had the money to pay for the best. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 7, 2009, 12:13 PM	#5
GEM Member Join Date: August 21, 2008 Location: Near St. Louis Posts: 45	Echoing the vote for the Argentine. Most of today's modern bolts are based on the Mauser bolt. Sure, they tune, tweak and slightly change the design, but essentially it hasn't changed much. Some things simply can't be improved upon, even if the design IS a hundred years old. I think I just saw my 1911's all nodding. __________________ A Matter of Timing - A 425 page must-read novel for all gun enthusiasts. *The Cataclysm Scroll*, its sequel, is now available! Links, sneak previews & more info here: www.gmillercompanies.com

January 6, 2009, 11:25 PM	#3
Ruger4570 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2005 Location: Rochester, New York Posts: 2,136	I have to agree with Scorch, the Argentine Mausers..

January 7, 2009, 12:04 PM	#4
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	Argentine is best followed by F.N. in my opinion. F.N.'s are easier to find but you can buy two nice new rifles for what it'll cost to build a sporter off a Mauser action and do it right.