Sportorizing CZ24 Mauser

[roser61]

I need to know where I can find info on sportorizing my VZ-24 8mm Mauser. I have used several search engines with no good luck. I am looking to build an economy hunting rifle for my spouse. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[George Stringer]

roser61, you might check out this sitehttp://pub86.ezboard.com/bmilitaryfirearmrestorationcorner In the Sporterizing Weapons area that's all they discuss. You can find out what others have done and how. If you're just looking for parts sources, let me know what you need and I'll see if I can help. George

[roser61]

Thanks George, I mistakenly listed the model as CZ24 instead of VZ-24 but I'm sure you realized that. I don't know if the procedures to sportorize this Mauser are the same as a Mauser 98. They look similar but the Czech rifle has a straight bolt that I will try to bend with a judicious amount of heat applied in a small area while using a heat dam to keep the rest of the metal cool. I'll keep in mind your offer to help locate parts for my project if I run into a wall and cannot locate them. At the moment all I'll be attempting is to replace the stock and reblue the barrel and attach a scope. Thanks again for your input, it helps a novice like me to do a better job!

[Clemson]

At a minimum you need to get Kuhnhausen's book (shop manual) on gunsmithing the Mauser. Brownells sells it and several others that would be of interest to you. If you do the work yourself, you may be able to come out about even with a mid-priced factory rifle (i.e., Ruger). If you farm out anything at all, you may be able to keep the cost at the High price point (Weatherby, etc.) of commercial rifles. If you have more than a few things done by gun plumbers, purchase premium stock, barrel, scope, etc., you will need CPR when you get the bill. Nontheless, it is an interesting -- some would say addicting -- hobby that I and others indulge in. Just don't expect to save a ton of money.

Clemson:cool:

[roser61]

Lordy,Lordy Clemson call in the EMTs. I almost needed CPR just reading your reply. :eek:

[zot]

are you staying with 8mm?you'll need a heat sink and paste,
bolt bending blocks, or cut, bend and weld,you can go real cheap
and get a decent sporter.I drill only one hole for scope near chamber area, two on rear reciever, I can't remember which
base that comes with the indent for rear reciever hump, but if ya
get that one you don't have to grind the hump,

[roser61]

Yes Zot I'll be using the original barrel chambered in 8mm. I have located a synthetic stock for $75.00 and a scope rail that will fit existing sight rails after you remove the leaf part of the sight. That costs $115.00 and comes with 1 inch rings. I have a servicable Simmons Atec scope that I took off my hunting rifle and replaced with a Leupold so I'll use the scope I already have. I can have the barrel re-blued if I decide to do so. As far as bending the bolt handle, Calgon corporation makes a great heat absorbing paste that plumbers use when sweating copper piping which is what I'll use as well as cloth rags that have been soaked in ice water that will be wrapped around everything except the bolt handle. I have a large vise as well as an oxy-acetylene rig for the heat. I can apply the heat to the handle and cause it to bend with a little pressure then cool it before the rest becomes too hot,I believe. Thanks for answering my inquiry------

[James K]

If you want to bend the bolt handle down to use with low mounted scope, you will need to do more than just heat it and bend it. You need to flatten it quite a bit where the handle joins the bolt body.

If you are going to mount the scope on the sight base out ahead of the bolt handle, then of course just bending the handle down like the K.98k will be OK for looks.

Jim

[Clemson]

Hey, Roser. It appears that we have not disuaded you from this crazy pursuit, so........

Making your own rifle is a ton of fun. Part of the challenge is to make as many of your own tools as possible. I made my action wrench, barrel vise, and several other essentials. I generally rent reamers, although I own a .30-06 reamer and gauges now.

Brownells is the Bible of gunsmithing equipment. Some of the Midway stuff is good, too. I have the Midway drilling fixture, and I am quite happy with it. Brownells has the lower price on triggers, bolt handles, and most other small parts and bits. Sometimes you can land a deal on the Midway stuff that makes watching their monthly ads worthwhile. This month, for instance, Midway will sell you a Finished, checkered, walnut stock and a commercial sporter barrel for that VZ 24 for $159.99. Now if you are really serious about making Mama a rifle that will look good, not kick the bejesus out of her, and will shoot well, a .257 Roberts (or you fill in the caliber) would look mighty fine under the tree. You have until next Fall to get the thing completed anyhow.

Since you have shop equipment available, your costs will be minimal:

Bolt handle (you weld on) $7
Accraglass kit $10
Timney Trigger with safety: $52
Scope Bases (you drill and tap) $15
Rings $15
Decent Scope (Bushnell 3200 Elite or equivalent) 2x7 $175
Streamlined Bolt Shroud $33
Hot Blue Dip (You do the polish and bead blast) $40
Rental reamer and headspace gauges $40

There will inevitably be some shipping charges, and this assumes that you own all the equipment necessary other than what you rent. We are now up to right at $600.

What do you have to show for your $600?

a. A rifle that you can point to with pride and say, I did that one Lock, Stock, and Barrel!
b. A rifle that is better made than any currently available commercial rifle outside the "semi-custom" realm.
c. A rifle that will very likely eclipse one MOA with decent factory loads.
d. A ton of satisfaction and a lifetime hobby.

Your call..........

:D

[zot]

I've done the cheap with Mausers, but had a friend put a recoil pad on stock and cut stock down, remove all top wood add sling
swivel, long eye releif scope, sounds like you know where your a
going, good deer rifle.

[roser61]

I'm gittin more excited as the time draws near for me to put all my plans into action. I hope to have alterations done before deer season is over with and my "better half" will have her first very own rifle. If the thing turns out anywhere near ok I will find a way to post some pics so anyone can take a peek and see what it looks like if they wish. Thanks again for all you guys replying I enjoy all the input and certainly can use all the expertise I can get.