modifiaction to bolt for custom rifle

[sharpshooter94]

After looking further into making a custom rifle I ran into a speedbump (I'll probably run into alot of those:) ) Is modification required to a mauser bolt to accept a 22-250 case? Is there a round that it does not need modification? The action in question is a large ring action. I would get a gunsmith to put the barrel on the action. How is drilling and tapping on a mauser action? Thanks guys. And please no negative comments...keep it fun and fair.

[Gil Martin]

A '98 Mauser bolt should accept a .22-250 case without modification since the rim diameter is the same as the 8mm Mauser cartridge. I have made a number of sporterized '98 Mauser rifles into various calibers such as .257 Roberts, .270 Winchester, .280 Remington and .338-06.

A competent gunsmith should be able to drill and tap the receiver, alter the bolt handle, install a low scope safety and an adjustable trigger. Fitting a sporter stock is usually not too difficult. If you want to make a custom rifle, then go for it. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

[sharpshooter94]

thank you Gil. My dad and I were thinking about hand making the stock from wood at our family homestead (same land I hunt). We were also going to do everything ourselves, with some exceptions, fitting the barrel, altering the bolt, and do the safety. How much do you think all that would cost? I'm not really worried about price but I might have to get things done at different times, as I get the funds. Again, thanks for the very helpful reply Gil.

[Gil Martin]

It depends. I would suggest having a competent gunsmith do the drilling and tapping of the receiver. My local gunsmith has to fix a lot of drill and tap jobs that are off center or out of alignment. Costs depend on the gunsmith involved and the amount of time and materials that are used. I would ask for estimates of what things might cost. Many gunsmiths are backed up with work so it may make sense to have all the metal work done at the same time. I would also suggest having the gunsmith blue the barrel and receiver (if needed). Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

[sharpshooter94]

I looked more into all of the parts needed and with all the gunsmithing required it will end up being too expensive for me to do right now. I want to try to build a custom gun in the future...thanks for all the help though.