8mm conversion or new .308

P

pattygook

Inactive
Hello all,
I've got an old 8mm mauser, I think it's a K98k. It's got a pretty short barrel (less than 20 inches I think). I've also got a Hart .308 barrel that's kindof old, but it looks absolutely solid. Do you think it would be better for me to get a new stock and send it to a gunsmith to rebarrel it, or would it be cheaper to go out and buy a Remington 700? I'd really like to use the barrel I've got since it's an extremely sturdy, thick barrel. However, if I can save a few hundred bucks buying a new .308, I may just go that way.

Thanks,
Patrick
 
If it were me, I would just go buy a new or used Rem 700 and be done with it. Sporterizing military rifles is an expensive alternative.
 
I was hoping that since I've already got the rifle and the barrel, I would only need a synthetic stock and some gunsmithing services. Would it still cost more for a gunsmith to put it all together than to buy a new rifle? I wouldn't really care too much about reblueing it all, the finish is holding up well enough and I don't plan on submerging it.
 
Assuming the barrel is threaded for the Mauser, most gunsmiths would charge you about $100-$150 to install and headspace a barrel, a stock will cost about $100, and sights will run you about another $100 installed. So you would be $350 into a rifle that is worth about $200, but more importantly, you can buy a used Rem 700 for $300-$400, or a used Savage for about the same, or a new Stevens or Mossberg or Marlin bolt action for about $280. You could sell the Mauser and the barrel for about $300 to finance the deal. Your money, do what you want.
 
I'd be willing to spend the $350ish if it would have better accuracy than a standard 700. Do you think it would with a nice 24" bull barrel, or would the older mauser action screw with the accuracy? I'm still learning a great deal about rifles. Two days ago, I thought accuracy was 100% barrel related.
 
The Mauser actions are good, but high accuracy fans usually prefer the Rem 700 due to the faster firing time (we're talking 50 ms difference here, you need to be VERY good to notice). The problem with your spare barrel is, you have no way to test accuracy before spending the money of having it installed. There's Walther and Shilen barrels, and there's $100 a pop barrels.
 
Having converted and sporterized a few mausers, I would say that it would be less expensive to go out a buy a used rifle. If, however you want a custom rifle, then you have a good solid base to start with. Dont be surprised that you end up having a grand or more into the rifle. The question is, do you really want that customized 32 ford coupe, or that 2006 ford tarus. Only you can make that decision.
 
I agree with sc928porsche

I can re-thread your extra barrel but of the Dia. is to small, then Its a no go.
then you still would need a stock ETC.
Buy a 700 that you want, or buy a Stevens in .308 there tack drivers.
The savage you can replace the barrel yourself, there excellent shooters.
I tell people it’s cheaper to buy than repair or fix. This makes them upset.
Is you Mauser special to you?
The Mauser action is heavy but will last forever, long after your new barrel is worn out.
$50.00 to $80.00 to re-thread your barrel
$150 to $250 to mount head space small ring or large ring.
and what ever else you have in mind.

Stevens 200 in 308 including scope $299.00 + tax
Easy to carry, fun to shoot, one more gun for your closet, more fun to have than a wife!
 
Well, I went to the gunsmith and he said the barrel is in excellent condition and the mauser action is the best one that was made. He can throw it all together and put a new finish on it for less than a new 700 (which is what I would've gotten). Next question: Are Barska scopes any good? I'm trying to buy something in the 200-350 dollar range and Barska seems to have the best specs for that price range. Any thoughts? I'm looking at the Barka SWAT models.

Thanks,
Patrick
 
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