I have just finished my much anticipated project of scoping a Yugoslavian M48 while keeping it in military condition. I remember a little while back there were some questions about how a Mauser bolt should be bent to clear a scope and this might help those attempting this project.
To start I bought the M48 from J&G hand select for $120 (I paid nearly that in smithing costs). I shoped around local smiths asking questions and seeing who would work with me so that I get exactly what I want. After selecting the smith I talked with him so he knew what I wanted; a scoped military Mauser kept as original as possible. After just 5 days away I got the call and picked it up.
The M48 looks great. The action was drilled and we used Weaver (#?) bases. The action just behind the Striper Clip Guide needed minor grinding to allow the base to fit snugly but it is almost un-noticable. We used high Weaver rings on top of the bases. The top of the bolt was just barely sanded down for scope clearance. I had feared this because I thought it would look ugly but it is an incredible job. After hearing it described I thought it was a U shaped cut in the bolt handle but the entire alteration is smoothed into the entire bolt handle's upper surface so it looks natural. The only thing that might tip someone off that anything was done is that the bolt handle is slightly shinier than the rest of the bolt (quickly remedied with some steel wool). The M48 is identicle to all others I have seen, the bolt being possible a little more bent as it came from the factory.
I have shot it several times now but not yet at the range (soon to be remedied). I had worried that the scope would be set too high but it sights very well and I didn't even think about it when I was shooting. I am very proud of my new rifle as you may have guessed. I hope to take a deer or javelina in the fall with it. Until then I will just have to be satisfied with playing Major Koning in the streets of Stalingrad (oh wait....he dies doesn't he).
This is one rifle I am truely proud of. I hope this is helpful for others wanting to do this very project or a similar one.
To start I bought the M48 from J&G hand select for $120 (I paid nearly that in smithing costs). I shoped around local smiths asking questions and seeing who would work with me so that I get exactly what I want. After selecting the smith I talked with him so he knew what I wanted; a scoped military Mauser kept as original as possible. After just 5 days away I got the call and picked it up.
The M48 looks great. The action was drilled and we used Weaver (#?) bases. The action just behind the Striper Clip Guide needed minor grinding to allow the base to fit snugly but it is almost un-noticable. We used high Weaver rings on top of the bases. The top of the bolt was just barely sanded down for scope clearance. I had feared this because I thought it would look ugly but it is an incredible job. After hearing it described I thought it was a U shaped cut in the bolt handle but the entire alteration is smoothed into the entire bolt handle's upper surface so it looks natural. The only thing that might tip someone off that anything was done is that the bolt handle is slightly shinier than the rest of the bolt (quickly remedied with some steel wool). The M48 is identicle to all others I have seen, the bolt being possible a little more bent as it came from the factory.
I have shot it several times now but not yet at the range (soon to be remedied). I had worried that the scope would be set too high but it sights very well and I didn't even think about it when I was shooting. I am very proud of my new rifle as you may have guessed. I hope to take a deer or javelina in the fall with it. Until then I will just have to be satisfied with playing Major Koning in the streets of Stalingrad (oh wait....he dies doesn't he).
This is one rifle I am truely proud of. I hope this is helpful for others wanting to do this very project or a similar one.