I think what I could use is a recommendation for a good Florida gunsmith to do a rebarrel job on a Mauser.
I have an old Brazilian Mauser 98 in 30.06. Shoots just fine (cycles nicely, trigger is nice, rounds impact at point of aim), but it's original, and, as such, mostly a cabinet decoration. I AM lacking a good mid-caliber hunting rifle that can be scoped. And I can't seem to find anything that is
A) not ungodly expensive
B) still excites me
So, after a little thinking, I figured, why not put a shorter barrel and new stock on the old beast? It'll get several more years of good use.
I looked in the Brownell's catalog (are the parts to do this affordable? Yep!), then search the archives here (is this something I can do on my coffee table with a Leatherman and a roll of electical tape? Umm..no.).
Other than one repair job, I've never been to a gunsmith. I wasn't real thrilled with the guy who did the repair job. I'm not sure how "interactive" the process of breathing new life into my Mauser would be (am I supposed to show up and talk with the gunsmith? Do I just ship the rifle and a check? , but I do know I'd more comfortable with someone to whom I could communicate what I wanted (I don't need to hang over somebody's shoulder while the work is done, though).
Any idea of a name, or at least a resource where I could find someone? Any help would be appreciated.
I have an old Brazilian Mauser 98 in 30.06. Shoots just fine (cycles nicely, trigger is nice, rounds impact at point of aim), but it's original, and, as such, mostly a cabinet decoration. I AM lacking a good mid-caliber hunting rifle that can be scoped. And I can't seem to find anything that is
A) not ungodly expensive
B) still excites me
So, after a little thinking, I figured, why not put a shorter barrel and new stock on the old beast? It'll get several more years of good use.
I looked in the Brownell's catalog (are the parts to do this affordable? Yep!), then search the archives here (is this something I can do on my coffee table with a Leatherman and a roll of electical tape? Umm..no.).
Other than one repair job, I've never been to a gunsmith. I wasn't real thrilled with the guy who did the repair job. I'm not sure how "interactive" the process of breathing new life into my Mauser would be (am I supposed to show up and talk with the gunsmith? Do I just ship the rifle and a check? , but I do know I'd more comfortable with someone to whom I could communicate what I wanted (I don't need to hang over somebody's shoulder while the work is done, though).
Any idea of a name, or at least a resource where I could find someone? Any help would be appreciated.