I have tried to do some research on military surplus rifles. I have kind of narrowed it down to these two. I know the Swede is pre-98 and the Czech is a 98. Besides that and calibers what is the difference and is one better than the other for hitting paper150+ yards? Should I try and find a German Mauser? Thanks.
Swede or Czech Mauser?
- Thread starter Easyrider
- Start date
I have played with several "surplus" Mauser rifles and from my experience Swedish 96 Mausers seems to be most accurate. A new Yugo 98 I had was much more accurate than German 98's I've shot but was still not up to my 96 standard. Also, I find 6.5x55 much more comfortable to shoot than 8mm.
A swedish m96 mauser is the way to go for some outstanding accuracy. It shoots a 6.5x55 cartridge, easy to reload for and still easy to find surplus for. The supply is drying up but there are still some evcelent examples around for less than 250 dollars. If you would like to contact me off board for some names of dealers who won't screw you and will deliver an excellent product, feel free.
The only milsurp guns that I have that will come close in accuracy are my Schmidt-Rubins.
The only milsurp guns that I have that will come close in accuracy are my Schmidt-Rubins.
9mmepiphany
New member
the biggest differnce is that the swede is a small ring action and the the czech is a big ring, 98 action. the swede has better steel "swiss" and generally a more accurate barrel.
There is no doubt about the accuracy of the Swedish rifles, and the 6.5 is a good cartridge. But they should not be fired with any ammunition over about 40k psi (or cup) in pressure. Further, they are cock on closing actions, which not all shooters like. The main advantage of the Swedes for owning is simply that most are in nearly perfect condition since they did not go through a war.
For a stronger, more modern action, I would go with a Mauser 98, with the understanding that not all 98's are as well made as the Swedish rifles. Given a choice between a VZ 24 in 8mm vs. a Swedish 96 in 6.5, and all else (condition) being equal, I would go with the VZ 24.
Jim
For a stronger, more modern action, I would go with a Mauser 98, with the understanding that not all 98's are as well made as the Swedish rifles. Given a choice between a VZ 24 in 8mm vs. a Swedish 96 in 6.5, and all else (condition) being equal, I would go with the VZ 24.
Jim
In general, the Swedish Mauser is one of the best quality surplus bolt-action rifles that money can buy in terms of accuracy, availability of ammunition, ease of shooting and overall condition.
ACCURACY - With proper ammunition, a Swede will shoot as good as any modern factory rifle in similar caliber. Don't believe it? Put a 'scope on one and try for yourself. The quality of the trigger and the close factory specs account for the excellent precision of these rifles.
AMMO AVAILABILITY - All major American and foreign manufacturers churn out 6.5x55 shells with excellent hunting bullets at no more cost than a comparable caliber such as the 7-08 or the 308.
EASE OF SHOOTING - The 6.5X55, coupled with the ergonomics of the well-designed Swede rifle, make for an amazingly pleasant rifle to shoot both in the field and at the range. That cannot be said for the Czech 8mm, especially because of its lighter weight, more "biting" cartridge and most of all for the location of the damned sling swivel, right against your cheek!
OVERALL CONDITION - Most Swedes, having been designed and manufactured in times of peace, do not spare anything in terms of quality. The Czech (like the German) Gew 98 was not only made during times of economic duresse but also went through the very duresse themselves, ending up in battered condition.
=====>> Get a Swede!
ACCURACY - With proper ammunition, a Swede will shoot as good as any modern factory rifle in similar caliber. Don't believe it? Put a 'scope on one and try for yourself. The quality of the trigger and the close factory specs account for the excellent precision of these rifles.
AMMO AVAILABILITY - All major American and foreign manufacturers churn out 6.5x55 shells with excellent hunting bullets at no more cost than a comparable caliber such as the 7-08 or the 308.
EASE OF SHOOTING - The 6.5X55, coupled with the ergonomics of the well-designed Swede rifle, make for an amazingly pleasant rifle to shoot both in the field and at the range. That cannot be said for the Czech 8mm, especially because of its lighter weight, more "biting" cartridge and most of all for the location of the damned sling swivel, right against your cheek!
OVERALL CONDITION - Most Swedes, having been designed and manufactured in times of peace, do not spare anything in terms of quality. The Czech (like the German) Gew 98 was not only made during times of economic duresse but also went through the very duresse themselves, ending up in battered condition.
=====>> Get a Swede!
