my understandind is the m48a is an intermediate action.Would this lend itself to a .308 based cartridge?

It's an excellent match.

thats the good news....the bad news is I just got outbid!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Try to find a 24/47 or 48 instead. The 48a usually has stamped bottom metal which is plain ugly. The magazine on these rifles is still 3.23", so you still might need a spacer in the magazine well in order to feed .308-length (2.8") cartridges reliably. S40

Thanx,I think I have it right.VZ 24 or a m48,what is the 47?

The 24/47 is a pre-WW2 intermediate length Yugo Model 24 that was arsenal refurbished around 1947. It is essentially identical to the 48 except that it has a straight bolt handle. S40

P.S. 24/47's are generally better made, smoother actions than the 48. They are also usually cheaper.

much appreciated,I'll start the hunt.

Do not mistake the difference between a proper VZ24 and the 24/47. A VZ 24 is standard length (longer than the 24/47). How much was the M48 you were bidding on?

I have an M48a (stamped metal) and a Vz 24- the older guns are much smoother from the get-go. I tore the VZ apart as the barrel was no good, so I could use the action for a project- it still sits in my basement. I had intentions of doing the same with the M48a, but it was too much fun to shoot as-is. Haven't shot it in at least three years now, as I developed an interest in Remingtons instead.

The Kaiser

Do not mistake the difference between a proper VZ24 and the 24/47. A VZ 24 is standard length (longer than the 24/47). How much was the M48 you were bidding on?////////////////
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I was bidding on a m48a,comlete action with trigger,bolt and floorplate.I stopped @$100.00.The auction ended with no sale and I was the only bidder.
The vz is cast?and the 48a stamped?..

I had to roll that around for a minute but I think I got er now,thanx

I just ordered a 48 complete rifle from Aim Surplus for about $116. Thanks...

I just ordered a 48 complete rifle from Aim Surplus for about $116. Thanks... ///////////////////////////////////
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now wouldn't I have looked STUPID at $100.00 for the action!!
Is there a website fo A/S or phone # maybe?..thanx.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I found a/s,but they require a minimum order of three....Did you have to buy three?

No. You can buy one. I have bought about three rifles from them seperately this year. They are good people. Thanks...Bill.

Me,

If I was going to get an M48 I'd opt for the M48A and replace the bottom metal. The M48A's tend to be much smoother functioning that the M48 which are prone to sticky bolts. The 24/47 is the best pick of the lot or an M24 if you can find one.

After looking at several sources for barrels,triggers,reamers etc...I can find several for the 98,but nothing for the 48.Is a build on this platform (48,48a,24/47),an uphill battle as compared to a 98?

Just as we are losing more and more WWII veterans every year, we are losing the surplus military rifles as well to sporterization, etc. I have chopped up many military rifles in the past but will do so no more. They should be preserved.

I would (and I have) get a Charles Daly Mauser. It's a real bargain and you don't have to do anything to it.

Just my opinion though. Thanks...Bill.

I looked at them,Montana Rifle,and about any other way I could to skin the cat.My gaol is a 35 caliber(.358 win).Daly doesn't offer one.I can get into BLR new,but I don't care for them.I can find the ocassional Ruger,or Savage 99 for about a years salary and wouldn't rest carrying one.
If I had my druthers I'd find a doner action and go from there.Which brings me full circle to a short action mauser.

I think Model70man was refering to an action, not a barrelled action. You can't buy an action and have all the work done for less money than you can purchase a Charles Daly action. Look at the online prices for a safety, bent bolt, D&T, adjustable trigger, and a Mag release.
This is a long action, but I am fairly certain the shorter action is the same price. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=41364202

thanks for the site.I'll e-mail the seller.

Charles Daly action. Look at the online prices for a safety, bent bolt, D&T, adjustable trigger, and a Mag release. This is a long action, but I am fairly certain the shorter action is the same price//////////////////////////////////////////////
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Unfortunately Daly does NOT make a short action.They simply use a long action with a spacer in the mag well.Or so says the fella I talked too....bummer...

Not trying to split hairs but how much difference can there be in weight between an intermediate length action and a standard length? I don't know the answear. The standard length actions are much easier to find stocks for also. IMHO, unless you are trying to cut the last few ounces of weight to make a preset goal, I don't think you'll feel the difference. If you are trying for a lightweight rifle, I wouldn't start with a mauser.

I can find stocks for the short action mausers as easily as for the 98's.I want the short action because .358 win is the finished product I am after.
I want this one in a bolt,sooo no BLR or 99.I can find m77 rugers for a kings ransom,but Rugers' website lists the .358 in a long action????Most of the Rugers also have too short a barrel in my opinion(18"-20").
Again,full circle,back to a Mauser.

"I want the short action because .358 win is the finished product I am after. " Again not trying to split hairs but I think the Yugo is an intermediate length, large ring, not a short length. I'll try to find some info on the difference in length, weight, etc. IIRC the difference in length is 1/4 "

I think the Yugo is an intermediate length, large ring, not a short length.////////////////////////////////
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yup,correct.

Here is some info on actions.
http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catalog/mauser_reference.html
Are you looking for a short action or an intermediate action? The only short mauser actions I've heard of were commercial, not surplus. I have an intermediate action that is not a Yugo. I can look at it and see what it is if you want to know.

Your original ? " my understandind is the m48a is an intermediate action.Would this lend itself to a .308 based cartridge? "
#2" If I had my druthers I'd find a doner action and go from there.Which brings me full circle to a short action mauser. "
#3 "I think the Yugo is an intermediate length, large ring, not a short length.////////////////////////////////
yup,correct. "
A large ring is a large ring, intermediate VS. standard +- 1/4 " length. I don't see much difference. Hope you find what you are looking to find.

I simply mis- typed on short action.I'm simply trying to own a .358 win I can carry,and not break the bank.

good link,thanks!

" not break the bank " IMHO you can not buy a less expensive action than the Charles Daly. You can't buy a surplus action and have all the work done for the price you will pay for a CD. Get the .473 bolt face with the spacer for shorter rounds. If you need the extra room to seat the bullets out farther, remove the spacer. I have four standard length 98s that feed short rounds just fine. 2-308s, 1-22-250, and 1-6mm284. One of the 308s has a spacer, none of the other have one. Good luck with your project.

If you are after a bolt action .358 winchester the quickest and most econimical way to get there is buy a stevens 200 in 7mm08. Then buy a .358 win replacement barrel from midway. Install it yourself and sell the 7mm08 barrel to recoup most of your money on the new barrel.

The reason for choosing the 7mm08 as the donor are 1: it is the same case as the .358 and will feed properly with the new case. 2: The 7mm08 barrels will bring the most resale value .

If you want a mauser based rifle you could go the same route I went on my .257 roberts : Here's the project:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/623435/page//fpart/1/vc/1

You could start with a stock military yougo, or shop around for one that has some of the stuff done.

One more option is to buy a marlin in .35 remington and have it rechambered to .358. There is an outfit that does this on a regular basis with good results.

Good shooting,
Weagle

Get a catalog from these folks;
I.T.&D. Custom Gun
22229 Leisure Road, N.W.
Minerva, Ohio
44657
Phone: (330)868-6867 Ask for Dave.
They will sell you an action already barrelled in 358 Win. One stop shopping!

weagle and like 2,thanks,I'll be pawing over threads and brouchers for awhile.btw,the first link from like2 has a GREAT gunsmith offering everything you need at very reasonable prices!!!I can get into a sporter that is accurized for around $350.00!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Which 'smith are you looking at for that price? Another good one is http://www.gun-shop.biz// Lowtech gunsmithing

thats the one!!!!I have the contact info and am calling A.M.

I'd shop this one also:

http://www.skaggsgunsmithing.com/

Mark is a super nice guy.

Weagle

Here's a pic of a 7-08 on an M48 action. On this one, I used a single stack detachable mag. Not my favorite thing, but it works well. Barrel is Shilen, and it shoots quite well.

To all who responded,thank you.I'm still no expert but I have gained a much better understanding of the military actions.I have also learned a lot about what the options are for owning/shooting one.This can range from simply purchasing a $120.00 rifle and being happy to...the sky is the limit!!!
I think what I have it narrowed down to is a m48a,with a 48 guard and floor plate(gunsmith has em and it's the best I can do price wise).Timney trigger,Buhler style safety,action blueprinted,undecided on barell and stock at this writeing.Bolt handle to be bent,bolt forged and polished.The "hump" will also be removed,has something to do with stripper clip feeding.I'm not 100% clear on that,I just know the smith insists on it.I'm leaning towards a floor plate release lever for vanity purpose,I LIKE the way they look!!!I'm going to be well in excess of my $350.00"sporterized" statement,but well under the grand it takes to buy the .358 win in an existing platform.....If interested,I'll post updates..again a huge thanx to all, the learning curve would not have been possible without the input.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

" The "hump" will also be removed,has something to do with stripper clip feeding.I'm not 100% clear on that,I just know the smith insists on it. "
The removal of the stripper clip slot is cosmetic, has nothing to do with feeding/functioning. Who did you decide to use? Keep us posted with pictures if possible. Still going with a 358 Winnie?

The link you gave me,Low Tech.Don't let the name fool ya,He's a lifelong smith who worked for all the majors,the equipment was purchased from a Winchester facility that closed.Yes on the .358.I could have done it MUCH cheaper,(even with him),but opted for some vanities <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />....
I'll try to figure out the picture thing,and one day we'll meet and I'll shake your hand....then shoot the @ell out of it!!!!

I don't know anything about wildcats, but could you take advantage of the lenght of action that you have buy using the 8mm case necked up to .358.That would be a great round, probably nippin on the heals of a 35 Whelen!

Yup,it's going to be a .358 win which is a factory chambering,not a widcat.

The 8mm case has more capacity than the 308 case.