It was love at first sight; I had to have her.

While there is a rather sizeable (and none too cheap) laundry list of mods I could do to her, I'm limiting myself for the sake of cost.

First, I've just stripped the finish and am going to steam out the gouges, do my best to lift out the darkening oil stains, and give her 30 or so coats of good oil. Then I'm going to glass bed... the area inside the stock between the reciever and bottom metal was cracked so there is obviously stress there.

Other than that, she needs shootin'!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats!! That's a very nice looking rifle.

Here's my Husqvarna Model 46 in 9.3x57:





Now I just need to find the time to actually shoot it!! It's been finished for months now.


A couple of photos I found on the web that you might enjoy:





Cheers!
-Bob F.

I have a similar Mod 46, no scope or recoil pad, all original, with fancier wood. It's a fantastic shooter with the factory irons,stocks were made to be used with the iron sights, plus I like that long barrel. My idea of an ideal looking rifle would be one with a stock with rounded pistol grip like the 46 and schnabel forend like the 146. I had played with the idea of getting on in a 9.3x62 but like the 57mm length so well I'll just stick with it.

These are very common here in Sweden (as you might expect!).

Make sure that you check the bedding! Many of these rifles had zero clearance at the tang and they will split there.

A quick bedding of at least the recoil lug should be considered.

Congrats on a fine rifle!

John

jpb,

Y'all have nice taste in rifles.

I am going to bed the whole deal, as the area inside the stock between the bottom metal and reciever is cracked. I'll make a point of relieving the tang as well.

Thanks for the compliments all,

efw

Bob F,

I don't get it... shouldn't these rifles cost a lot more?

The wood is great,

checkering hand-cut,

it appears to me that the rear sight base is machined as part of the barrel,

and its all build on an FN '98 action.

I have seriously considered picking up a really nice model 46 in the same caliber and having the chamber in this 146 lengthened to x62, but that'd be more money than I have right now and the whole idea was to have a sweet rifle at a really low price.

I honestly don't understand why they're so stinkin' cheap. Anybody have insight?

(btw, Bob, I really like the style of your 46's grip... ok, I LOVE the look of the WHOLE THING... the more I think about it, the closer I come to doing a complete makeover on my 146!)

Well, IMHO, the rifles are getting old and most have some flaws such as cracked stocks, need bedding work, etc. I think most are probably priced about right (I haven't checked that many vendors' prices) with all things considered. They are quality rifles; most just need a little tender loving care.

I'm not an expert on the Husqvarna riles but the model 46 and 46a are built on the 94/96 action while the model 146, like yours, has a 98 action. The 146, IMHO, would make a better platform for conversion to a 9.3x62.

I don't think there's anyhing "wrong" with the 9.3x57, though. I haven't even shot mine yet much less started to work up handloads for it. I am looking forward to working with the ol' 9.3x57, though. I think it's an interesting cartridge.

Here's a photo I found on the web that I thought you might find of interest:



Cheers!
-Bob F.

Yeah I suppose you're right about the shape of the rifles out there. Mine was made in the late-'30s. I guess its a great situation for someone like me who enjoys the work.

Your understanding of the models and their parent actions is mine as well. I was thinking of picking up a 46 like yours, leaving it as-is, and upping my 146 to x62 as you suggest. Not sure how such a light rifle would feel in such a slugger of a cartridge though.

Doesn't really matter though... at this point the funds aren't there, so I'll play w/ the x57 and keep this potential plan in the back of my mind for later reference.

If you're just thinking about loading the x57 here is a thread/board you might find of interest:

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?645-Handloading-the-9-3x57

Even though the ol' 9.3x57 is no speedster, it actually compares quite well to some other cartridges (many of which have been commonly used for hunting in the woods or brush); especially to the .35 Remington and .358 Winchester.



Thanks for the tip about the gunboards forum. I've been a member there for a couple of years now but I just don't post there very much. As you suggest, they do have some good info about handloading the 9.3x57.

Cheers!
-Bob F.

Mine is a shooting SOB with 286gr Norma Alaska and a dose of RL15, I've only run it to 100yards with the open sights to date.

Yeah I agree.

I recall reading something very recently (I'm pretty sure it was on that forum) which pointed out that the x57 as we load it today is a balistic match for the x62 back when it got its rep w/ pioneer farmers in Africa. Don't know if that is historically accurate and I don't even remember exactly where I read it... pretty sure it was on that board.

Good going back and forth; I look forward to hearing what you come up w/ when you get out w/ that rifle!

As I was lustily oogling Bob's rifle I thought exactly the same thing...

You're right about the stock cut. I really like the overall look of the sights, but that rear one has one heckofa narrow notch and the brass bead just doesn't show up as well as my eyes would like. I will likely try making both contrast more... perhaps white enamel up front and matte blue in back, with a little file work... but high-vis sights all the way around would serve me well.

If that rear sight weren't so classy with the machined base I'd more strongly consider a Williams 5D...

i have a german built 9.3x57 built on a small ring/large thread mauser. absolutely loves the 270 speer and varget. with the williams peep on the back, i can do about 3" @ 200 yds. it killer on black bear.

also, if anyone is looking for a boolit mold, there is a group buy going on the cast boolit site:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=71892

Count me as a fan of the genre as well. Don't know exactly which models I have, but I've stuck with the 9.3x62 thus far. Bought a 98 action that I had a little custom work done on that I then dropped in a Bansner stock. Had a Winchester 70 style two position saftey added, had the stripper clip hump milled off and then added some Talley ultralights. Haven't done much with it yet, but looks like it will run about 7.5 lbs with a leupold 4x.

Then just last night snagged another off of gunbroker. Ad says it's a 96, but it appears to have either a cock on open kit added or it's actually a 98. Been wanting a easy packing open sighted rifle, and couldn't pass it up for well under $400. Probably will just shore up the stock and run it as is. Love the pictures of all the rifles, but especially BFaucett's 146. That's what a rifle should look like!

Thanks! It's actually a Model 46 (94/96 action), though. I had some work done on it by my gunsmith:

The stock was stripped of its finish, dents were raised, oil damaged wood was repaired, and the stock received a new hand-rubbed oil finish. It was converted to cock on opening with a Dayton Traister speed lock kit which included a Mark II trigger, custom striker spring, and cocking piece. A Precise Metalsmithing (Wisner) two-position safety was installed. The action was glass bedded.



Cheers!
-Bob F.

My darling wife bought me a nice 146 in 9.3 x 57 for Christmas! Has a short side rail scope mount (with an old Bushnell 2.5x sportview post reticle). She knew just how much I love Mausers. I've got everything to start stuffing bullets into some hulls, just haven't had the time as of yet. Let me figure out how to post an image and I'll stick a few on here. It has a really nice wood as well as a sterling silver plate on the stock with the prior owners name engraved on it! As well as seven tiny brass nails on the right side below the heel of the stock! I suppose seven sucessful shots!!!!

Kaywoodie

My 9.3x57, under my 6.5x54K (and no, it is not a 6.5 M-S). The Husqvarna is a marvelous rifle; I only wish I had another one so I could modify it to hold a scope...





One day...

Dennis

Okay, Here's my Husky 146. Can't wait to get it out in the field. I love these rifles!



I need to pull it out of the stock to check the inner stock. John, thanks for the recommendation about at least bedding the recoil lug. This has been a point of conversation around the "gunsmithing bench" at work lately!

Kaywoodie

There's some really neat old rifles here! Thanks for posting your photos everyone!

The ol' 9.3x57 may live on after all!!

-Bob F.

6.5x54 K Mauser! OK, now I'm officially jealous!!!

-Bob F.

I saw a 9.3x57mm at a gunshow on Sunday, first one I
ever saw in the flesh. I believe it was a Mauser 98,
didnt handle it just looked at it for a few seconds.

I work in a gun shop 3 days a week. Several of us discussed the fact that we do not as a rule, purchase new guns anymore while there are so many really nice firearms such as these mentioned in this thread still available! I haven't personally purchased a new factory gun in probably 30 years or more! There are very well made modern firearms available out there, I simply prefer firearms that are built out of good wood and blued steel..... These huskies fit that bill.....

Kaywoodie

On a side not, if anyone ever sees one of these in 6.5x55 PLEASE let me know. That would be my holy grail of rifle finds...

My latest has three holes drilled in the side, guess I ought to start casually looking for a scope mount as well.

As well you should be... . It is very nice...maybe I'll bring it to Katie, TX to hunt pigs next month...

Ammo is very easy to make by reforming .243 brass, by the way.

Dennis

Kaywoodie,

That is an awesome find... even more meaningful coming from a loving spouse and obviously very well cared for by someone who seems to have prized it as you will.

Very nice rifles all.

I must admit that I have no desire whatsoever for new rifles these days... although I have to say that a Kimber 84 in 257 Roberts has appeal... but other than that, they just don't hold the interest they have for me in the past.

Biathlonman!

I concur on the 6.5 x 55, 100%!!!!!! That would be an excellent find!!!!!

Kaywoodie

Biathlonman!

I just PM'ed you!!!!!!

Has to do with your grail!

Kaywoodie

What a bunch of boogers!! Here I thought I was good to go with a couple of measley Ruger 77's in 6.5 and 7x57 and you guys have to open this thread. Now I have to figure out what to sell. Anybody lusted after this site?

http://tradeexcanada.com/

Click on Products then on Hunting and Sporting rifles.

Lots of 9.3x57 Huskys on the market, most are 96 Mausers but some are true 98 Mausers..the Husky 98 Mausers are great little guns, the 9.3x57 is the balistic equivelent of the 358 Winchester and its fine even in the mod 96 if loaded properly.....They are sweet, handy, slim and I just really like them..Wish I had one in a 98 Mauser...I would proably punch it out to a 9.3x62 at some point...A few were even made in 9.3x62 and thats a good find...I have bought and sold a number of the 98s in 9.3x62, wish now I had kept one.

Always check the barrels as these guns came out of arsenals in foriegn countries and some of the barrels are pretty rough.

Yep, many times, alas! Anthony is great to deal with from all I've heard and his ratings are quite conservative. I doubt that they can ship to the US, but Tradex's equivalent south of the 49th is Allan Schisel of Allan's Armory in Florida. I've heard good things about him, too, mostly on Gunboards' Swedish Civilian Arms Forum.

Stuart

Checked Allan's website as well. Unfortunately he doesn't have nearly the inventory as TradEx. And you're right, TradEx states they are Canada sales only. Don't really see why Allan's couldn't work with the same wholesaler if they thought the business is out here. The good 146's seem to be bringing a premium stateside and there aren't very many I can find. This one's sweet http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=9526165&oh=216543 but I'll bet it goes $600 or better in the end.

Atkinson, if only we could know in our youth what would be valuable to us later. Like I've heard it said "Experience is something you don't get until right after you need it the most". Enjoy your posts.

Well it appears that I'm going on a Nilgai hunt next month and I've opted to try my 146 on one of the blue bulls. Anyone have a good load recommendation for the Barnes 250 grn triple-shok bullet????

I've got some work to do!!!!

Kaywoodie

Not too much work in that arena. Put some Re 15 into the case and plant the 250 gr TSX in the neck. Done! Ammo ready. Or at least, if it turns out like my load with 53 gr of Re 15 behind the 250 gr Woodleigh. It chronographs 2289 fps at 10 ft off the muzzle, so it's close enough to 2300 fps to suit me. If that doesn't suit you, try 50 gr of IMR 4895 -- it's giving the 250 Woodleigh 2272 fps, which is close enough. Start lower and work up, of course, with my powder charges, but they aren't showing a hint of pressure in my 46.

Have fun...

Dennis

I noticed that www.757arms.com has many of these rifles in different calibers for sale. Price is very reasonable.

Thanks Muledeer! I was kinda thinking that an H4895 load in the vicinity of +/- 48 grns might work too! I'll get a lb of the IMR and try it. I can get the Barnes bullets pretty easy. And I figured that bullet would be a good all around projectile for the type of hunting I might do with that rifle. You know, stick with one load that works and learn it!

Appreciate it!

Kaywoodie

I had mine converted to x62 as I is for use in Africa.
Its certainly a great rifle.

A mate and my Husky.

Somebody else posted this web address but I forget now where I saw it.

http://www.simpsonltd.com/

Quite a few of these 9.3's on there. Hoping to sell off some excess inventory and look one of these up.

These Husqvarnas sure got over the pond!

This is my FN 98 Husqvarna 9.3X62 with a 4X Hensoldt in a detachable sidemount. It is a tack driver with Graf brass, 63gr IMR 4350 and Nosler BT 250s.

I thought about removing the sidemount and drilling and tapping for a top mount, but it all works so well now, I don't want to mess with it.

That 9.3x57 at Dust 2 Dollars is going to be coming home to be my wife's new rifle.

It will get a good cleaning, glass bedded and adjust the LOP if needed and a Pachmyer Red Decelerator added. But kept open sighted and close to stock.

We may possibly add a Lyman M48 Peep.

I'll post some Pics when we get it and after the clean up.

Allen