I have a Mark X Whitworth .473 boltface long action that is Trued and lugs lapped with a Voere set trigger that currently has a #5 280 AI chambered Shilen barrel screwed on.

This rifle was my first ever custom build and at 10+ lbs it honestly has never seen more than the rifle range. I was in the learning stage and yes I learned this build was far from anything I'd ever want to use in the field simply because its much heavier than I like. I'd like around 8 lbs scoped. or slightly over but less than 8.5 lbs.

Here are some of my thoughts.....

Turn the barrel to a #3 and flute or sale the barrel and start over with a different chambering. The barrel has about 300 rounds down the tube.

I'm not particularly impressed with the feed attributes of the 280AI in this action but perhaps it can be made to feed better. Its not terrible its just not great.

This will be the second and last custom I plan to ever do or should i say redo and I want the rifle done right.( This Time)



I am also thinking of going with Mcmillan stock and
Leopold FX3 6X42 with M1 turret

My final thought is part the rifle out and buy an Off the shelf M70 winchester in 270 and go hunting.

Please and Thank you for any advice.

Shod

I have never had much success in getting a 98 type of action to feed any Ackley cartridge. Assuming that your feeds pretty well then modifications have been made to the rails. Those modifications may make your action unsuitable for use with 30-06 body taper, shoulder etc. I would check before installing a new barrel.

I have built many customs on Mauser and M 70 actions. Both of those are about the same weight. Today, I would get a Remington or Remington clone rather than try to remodel your old Mauser. Sell it and start fresh.

A tuned factory Remington could be just fine. Heck a Tikka is hard to beat.

I'd turn the tube down to a 2-2.5 contour, and see if the stock can lose some weight. 8 lbs is about the lightest you can expect to do on a LR Mauser.

My first custom was a 257 AI on a LR98 & it didn't feed very smoothly either. I took it to a local smith and he took care of it nicely; I'd try that if I were you.

I like custom Mausers and hate 270s so I wouldn't part it out to go gay, but that's just me. Tough to argue against a Win 70 270 Win if you're looking for one rifle.

I'm a real fan of the Whitworth Mauser action and the .280AI. So, I'd send the barrel to the maker to have it turned down to a #2, get a Brown Precision stock or a McMillan etc. and have it expertly bedded. I have a rifle very similar to what I've described. It's a Mod.70 with a #2 Krieger barrel, a Brown Pecision stock, with a Leupold 3.5x10 on it. all up and ready to go with 4 rounds of ammo it weights 8Lbs 4oz.

Trip it stud... start with a good action..

My custom on a Whitworth action is a 375 Weatherby. It feeds like butter. For a few months I had been looking for a big bore and it just appeared like magic for cheap at the fun show. I really enjoy it, but I'd rank it low as to what I would build a custom on.

For your situation, if it has sentimental value, I'd rebarrel/restock. If you just want the best rifle, I'd sell and start with something else. Just MHO.

A 20"-22" #1 or FTW contour barrel chambered in anything from a .25-06 to a .338-06 NON AI with a McMillan Sako Compact stock inletted for a Mauser would make a fine hunting rifle. I personally would take that setup over a stock M70 any day.

I have a Whitworth short action single shot chambered in 6mm-284.

While it is not like some of my custom rifles with BAT, Stiller, Kelbly actions etc. it is still one that I cherish and will never sell, hope when I pass it to my son he will pass it to my grandson in time.

Thank you all for the advise,



I've decided I'm going to part with the 280 AI barrel and rebarrel with something in non AI.

Jury is still out as to what though I'm leaning toward the 7X57 Mouser.


I've got a lot of 7X57 Norma Brass and 500 160 Sierra Gameking bullets sitting around.

Rin, I agree the tikkas are nice. I've got several. Its the biggest reason why my 10+ lb hunk of iron never leaves the house.






Shod

Latest update getting ready to order parts........

Looking for a Wood Stock
#2 7X57 barrel finished at 23"
FX3 6X42



Shod

boatanchor: I myself got one of those single shot Withworths. A bit rough, as a NIB action. Sending it to a smith to get worked over.

Just polishing everything, and stashing it until I know what to do with it.

My thoughts exactly!

Recontour your existing barrel and restock it w/ something light.
Standard '06 rds feed in my 30-06 AI, how do you think they became fireformed to AI?

Good idea on the shorter lighter taper 7x57 tube! Excellent cartridge.

I was pleasantly surprised by the overall weight of an LR 98 6.5x55 I built using a 21" #1 contour Apex tube.

With a modified Boyd's Classic in upgraded French walnut and with a UL BM unit it feels great. Hoping to bloody her this fall!

I'd highly recommend checking out Boyds. Their laser engraved checkering is beautiful, and the shape/weight of their walnut stocks is good.