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The problem with old mausers is not so much the low carbon steel but the heat treat, which can vary considerably.

Given proper modern process heat treat and fed responsible sensible pressure loads, it should by all rights serve
a person very well.

but if a person for some reason prefers a modern Chromoly M98 , by all means get one..!!



Todays top level 98 customs are better than the ones from 50 yrs ago.

In fact, some are even better than the custom 98 rifles that guys like Tom Burgess would have buit in more recent decades.
(though some would have trouble picking the subtle improvements)
Tom was a strong advocate of heat -treating old mausers. he extensively hands -on studied them over several decades, accumulating
a wealth of intimate knowledge concerning military mauser metallurgy.

He did express how he would design a new CRF action , from what I recall he based it around the Brno- CZ
with a few changes.

Starman: Yes, the matter of heat treating or carbonizing old Mauser actions is interesting. I've read a bit on the subject and there seems to be 2 schools of thought on the matter: some say that it needs to be done and some say that it's not necessary. Heat treating; however, needs to be undertaken by a professional as incorrect heat treating can ruin an otherwise serviceable action. It also seems that, over time, lug set-back can become an issue if not heat treated correctly. I wonder what a proper Mauser action heat treatment would cost? Clearly prepping an older Mauser action is not an inexpensive proposition.

I know Ed LaPour charges a pretty penny:

Yes well some smiths like an action to be annealed before extensive work starts, making heat treat mandatory...



Anyone who cannot afford HT, then its safe to say they cannot afford a custom 98 with the nice goodies.

I did a bit of looking and heat treating a Mauser actions seems to be around $100.00.


... and it's probably safe to say that anyone who can't afford that, cannot afford an internet connection to pose the question in the first place.