Just acquired a Zastava m85 in 7.62x39. Looking to build lightweight deer rifle with it. Just looking for some ideas on dropping some weight from it. I'm thinking of staying with the 7.62x39 because most of my shots will be under 200 yds but would like some input on that thought. Any advice would be helpful.

Sell it, buy a CZ 527, and continue the project. That's seriously the best advice I can offer. If I don't elaborate, someone will ask me to, so here goes...

It's not even a true Mauser. The safety isn't my favorite and looks cheap.
It's heavy for its size. The trigger leaves a lot to be desired. Did I mention it's not even a Mauser?

The 7.62 is a fine little caliber though, in my opinion.

How light do you want to go? A Basner High Tech Specialties stock should get you into the mid six pound range including a lightweight scope.

I'd keep it or get a CZ 527 and leave it alone.
Then I'd buy a Kimber Montana and be done.

That's what I did.

Put it in a lightweight stock and add a Timney trigger. Shorten the barrel until the proper balance is achieved. Mine has a 17" barrel. The little M85 has a lot of potential.

Mine was a 7.62X39 and I have a 3 POS safety and a Timney trigger. It is chambered in 220 Russian which is the paren case for the 6ppc. I absolutely love it.

My advice would be to trade bolts and magazine parts with me. That way I can have mine re-barreled to 6.5 Grendel. As it stands, mine (.223) will eventually become a 6x45 with a 20 or 21" light barrel and a bansner stock. It's already got a Timney Featherweight Deluxe trigger with safety in it and a set of Talley Lightweight rings.

Timney makes a specific trigger for that rifle. It's not really easy to find. Same with the rings. Don't think Talley catalogs them anymore. But I bet they could make a set if you called.

Trigger:
http://www.timneytriggers.com/shop/timney-remington-799-featherweight-replacement-trigger.aspx

Rings: (surprised)
http://www.talleymanufacturing.com/Products/Lightweight-Alloy-Scope-Mount/Remington/1-Remington-799-(Low).aspx

Stock:
http://www.legendaryarmsworks.com/high-tech-specialties-stocks/

Frome Steve at LAW on 11/24/15:
David,

Thank you for your inquiry. The stocks we sell are a stock blank that will need final fitting by your gunsmith. We would need to know if you want it cut out in a BDL fashion or keep it as an ADL style. The cost is $330.00 plus $15.00 for shipping with lead time being about 2 weeks.

If you have any further questions please feel free to let us know.

Sincerely,

Steve

Hope that helps.

David Walker

Why would you need to make it lighter? I have three. 221, Grendel, and 20 practical. They seem light to me but everyone is different. The only thing that I need done is bolt handle replaced. My 20 has a larger handle and I love it so the other two will be worked over soon.

Definitely need the timney trigger I can't get mine to where I would like it.

Perhaps mine are lighter because they are Left handed:)

If you can afford to build it like TC1 built his .223! That's an amazing little rifle. I have one that was converted from .22-250 to .250 Savage. I have some COAL issues with bullet over 100 grains, but it's a fun little rifle to shoot even if it isn't a real Mauser.





It's wearing a Hi Tech stock and a PacNor Super Match barrel. The pictures are from Kevin Weaver's web site, it was one of his personal rifles. I've yet to connect with anything other than paper with this rifle.

I'm getting ready to build ne in a 6.5 Grendel - am interested in experiences that others have had with this combination?

Thanks,
PennDog

IMO wait until Howa builds a factory one on their mini action. It's supposed to be out in 2016, and then just wait until a good stock comes out for it. You'll save a ton of money in the long run.

That's a great suggestion taylorce1.....didn't know they were going to build one - THANKS!

PennDog

Here is a little teaser on the Howa Mini 6.5 Grendel, I guess I should be hitting retailers mid year.

My Mini as I've posted before. I would really like one of Terry's.

Stunning!

Thanks taylorce1 for the link! and butchlambert1 I never get tired of looking at that rifle - absolutely beautiful!!

PennDog

Roger Vardy has very nice reasonable wood.

I had one in .22 ppc ( 20" straight contour barrel that was pure evil on g hogs with a 52 gr. speer hp. Fed well from magazine and shot half inch. That was before Timney made triggers for them.

If Taylorce has COAL issues w/ 250 Sav over 100 gr I'd think 2x about a Creed on one...

Grendel, not Creed. 7.62x39 family I think.

Oh I'm sorry I misread that.

Grendel would be da bomb fo schizel.

I am sure the HOWA Will be the most cost-effective route. I wanted a 6.5 Grendel on a CZ527 action this is what I came up with. [img][/img] 24 inch Lothar Walther barrel. Glass bedded and we are rocking.

http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/darapp/media/Grendel/CZ%20527%206.5%20Grendel_zpsk8kft02q.jpg.html