Rifle Build Project

[Foxtrot1]

I've been working on this project for awhile. As a sucker for a bargain and a self proclaimed mauser junkie, when I found some NOS stocks with nice grade walnut I jumped on a stack of them. They were inletted for 98s with a side safety, checkered, and had a tip. The grip cap and crossbolt were missing, but I figured I could make those.

I didn't have any pressing needs for a rifle, so I decided to build 1 for my father-in-law. He has never had a really nice rifle and I figured he deserves 1 at this point. I spent a few weeks stalking gunbroker and picked up a new Zastava Z98 in 7mm Rem Mag to use as the barreled action. It was still in the box with packing grease. I flipped the tupperware stock on eBay to recoupe some costs. I ended up with $350 in the metal. The stocks were $110, so overall a bargain for a steel and walnut rifle.

 

[Foxtrot1]

I worked on it in phases, finishing the inletting, bedding, etc.. it has taken awhile to finish. The action is fully bedded with a steel crossbolt capped with African blackwood. I used buffalo horn for the grip cap. I bedded the barrel channel with a lug on the front stud to stiffen it if he wants to use a bipod. The barrel is free floated with .010 clearance. I think it turned out well. The next step will be to mount optics, break in the barrel, and develop a load for it.

 

[morgaj1]

Nicely done!

 

[Muleyfanatic]

Beautiful work!

 

[Lmwmihunter76]

Wow looks awesome!!

 

[CB1]

Looks great! Hoping to do something similar in the future.

 

[noharleyyet]

Awesome skillset foxtrot.

 

[morgaj1]

How do those Zastava's shoot?

 

[Foxtrot1]

How do those Zastava's shoot?

I'll let you know how this one does if I can ever find magnum primers.... in the past they have done well if you free float the barrel and bed them. They have cold hammer forged barrels. The stocks are usually the "rough" partof the gun

 

[junior88]

WOW! Beautiful work

 

[T Bone]

You have skills!

That is a fine looking rifle!

 

[Dougfirtree]

I'll let you know how this one does if I can ever find magnum primers.... in the past they have done well if you free float the barrel and bed them. They have cold hammer forged barrels. The stocks are usually the "rough" partof the gun

I've never owned a Zastava centerfire, but my Zastava .22 is a tack driver. I can often shoot 1/8"-1/4" groups at 50 yards.

Nice rifle! Your FIL is psyched!

 

[buffybr]

Looks like you're doing a good job. I also enjoy doing that.

 

[longbow51]

Great job!

 

[EastTNHunter]

Very nice. Beautiful work