Anyone own a sporterized Mauser, Enfield, 03 Springfield? I've got it in my head that I need some of these.

Yes I own 3 and have built 1. I will be building another one this fall. All on Mauser 98 actions.

I would stay away from the Enfield and Springfield actions to build a custom on. The Springfield because of cost (none of them are cheap, really) and the bulk of the rear of the action. The enfield just because if you want a custom stock your going to have to do a lot of wood work.

The Mauser 98 lends itself to be perfect for building customs on. First it is the Father of all modern bolt actions. It is relatively sleek and non obtrusive. It handles 30 cal and under long action rounds without a ton of modification, often all that is required is to thread and chamber the barrel. I just did a belted magnum in a Czech Mauser and I will never do one of those again. Finally there are tons of options for custom stocks, triggers, safeties and other accessories for the 98 as compared to the other two you mentioned.

You do need to do some research into the particular action you plan on getting. With Mauser being built world wide, there are some you need to avoid because of design, metallurgical issues, etc. While there are sportsters of all the Mauser style actions you definitely want to stay with the 98 type design, all of the other have issues with gas handling, modern ammo, and some both. I would also recommend looking for a Large Ring Mauser 98 as compared to a small ring although both are easily customized.

If you have any questions please PM me.

Chris I owned a 1903A3 sporterized that was really nice....it had a replacement Fajen walnut stock... it was pretty accurate. Only downside was it was very heavy. Sold it to cover bills....a close friends brother has always hunted with the same type rifle that his dad built....it has a left hand stock and retained the orginal sights....I still see semi sporterized Mausers and Springfields in the pawn shops....good luck sir....

rick

Look around I've seen previously sporterized rifles selling for a fraction of the value of the work because no one knew who did the work. Last year I bought a sporterized Argentine 1909 with a mannlicher stock for $500.

x2 on Pawn Shops. Sometimes they see a sporty Mauser or 03a3 and price them like collectors but often they just see them as a no-name 30.06 and sell 'em cheap!

I have some, one 7x57 that I built on a 1908 DWM Brazilian action, a .257 Roberts my dad built on a small ring KAR 98, and I'm currently building a .280 on a Colombian FN action.

I have an 03A3 that was built by my grandfather in the early 60's, the only thing 1903A3 about it is the action.

96 Husky 8x57JS


k98 8x57JS


Doesn't really qualify as WWII or sporterized, but...
24/47 Yugo Mauser lightly scouted. GREAT walking-around and pig rifle.


If you can't already tell, I love the 8mm. Great round, it's a shame that more don't use it.

Here's what a 24/47 Yugo looks like sporterized.

Thanks for the info guys and the pics TTH. I wasn't planning on doing the work myself, more like trolling the shops and shows for a deal. Ideally, I'd like to get both a sporterized and original version of all the major bolt guns. The jungle version of the Enfield looks really interesting. Twelve round mag, flash hider, .308.

The Mausers are my favorite. Pretty easy to come by, relatively inexpensive, and if done right they just look and feel, well... elegant to me. Yugo Mausers like the 24/47's and M44's are very plentiful, are generally in great shape, won't break the bank, accurate and are historically insignifigant enough that you won't feel bad sporterizing one (or three). Enfields are good ones too, I have a No.1 MkIII* BSA in .303 that I picked up already sported.

I don't think I'd have the heart to sport a 1903 or Pattern 17. I left mine as issued.

I butchered a 1917 Eddystone in 1968. It has been my go to gun since then. I also have a butchered 03-A3, a pristine Swiss 6.5x55, an 03-A3 unfired, and 03-A3 with the stripes on the stock that was used in Britain. Maybe even a few more that I can't remember.

Oh yeah, several Japs in 6.5 and 7mm.