Thread: Walnut and blued steel,

Originally Posted by Tentman

A 223 has joined the merry band of Mausers that reside in my cabinet - and its set to become a full team member despite its modest beginnings in life.

Top is the Brno Model 21/German barreled 8x57 that I've posted before.

Middle is the 6.5x47 Mauser Kurz original sporting rifle from 1921 (superbly rebarreled/rebuilt from a wreck by Dave Ward) - also posted before.

Bottom is the newest recruit - a 223 Zastava "mini mauser" (so called, they are a fairly distant cousin to a true 1898). It has earned its right to sit with them though, its shooting consistent 3 shot groups of 20mm with 55gn factory ammo at 100 yards, once I get a reload sorted (and it is stabilizing 65gn Sierra's ok) I reckon smaller groups might be on the cards. For those who think the Zastava is always going to be a pigs ear to cycle, this one is pretty darned good. I found that the sear on these often rides too high, causing excess drag on the bolt. Its a simple shim fix to drop it a bit and it improved this one heaps - its not a Vixen but its dammed close, and functions perfectly - for an on the hill varminter, it'll be hard to beat as its the same weight, accuracy and much nicer to carry as the stock doesn't have the squared profile of a Vixen. And after 2 Howa mini's this one has a trigger I can actually shoot well right from scratch.

Attachment 124696

Did you buy the .223 new? 'scope?