Ok, I have decided to have my VZ 24 Mauser built into a custom gun since I have an as-issued Yogo on the way. I am NOT doing this project to save money, but rather to have a gun that will be totally my own.

I have the caliber picked out I think, though it is not set in stone. I currently have a .223 and .30-06, so I have decided on the .257 Roberts as the caliber. I feel that the cartrige will fit the best in the magazine considering that the 8mm is the parent case for it. Any other suggestions are ok, but I feel that would be the best for a combo deer/antelope cartridge.

I have a couple of questions on the details of the gun. What barrel length would be good. I am thinking that 22" would be about perfect for this caliber. Would that be ok, shorter, longer?

A question for those who have had custom guns done before on Mauser actions... What type of safety have you used and what do you feel would be best. I am either looking at a Rem 700 type or the Winchester 70 type trigger. I like the trigger on my current model 70, but have not used the 700. Which do you feel is better?

The trigger will be a Timney trigger, the barrel will be Shileen. I am not sure yet as to if we will change the current magazine well and trigger guard or not.

I am going to start this either in January or February (hopefully earlier, but probably not). I am going to do a "pay as you go" plan. I will initially pay the gunsmith for the barrel and barrel work, and the work to be done to the bolt. I will then pay for the trigger, safety, drill and tap for mounts, etc. Then I will pay for the bluing and final finish work to the gun. Finally I will pay for the stock and stock work. This will allow the gunsmith and myself flexibility, should something go wrong, and the gun cannot be completed, I am not in the hole to the gunsmith, and he is not obligated to finish it till I pay for the specific work to be done.

Does this sound like a good plan? I still have plenty of time to consider options, so I am open for suggestions!!

Thanks,

Charlie Brown