M48 sniper

A few years ago I decided to build a M48 sniper.
I got an original Zrak mount and a 6x42 N scope.
I emailed Zrak in Bosnia but no reply.
I have also phoned but no one spoke English at that time.
So I emailed the usa distributor with the question below
regarding the N type scope............

'Is this a scope that would have been used on the M48
sniper rifle in the war in Bosnia etc in the early 90s ?'

The reply was...

'Yes. This scope was originally made for hunting but back in 90's
due to limited or no supply of any weapons or ammunition this was
used (very effectively) through whole war.'
and
'Yes the N and ON versions were used.'

I have a standard bolt handle but it will not open past the scope.
How were the handles modified?
were they just bent more?
or were they machined to give the space?

were there any other modifications done to the rifle?

I have built this rifle from bits got all from ebay over 18months.
It looks great and went through proof perfectly, rechambered to 8x60s and is now declared.
The trigger is very direct, no slack, just an average pull.
It is very accurate and groups of 2 inch or less at 50m.

Does any one have information on the M48?

:cheers:

Any one got any ideas?

I can give you some history. The only official (Tito Communist) Yugoslav adaption of the M48 into a sniper was the M48/52, an experimental model with a production run of 4018 that were never issued or entered service. What happened to these rifles is unknown. They used a Yugo copy of the Soviet PU scope on a mount attached to the left side rail.

There was a model M69 that used the ON-2 M1969 optical sight by Zrak. But, this was not an M48 rifle. It was purpose built working up from Zastava's LK-70 sporting rifle. This was reportedly used until replaced by the repeating model 1991/1993.

As for what may have been used in the 'troubles', virtually anything that was available and could be made to work, was, including your Zrak rig. As for your bolt not clearing, modified bolts are available on ebay, Gunbroker, and auction arms. There is also a fellow you will modify your bolt but I cannot think of his name. You see, I am a traditionalist who does not personally believe in modifying these rifles from original configuration. But yours is your property to do with as you please. But my views mean I don't pay attention or retain info onto folks who do that sort of thing.

Anyway, I hope this helps. Historical information from the book "Serbian & Yugoslav Mauser Rifles" by Branko Bogdanovic. North Cape Publishing

read,

you are in France - maybe you should go to Serbia and see what you can find out? Take a week off work, get on the train, see who will talk.

Just a thought.

jn

Just noticed this thread, sorry I missed it earlier ... :)

With Claven2's help, I built an M48A repro sniper a few years ago as well. :thup:

I just did a search on the phrase 'zrak" here and a few old threads from 2007 turned up, as well as I've posted the photo album for the one I built, which I have since sold.

1948 Model M48A Repro Mauser Sniper (click here)

m48 Sniper-Repro's (old 2007 thread)

Some other sites that you might want to look at ..

Texas Trading Post's M48 Mauser Sniper Rifle WEB Site (Click Here)

Field Expedient Sniper Rifles used during the Bosnian Civil War (Click Here)

Hope this helps ... :)

Regards,
Badger

Thanks for the posts, I had stared to give up hope of some comments,
All interesting,

Taking time off work is not that easy.
one, I need the money.
two, I would have to take the wife and twins.

I will read the links over the weekend, when I have time due to work,
Every one wants me ``now, on sunday, bank holidays, even on the days when I look after the boys, they ring me the night before expecting me to drop everything and start early the next day.

Work's nice when you got it these days! My only gripe is that I haven't been to the range in a month, and the work just keeps pouring in. Oh, well.

All this info is new to me, though, as Mausers are a bit outside my usual sphere of collecting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jmoore

Work's nice when you got it these days! My only gripe is that I haven't been to the range in a month, and the work just keeps pouring in. Oh, well.

All this info is new to me, though, as Mausers are a bit outside my usual sphere of collecting.

---

It's a whole other world from other types, but then, aren't they all?:madsmile:

One thing that I consider more rewarding about them is that more is known about the many markings than on many of the Mosins. You often have to dig, but there's good odds of finding an answer to what most of them are. Of course, here I am specializing in Yugos when most of the Post War inspection stamps specifics are unknown. Still, we keep looking. Very often, the truth is out there. We pegged TRZ.5 at Hadzici didn't we?!:super:

I started on Mausers here as they are plenty full and cheap and plenty of bits compared to Enfields, and the Germans left plenty which the French hid,
(reason why the firearms restrictions are a little strange here). I find the build quality of Mausers to be superior to Enfields, and many other makes and the ability to just swap parts without problems.
The historical importance of the work Paul Mauser did and left for us cannot be ignored, just think no Springfield's, no 30-06, no good Remingtons and not even the BSA made Mausers ,'oh' and I understand the usa has still not paid the royalties to Mauser for the Springfield and 30-06 copies after the us got beaten in a little war.

My clubs covered 200 meter range is 2 min drive from my home, but even so I don't get down as often as I want. With it being so cold for so long this year, and I am getting older now and it takes time for me to warm up.

I was departmental record holder with a K98 mauser in 8x64s at 200m with open sights a few years ago. I hope to get it back using a G98 in 8x64s or 8x60 with a WW1 scope, in a slightly different class.

I think I need to take a few pics and post them, rather than just rambling on.

Umm, Hadzici... Last "DU" I saw was a chunk of L1011 counterbalance weight that some knothead wanted me to machine for a rivet set. Sent him away PDQ!


Not exactly a vaction wonderland, I should think. Maybe staying in France isn't such a bad idea.

Sorry imoore, I must be a little thick as I don't understand the post.....

Age is getting to me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jim

One thing that I consider more rewarding about them is that more is known about the many markings than on many of the Mosins. You often have to dig, but there's good odds of finding an answer to what most of them are. Of course, here I am specializing in Yugos when most of the Post War inspection stamps specifics are unknown. Still, we keep looking. Very often, the truth is out there. We pegged TRZ.5 at Hadzici didn't we?!:super:

---

Sorry, Read6737, I was responding to both you and Jim (see the end of his post, above). His reference to Hadzici (and its misfortunes) brought back memories of a bit of uranium with which I almost had a close encounter. Do the Google thing on Hadzici (or TRZ.5) if you haven't made the Yugo sniper connection yet- it IS a bit tenuous, I'll admit!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jmoore

Umm, Hadzici... Last "DU" I saw was a chunk of L1011 counterbalance weight that some knothead wanted me to machine for a rivet set. Sent him away PDQ!


Not exactly a vaction wonderland, I should think. Maybe staying in France isn't such a bad idea.

---

What I was referring to is that Yugo Mausers were refurbed at a number of different shsops only one of whose (1.TRZ- TRZ= Tehnicki Remontni Zavod- Technical maintenance and repair Institute-) location was known (Cacak, Serbia). There was a second hand (somebody told me) report that TRZ.5 was at Hadzici but no documentation and Branko would only deny any knowledge of its whereabouts. A friend and I set out to to verify or otherwise find the location. We were able to amass enough evidence that we could be reasonably certain and state that the Yugoslav Mausers reworked at and stamped/engraved TRZ.5 (or TRZ-5) were done at Hadzici, very likely at the predecessor to TRZ-H (H for Hadzici). Evidence included NATO reports, Personal interviews, and other such records. We published our findings in an article in the MILITARY RIFLE JOURNAL titled "TRZ.5, ALL ROADS LEAD TO HADZICI."

So far, none of the other locations have be located though some evidence suggests that TR137 was nearby or possibly even in Hadzici since their are a great number of work shops in the area. Getting information from the area is very difficult due to past ethnic violence, soil and water contamination from munitions including depleted uranium being scattered in the area from NATO bombing.
Anyway, this goes waayyy beyond the scope of this topic... sorry.:o

I read that article ( rather quickly, though, I must admit) and some other bits that popped up on the internet, hence my further diversion, but it DOES still (if somewhat obliquely) tie into the subject, so nothing to be sorry about, it's normal for these threads. I'm more to blame than anyone!

It's quite educational so far- more please!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jmoore

I read that article ( rather quickly, though, I must admit) and some other bits that popped up on the internet, hence my further diversion, but it DOES still (if somewhat obliquely) tie into the subject, so nothing to be sorry about, it's normal for these threads. I'm more to blame than anyone!

It's quite educational so far- more please!

---

I'll gladly share all I know.
As a moderator on another site (two actually) I am well aware that threads very often take on a life or direction of their own. Personally, I have always felt that, as long as they stay in line with the general premise of the site/forum, this can be a good thing. A lot of info or answers to questions folk haven't thought to ask can get answered.

But I think any further discussion of Hadzici or other Yugo Mausers properly belong on another topic. And I question the interest in that considering my lack of response to the posting of both a M24/47 TRZ.5 and Yugo M1924 carbine.

I must agree with you Jim.
Information / history / stories and experiences for me are such a k=large part of collecting the arms. Shooting the arm and experimenting with reloading and repairing it are just one part that prompts questions and research,
the other part for me is that I enjoy the history of the development of arms, not just the engineering but the reasons and needs for the advances. All go to explain why the arm took on that form.
So any small snippets of info and personal experiences that could be lost in time are so interesting and enriches the experience of shooting, collecting and the social kife that goes with it.
So if me question goes of the topic then that is fine by me as we will all gain.

David

I finished the rifle a year or so ago but needed to tweak the mount.

The mix.......
1. M48A made from bits and pieces.
1. New Zrak mount
1. Used Zrak 6X42N scope.

Best standard milsurp Mauser I have ever shot,
just need to make some more 8X60 rounds.

Attachment 41583Attachment 41582Attachment 41581

What exactly is 8x60 caliber?

8x57js Mauser has a max case length of 56.90 mm. Near enough 57.00 mm.

8X60s has a max case length of 60.00 mm.

8X64s has a max length 64.00 mm

So many rounds are based on the Mauser round.

6.5X57R
7X57
7X57R
7X64
8X57JRS
8mm06 starting with a 30-06. (30_06 is Mauser based)
9X57R

the list goes on and on.

There can also be shoulder diffidences as well.

Next bit from Wiki.

History

After World War I, the Allied forces signed the Treaty of Versailles. This Treaty prohibited the use of standard military weapons and ammunition by Germany. However, civilian hunters didn't want to give up on this great round, so a new cartridge was designed by the German arms manufacturer Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM). Extending the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge case by 3 mm (2 mm of lengthened body plus 1 mm of lengthened neck) created the 8x60mm S. The 8x60mm S bullet diameter is 8.20 mm (.323 in) as found in the 8x57mm IS.

The new cartridge used the same bullet and therefore only the chamber of the rifle had to be modified (reamed out by 2 mm plus 1 mm of neck extension) to accommodate the slightly longer case. This operation was easily performed on Gewehr 98 and Karabiner 98k rifles.
8x60mm

Since this chamber reaming operation is also possible for earlier I-bore rifles, 8x60mm chambered rifles (without the S or any other further additions) also exist. 8x60mm rifles sport the earlier tighter 8.07 mm (.318 in) I-bore as found in the 8x57mm I.

To avoid potentially serious accidents, it is important to distinguish clearly between cartridges loaded for these two different bullet diameters, and only fire them in appropriately chambered/barrelled rifles.
Cartridge dimensions

The 8x60mm S has 4.16 ml (64 grains) H2O cartridge case capacity. A sign of the era in which the 8x60mm S was developed are the gently sloped shoulders. The exterior shape of the case was designed to promote reliable case feeding and extraction in bolt-action rifles, under extreme conditions.

8 x 60 S.jpg

8x60mm S maximum C.I.P. cartridge dimensions. All sizes in millimeters (mm).

Americans would define the shoulder angle at alpha/2 ≈ 14.1 degrees. The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 240 mm (1 in 9.45 in), 4 grooves, Ø lands = 7.89 mm, Ø grooves = 8.20 mm, land width = 4.40 mm and the primer type is large rifle.

According to the official with C.I.P. (Commission Internationale Permanente pour l'Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives) guidelines the 8x60mm S case can handle up to 405 MPa (58740 psi) piezo pressure. In C.I.P. regulated countries every rifle cartridge combo has to be proofed at 125% of this maximum C.I.P. pressure to certify for sale to consumers.
Contemporary use

Mostly Mauser Gewehr 98 and Karabiner 98k rifles were rechambered for this caliber. Other rifles, not rarely based on the Mauser action, were chambered for this cartridge too.

The 8x60mm S offers compared to its parent cartridge, the 8x57mm IS, about 1 to 2% extra muzzle velocity due to its slightly larger case capacity and higher maximum operating pressure. This results in a flatter trajectory and better performance at longer range.

The popularity of the 8x60mm S peaked just after World War I and continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Today the cartridge is almost obsolete. No or very few rifles are produced for this round. Only two mainstream manufacturers (RWS and Prvi Partizan), along with some other smaller companies like Nolasco and Sologne, continue to produce the cartridge for hunting.

Loaded with short light bullets it can be used on small European game like roe deer and chamois. Loaded with long heavy bullets it can be used on big European game like boar, red deer, moose and brown bear. The 8x60mm S offers very good penetrating ability due to a fast twist rate that enables it to fire long, heavy bullets with a high sectional density. The 8x60mm S can be used in countries which ban civil use of former or current military ammunition. The 8x60mm S rimmed sister cartridge, the 8x60mm RS, is also not popular in central Europe for the same reasons as the 8x60mm S.

The 8x60mm S is very popular in European countries like France where the possession of rifles in their original military caliber is tightly regulated: It allows French licensed gun owners to possess rifles based on the Mauser Gewehr 98 system under the less constraining "hunting rifle" category.

The also rare 8x64mm S cartridge offers a comparable rechambering option for Mauser Gewehr 98 and Karabiner 98k rifles sporting 8 mm S-bores. Due to its larger case capacity the 8x64mm S chambering offers better ballistic performance than the 8x60mm S.

Handloaders can also produce this round, by altering a .30-06 Springfield case and using a standard 8 mm bullet. Prvi Partizan is a major supplier of brass components for European 8x60mm S Handloaders.

Thank you!