Replacing a mauser barrel with a used surplus mauser barrel DIY is it possible?

[Dr_Sick_MMA]

I've got an old VZ24 from century. It's been counter bored about 2 inches and has a damaged crown. I'm thinking about replacing the barrel with something like this:

Barrel, 8mm, 23-1/8, Stripped Gun Parts | 1495770 | Numrich Gun Parts

It's the same chambering, same caliber. Just, hopefully a barrel in better condition. I'd use a gunsmith but it's been very difficult to find a reputable one that's willing to work on this old chambering. For close to the same cost I'm thinking I'll have myself a little project, some experience and tools of my own if I ever need to do it again.

Is this a feasible, reasonable project to take on myself or should I leave it up to the pros? The two biggest concerns I have are having a chamber that's too tight and then having to take it to a gunsmith anyway to ream out. Or, I guess having a chamber that's too big and having to take it to a gunsmith to shorten.

I'm also a little uptight about silver soldering the sights back on and maybe having to drill and tap new set screw holes. Never done anything like that before. But I have a few welder friends I think can help out with the soldering.

Any of you ever done something like this?

Information

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[Doco overboard]

You really have to want to do it. It would be a good project but more than likely you will have more in it than its worth in time and trouble. It would be cost prohibitive in tooling alone but may be something you enjoy doing. It's a long shot that anything will marry up well for you. Wilson used to make barrels that were to a military contour and short chambered that would be a better start in my opinion. But the profile may not work with your stock.

[Daan Kemp]

1. Is it accurate enough? If so, why change? Gives you something to brag and talk about that other guys don't have.

2. A good gunsmith should be able to replace a Mauser barrel irrespective of calibre. Same case head size as 308/30-06/270/etc, only the chambers differ.

3. Old? Same age as 30-06, 303 British, 30-30, 45-70, Krag 30-40, etc., all still going strong.

[Calif-Steve]

I have done 4 (?) Mauser re-barreling jobs. With the tools it is quite easy. Absent the tools it is impossible. Have you ever done one or even seen one done? Also, note that new GPC barrel is used with no condition given. Expect anything from GPC. Also, you need both sights present and GPC has removed the rear sight. Not so sure I would attempt this alone. You need a buddy who does this sort of work as his hobby. Good luck.

[mrclark303]

I would echo Daan, how does it shoot? If it shoots ok, I would leave her be, it's an interesting sub variant of the Mauser family, get yourself a G24T to shoot along side it!

[browningautorifle]

silver soldering the sights back on

The rear sight is soft solder. Heat with a propane torch and it comes off. I too have done them and agree with Calif-Steve. This isn't for someone that wants a jobber for a rainy day.

[Calif-Steve]

Gun Parts Co. ended up with a pile of Chinese Mausers almost 20 years ago. Likely they still have barrels on hand. Get a Czech VZ-24 barrel on Ebay, with both sights still on. Easy job for most gunsmiths as the Czech barrels will line up on a Czech VZ-24 receiver. But you still need the proper tooling!

[Dr_Sick_MMA]

What do you guys consider "Proper Tooling"?

Thanks for all the replies so far guys.

I'm figuring on a

Barrel Vice
Action Wrench
Go-No Go Gauges
Barrel
Torch
Rubber Mallet

Anything I'm missing here?

Also, what should I expect to pay a gunsmith to do this work for me?

[Calif-Steve]

No. No. No. Torch? Mallet? Say what? Buy an Ebay vz24 barrel with sights. They will turn on easy. But all of the tools add up you may/may not need an 8mm finishing reamer and extension. Try to look at Brownells for a total price, very expensive. Have you ever seen the job done in a gunshop? Got a gunsmith buddy? You really need to watch/see the job being done.

[Calif-Steve]

There is a $39.00 VZ-24 barrel on ebay right now. Take a look. The VZ-24 barrel should turn on easily.