Considering new stock for M48.

[Mr_Flintstone]

I have a early model M48 Yugo Mauser that I would like to use for a “sometimes” hunting rifle. I was considering purchasing a hunting stock (without modifying or changing anything on the action) to lighten the gun a little for carrying while hunting. My goal is just to be able to switch between the military and hunting stock when the need (or desire) arises.

What options are out there for the M48? Boyd’s used to make a hunting stock, but I think they’ve been discontinued. Would a new stock lighten the gun significantly, or should I just stick with the military stock?

 

[bigpower491]

I put a 24/47 into a boyds, a bit of fitting, but she went. That rifle also had a barrel change to a 30-06.
The trouble with those Yugos are the bolt centers on the floor plate/trigger guard. They are a bit shorter between than a normal K98/VZ24 and the like. Its a drag, because there are heaps of nice Mauser stocks out there, the Bell and Carlson thumbhole and medalist being among my favorites for Mauser.
Not sure if boyds still makes that stock for yugo, I bought that one probably 14 yr ago.

 

[Oldschool shooter]

Check Richards microfit stocks. I have had great luck with them in the past.

 

[GBExpat]

As bigpower491 already warned you, the M48 does not exactly mirror the external dimensions (heck, even bolt is a bit shorter & the barrel stepping is different) of what many consider to be a standard "Mauser" (e.g., K98k).

My suggestion is that if you are going to buy a light(er) weight hunting stock only purchase one for which the MFR documentation specifically states that it is properly dimensioned for the M48 ... and then nail down their return policy prior to purchase, just to be safe.

In a world awash with nice Mauser replacement stocks, the M48 is a bit of an odd duck.

Good Luck!

BTW, I discovered all(most?) of the M48 vs K98k differences about 15 years ago while attempting to source a decent M48 Take-Off barrel that I could install as a tomato stake replacement.

FWIW, I would just stick with the original military stock ... unless I were dealing with some limiting physiological condition. S'just me.

 

[bigpower491]

BTW, I discovered all(most?) of the M48 vs K98k differences about 15 years ago while attempting to source a decent M48 Take-Off barrel that I could install as a tomato stake replacement.

FWIW, I would just stick with the original military stock ... unless I were dealing with some limiting physiological condition. S'just me.

About the only things similar are the trigger and "Large Ring" style receiver( although the Yugo receiver is shorter) I had no problems installing a timney trigger and Adam's and Bennett barrel for LRM....but the stock, even tho for 24/47 or 48, still took a bit of fitting

 

[bigpower491]

Actually while I was thinking about it......

https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/cont...unstocks/plat-mauser-yugo-48-1-bc-524551q43zz

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Actually while I was thinking about it......

https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/cont...unstocks/plat-mauser-yugo-48-1-bc-524551q43zz

I like that one, but it is contoured for a #1 barrel, not the original military barrel. The only one available for a military barrel is the AT-ONE.

I was able to find some specifically for the M-48 at http://rifle-stocks.com/. According to their available actions, they work with military barrels.

Mauser 48 Short Action - Large Ring (7-5/8" Between Lug Holes, 1-3/8" Front Receiver Ring) Cut standard for an original stepped barrel. A #1 or #3 contour barrel channel also available on request at no charge. (99% Press Fit Inlet)
M48 Yugoslavian, M48A Yugoslavian, VZ500, M47, M52C, M24 Yugoslav (***1924 Yugo was made both Long 7-13/16 & Short 7-5/8"***)

Anybody here dealt with this company before?

 

[bigpower491]

I haven't. Looks like Oldschool shooter makes mention of them in his post. Yes the Yugo i did all those years ago became a 30-06, so I didn't have to worry too much about the barrel channel as I was going to have to do some work there anyway.
Keep in mind you will have a fair amount of work to do getting into whatever stock you get. I absolutely recommend glossing in some pillars. The issue i had doing the Boyds IIRC, the inletting on the receiver pocket was deep, and caused the bolt to interfere. Careful measuments and adding a little bit of length to the pillars got the barreled action up where it needed to be. Of course , I had to also build up areas in the pocket to keep her straight and true.
Not looking to discourage, but they can call things an "easy drop in", but. believe me , it'll be a bit involved.