A simple question for lurkers and active members-

[MTPaul]

I failed to also mention rock chucks, which can also be found in certain parts of MT although not always in as many numbers as those I mentioned in my earlier post, at least in the areas I primarily frequent. However, in certain parts of WY, (don't ask... ), that is another matter entirely and the numbers can provide hours of enjoyment at least for the shooter. To provide evidence of this, and to provide those interested an example of the terrain I find these creatures, I've included a picture of a recent foray into WY. Enjoy.

[Bill K]

Same with me and my area, plenty of them in our lava/rim rock areas. My favorite varmint to hunt.

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[SecretCode]

Feeling like the young buck here. 37 will be 38 in middle of May. Really hoping to maybe shooting P-dogs this year on my birthday.


Oh and for the record I am a millenial but have a very old soul.

[Bill K]

Enjoy that youth. Old age comes on faster than you would think. Seems like the Golden years are more Like LEAD sometimes. This logic from a 85 yr old gent. Bill K

[Submoa]

Just joined and built my one and only 204 Ruger several years ago. Last season I mounted a Unertl style 20X scope "Malcolm 20x" and enjoy the old school optic. At 61 my eyes are not as good so casual bench time of splitting poker cards is enjoyable.

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[Bill K]

That is a nice looking rifle there. Should be a winner, for sure and give you plenty of enjoyment. What is the action you used on it ?
And thanks for sharing info and photo's. we like photo's.

[Submoa]

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It's a M98 Mauser large ring argento 1908 the build took me two years to complete working on it in spare time. When Mauser central was an active forum I posted quite often there. Sad to see it go after they were hacked also miss the varmint hunter magazine forum.
Lots of one off parts made to complete the receiver. Bolt stop, ejector, welded up bolt face, recoil lug and extractor, not to mention fitting the receiver in the aluminum sleeve.

[Submoa]

View with the Malcolm 20X

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[Bill K]

Wondered if it was not a Argentine Mauser, a lot of folks, back some years picked those up for very little money and turned them into fine shooting rifles.

[Rick in Oregon]

Don't see too many sleeved Mausers these days, not even the M700 which 25 years or so was the darling of BR shooters when sleeved. How things change, especially when custom actions became the rage. Yours is the first sleeved Mauser in 204 I've seen in recent times; nice work.

Once it all comes together, be sure to post up the targets and load used. By your post, I'm assuming you're doing all the work yourself? And by the looks of your photos, it appears this puppy will be a real shooter.

[Submoa]

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Found a good load while testing consistently on different days. Both are three shot groups with the 20x Malcolm "Unertl"

[MTPaul]

Submoa. All I can say is...WOW!! Clearly you have achieved what I have long sought (and still seek to this day), the "one ragged hole" result. I applaud your efforts and congratulations on the rifle build. I am envious...

[skipper]

We have been holding a postal/online shoot for quite a while now. Are those three or five shot groups?? If that's five shots at 100 yards, I would dare to say you would do well. You must be a bench rest competitor. That's the only place where I have seen groups like that.

[Submoa]

Submoa. All I can say is...WOW!! Clearly you have achieved what I have long sought (and still seek to this day), the "one ragged hole" result. I applaud your efforts and congratulations on the rifle build. I am envious...

Thanks. It was a long road to develop that load as powders that work with the 204 are numerious. We all have those bench sessions when everything just clicks, most of my groups are 3/8" at 100 so these were super nice to see print. 3900 fps is the sweet spot for this barrel when I hit 4200 fps groups were 1" @ 100yrds.

[Submoa]

We have been holding a postal/online shoot for quite a while now. Are those three or five shot groups?? If that's five shots at 100 yards, I would dare to say you would do well. You must be a bench rest competitor. That's the only place where I have seen groups like that.

Not a competitor, I'm a gunsmith and also enjoy benchrest shooting. Those are three shot groups for load development.