I have a 8mm military rifle with the 98 mauser bolt action, that my grandfather sporterized back in the late 40's to early 50's. It has a rear peep site, and the front sight is slighly bent. I have been reading a little bit about doing an upgrade on it. I am not sure what that upgrade would encompass, but would be open to suggestions. New sights, new stock, etc.

I would plan to hunt with it, maybe deer, hogs,, maybe just target shooting.

Has anyone done that before? Any experience? For that matter, is the 8mm a good caliber to consider doing this?

Thanks for your insight.
OKD

8mm is a very stout round if you use anything other than American ammo. I have one and as soon as I get some foreign ammo and get around to restocking it I'm going to hunt with it.

Budget is the limit, really.

I personally would think about shortening/recrowning the barrel, bending or replacing the bolt handle, commercial safety and trigger, synthetic stock, and setting it up as a scout-type rifle with a low-power IER scope.

8x57 is a great caliber, especially if you reload. 8x57 Improved is even better.

Boyd's Gunstocks makes REALLY nice almost drop in stocks. That would be a great place to start. Also, I'd drop the military and/or peep sights. Then you could get the bolt bent for a scope and drill/tap the action and get a good, light trigger. Later you could even get a new barrel. BUT, if its not pitted and shoots good, the 8x57 is a great round...one of my favorites.

The possibilities are endless, but these are the main things to start with.

Thanks for the ideas.
The bolt is already bent, so that is a good thing.
a New stock....is that something best done by a good gunsmith?
OKD

Not necessarily. There are stocks in both synthetic and wood that will be very very close to a drop in fit. Might take some fitting around the bolt handle notch and the safety (if you choose a trigger with side safety attached). Of course, proper bedding and so forth is important but most home tinkerers can do that reasonably well.

PM if you want some cost estimates on any of this.

I spoke with a gunsmith here in Houston. Gonna run it by him and see what he things. Maybe just install a good scope and see what happens for see if it is even worth investing in. May just leave it as is.

Thanks everyone. I may post some pictures before and after. If it goes that far.
OKD