Zastava M85

[Coho51]

Why isn't anyone building off of a Zastava M85? It's 7.62x39 would work wouldn't it. Someone tell me before I buy one and find out later I regret it.

[LRRPF52]

Yes, it has been done. http://www.65grendel.com/forum/archive/i...-2386.html

My 6.5 Grendel is built on a Zastava m85. The manufacturers name for actions sold as Mini Mark X Mausers, Remington 799s or similar.

I started with an action designed for the 7.62x39. Barrel is a PacNor #3 cut to 21inches long.

The only modification that you need to make is to reprofile the magazine follower. Specifically the step in the follower needs to be changed. The forward end of the step (high side) needs to be moved to the left about 2mm. The back end remains the same. Using a file (or a mill) taper the profile between those two measurements.

This change alters the relationship within the magazine box making the Grendel cartridge with it's larger shoulder dia. feed properly.

[Coho51]

Thanks

[Drift]

The only problem you might run into is lack of an aftermarket synthetic stock. If that matters to you.

[Von Gruff]

I built my Grendel-Max on the Mk X mini mauser (same animal) but lengthened the magazine and made a new bolt handle. Then laminated a stock for it so no need for an aftermarket synthetic in my neck of the woods.

[Doon]

The bottom rifle, was a 6.5 x 39mm re chambered to 6.5 lbc.
Originally a 7.62x39mm M85

Boyds do a stock http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/ProductDet...3962615317

[adamjp]

The only problem you might run into is lack of an aftermarket synthetic stock. If that matters to you.

Well, there is no synthetic stocks available if you don't count the High Tech Specialties, the Bell & Carlson, the MPI or the McMillan. Apart from them, there are no synthetic stocks available at all.

http://www.65grendel.com/forum/showthrea...del-Take-2

[Drift]

Yes, adamjp is right I was wrong. My apologies.
And aftermarket wood stocks are plentiful enough also.

[am4966]

I thought the stopped importing them to the US...

[adamjp]

I don't know the supply situation in the USA, but they are the only 'action' available here in Australia for building this kind of rifle.

I own two Mini Mark X Mauser / Zastava m85 and neither are going anywhere.

BUT....

If I were doing it again, I would choose the Howa Mini in a heartbeat and pay to have someone make a flush fitting bottom metal and modify a High Tech stock to suit. The c.1990 Mark X and the 2010 Zastava m85 might be the same action, but the quality of fit and finish are quite different with newer not being better.

[Coho51]

Well this brings up another question, I work at cabelas and I have access to all kinds of different actions in the used dept. I'm not sure of any of this but I would think that I could pick up a short action Savage or Remington 700 for just a couple hundred dollars and have a barrel made. Could the bolt face be changed on which caliber? Also I just saw a guy shooting what was said to be a howa 6.5 Grendel on You Tube, are they out yet? Would save me lots to expense.

[Drift]

Coho51. It's all in here somewhere. The only suitable commercial bolt face is 7.62x39 (.220 russian wildcats). Savage bolt faces are easy enough to change.
If the Howa is out yet, someone please tell me where so I can buy one.

[Coho51]

https://youtu.be/wp7dPljIYLQ

[VASCAR2]

I'm hoping the Howa's show up after the SHOT Show, but not 9 months after. lol I've got the bug bad for a bolt action 6.5 Grendel.

[am4966]

Well this brings up another question, I work at cabelas and I have access to all kinds of different actions in the used dept. I'm not sure of any of this but I would think that I could pick up a short action Savage or Remington 700 for just a couple hundred dollars and have a barrel made. Could the bolt face be changed on which caliber? Also I just saw a guy shooting what was said to be a howa 6.5 Grendel on You Tube, are they out yet? Would save me lots to expense.

Yes a Savage and Remmy can be changed to a PPC bolt face. Savage from Sharp Shooter Supplies and Remmy PTG...if it was me if wait to see what Howa says at shot unless you want a different action.

[am4966]

I'm hoping the Howa's show up after the SHOT Show, but not 9 months after. lol I've got the bug bad for a bolt action 6.5 Grendel.

You and me both brother. I'm thinking of doing it with a 22" barrel, but I really want a bolt action. I'm gonna have a SBR, SPRish and a boltie I think that would make a good collection of Grendels.

[Matt @ LSI]

Well this brings up another question, I work at cabelas and I have access to all kinds of different actions in the used dept. I'm not sure of any of this but I would think that I could pick up a short action Savage or Remington 700 for just a couple hundred dollars and have a barrel made. Could the bolt face be changed on which caliber? Also I just saw a guy shooting what was said to be a howa 6.5 Grendel on You Tube, are they out yet? Would save me lots to expense.

We just shipped over 800 mini actions to cabelas in various calibers. We are waiting on the shipment of 6.5 Grendel's to arrive and they will be headed your way as well.

[Matt @ LSI]

I'm hoping the Howa's show up after the SHOT Show, but not 9 months after. lol I've got the bug bad for a bolt action 6.5 Grendel.

Awaiting shipment! So far we have received samples and they are nothing short of amazing.

[VASCAR2]

Awaiting shipment! So far we have received samples and they are nothing short of amazing.

Thanks for the update, I even e-mailed LSI after the release of the mini action inquiring if they would offer a 6.5 Grendel. I've been waiting patiently ever since I got a reply that Howa was planning on releasing a 6.5 Grendel. Curious if you know what twist Howa is using on their 6.5 Grendel.

[Matt @ LSI]

Thanks for the update, I even e-mailed LSI after the release of the mini action inquiring if they would offer a 6.5 Grendel. I've been waiting patiently ever since I got a reply that Howa was planning on releasing a 6.5 Grendel. Curious if you know what twist Howa is using on their 6.5 Grendel.

The samples I have tested are 1-9 twist.