K98k bolt handle questions

[the11]

Hi all. The steep Mauser learning curve continues ...

I am desporterizing a byf 1943 K98k, converted by the Israelis to 7.62x51. The bolt handle has of course been altered. The bolt number matches the rifle. But I would rather not be cutting into the stock to make it so it will close. Also, my goal here is to have an authentic K98, but one that is reasonable to shoot. Hence, the 7.62x51. Also, it has sentimental value, because it is the rifle with which my son shot his first two animals (A muley, and a moose).

So, here are my questions:

1) I am assuming that a standard K98 bolt body could be swapped out for the altered one on my bolt. Am I correct in this? The disadvantage is that now the numbers would not match. And I am not having any luck locating one in Canada.

2) I could probably manage to rebend the one that is there, but it would requite some welding as the shaft was ground flat on the top side. The worry here of course is in heating the bolt body. How much of a concern is this?

Thanks for your help.

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

So your saying that your bolt is bent downward and you want to straighten it out?

Unless I am misunderstanding your description, K98 bolts are supposed to be bent downward.

If I misunderstood your description, a picture would help.

Des it look like this?

 

[the11]

It should have a bend like this:

But it has been altered to be (more or less) like this:

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

I see, My mistake.

That looks pretty drastic. Honestly I would not bother re-bending it but that's just me. It will be more work then its worth since its not an overly rare rifle. I would locate another serviceable body and replace it. Keep the original is storage and enjoy your shooter.

Just a note, Im not a mauser guy but I do understand that You can't just swap out bolts, I think it has something to do with headspace issues. I'm not sure how they head space so wait until one of the Mauser guys tunes in.

 

[CanadianAR]

You should be able to just swap bolts. I've swapped around abiut 15 bolts and in every gun they passed headspace. If you get one, you should still check to be safe but odds are it will be fine.

Fixing a bolt like that would be exceptionally tough. Not worth it.

 

[The Wizard]

You say the bolt matches the rifle. Is it a "forced" match or is the serial number stamp on the root of the bolt handle the same as the rifle? Although my observations are limited I have yet to see a Israeli Mauser with a true matching bolt. If it is a "forced" match replacing the bolt would be a concern.

 

[the11]

It is not a forced match. Same number as the receiver number is stamped as plain as can be on the top face of the squared root of the bolt handle.

As I understand it, swapping bolts is way less of an issue with Mausers than with Lee Enfields. But Mauser action is set up way differently than on the LE, and is less prone to developing headspace issues. So assuming the bolt body is the proper length, then swapping it out will likely work just fine.

 

[the11]

I see, My mistake.

That looks pretty drastic. Honestly I would not bother re-bending it but that's just me. It will be more work then its worth since its not an overly rare rifle. I would locate another serviceable body and replace it. Keep the original is storage and enjoy your shooter.

Just a note, Im not a mauser guy but I do understand that You can't just swap out bolts, I think it has something to do with headspace issues. I'm not sure how they head space so wait until one of the Mauser guys tunes in.

Yeah, it would take more than rebending. There would be cutting, welding, and grinding involved.

 

[bearhunter]

OK, you might just be trying to turn a pigs ear into a silk purse. Without pics of the rifle in question it is extremely difficult to give you a decent answer.

Many Israeli conversion rifles have mismatched numbers on every part. Some of the later units bearing the Israeli crest have matching bolts. The rifle I have with that crest has had the original number ground off and a number matching the receiver stamped. The other two, one with a Czech Rampant Lion and one with an STW stamp have mismatched bolts as well as every other numbered part.

Does the replacement stock have 7.62 branded onto the toe of the butt??? Some of these rifles have large grubbed out 7.62 numerals on the tops of the receivers as well.

You say your rifle has a turned down bolt, does that mean it has been D&Ted for scope bases as well.

IMHO, you should leave the rifle in the same configuration your son shot his first animals in. It would likely mean more to him that way.

If you seriously want a proper and authentic Israeli Mauser converted to 7.62 it would likely be cheaper for you just look for a decent one to purchase.

From the sounds of it, your rifle was modified before you bought it for your son. Why would you want to change something with so much significance to him to something he never knew??? Not only that but at more expense than a rifle already correct would cost.