How much does a matching Karabiner 98K go for on the market these days?
- Thread starter Taki
- Start date
student of history
CGN Regular
As the other fellows have pointed out, there are a great number of variables to consider, and the range quoted above really is that wide (in fact some snipers sell in excess of $20k), but for argument’s sake, let’s say you’re interested in a byf43 with matching numbers. In that case, you’ll probably be paying somewhere in the $2.5k range +/- depending on condition.
With regard to the Gew98 - no luck. A few have popped up in the EE and are gone when I message. I’ve been literally looking for a bolt mismatch (or match but I’m quite flexible) but otherwise correct example for 5+ years. The earlier made the better.
The Kar98k side seem to be “more available” and I use that term very loosely of course. I’m hesitant to jump on a matched example given my lack of knowledge at that price point and the potential of faked numbers or stamps etc. It’s a big risk to drop that much money on something that seemingly could be legit or could be faked. I understand with knowledge comes power but some of the humped rifle are very, very well done. I’d also ideally like something that is a bolt mismatch that can be shot and not worried about breaking a serialized piece. I have a bolt mismatch 1939 G29/40 which is a fantastic rifle but quite a Kar98k. I have had a few RCs over the years and really enjoyed them at the price I paid. Current RC prices seem quite high to me and not all RCs are equal. A nice early bolt mismatch Kar98k is on my list if I could find one that isn’t sold in 15 seconds.
The Kar98k side seem to be “more available” and I use that term very loosely of course. I’m hesitant to jump on a matched example given my lack of knowledge at that price point and the potential of faked numbers or stamps etc. It’s a big risk to drop that much money on something that seemingly could be legit or could be faked. I understand with knowledge comes power but some of the humped rifle are very, very well done. I’d also ideally like something that is a bolt mismatch that can be shot and not worried about breaking a serialized piece. I have a bolt mismatch 1939 G29/40 which is a fantastic rifle but quite a Kar98k. I have had a few RCs over the years and really enjoyed them at the price I paid. Current RC prices seem quite high to me and not all RCs are equal. A nice early bolt mismatch Kar98k is on my list if I could find one that isn’t sold in 15 seconds.
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Coyote Ugly
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
They're soft soldered on with a locating pin to keep them properly indexed.
I see them at gun shows regularly with their iron sights still attached, sadly most of them have been drilled and tapped for scope bases.
For germans rifles, keep looking for them in local Ads. i saw few over the years and have been able to buy 3 very nice germans rifles from these local ads. All were from people having them in the family for decades. My 3 buy were: an all matching 1917 k98a, an all matching 1917 gew98 and an all matching k98k depot rebuild (sportered... but still)
And yes, once a nice rifle is in a collection, it may take decades to appear again. So another good way is to make contacts and to be able/ready to exchange nice stuff to get nice stuff! Some people stayed in touch with me because they want stuff i have and write to me regulary to offer exchanges
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This is excellent advice! I used to write and post a lot more on these forums when I had more time, and I did develop quite a few contacts within the milsurp collecting community and have learned a lot. I am a bit more active lately and I want to start writing more (I did a post on a Kar98a a while back that I thoroughly enjoyed researching and writing). I had a few collectors reach out to me to offer more advice and info which is fantastic and exactly the spirit of this forum.
I have a few really neat milsurps that I plan to do “write ups” on in the near future including a G29/40 and a 1919 dated M1891 Mosin
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- Location
- Leduc County, Alberta
I still miss that G29/40... 
I still miss that G29/40...
It'll likely be my next big post! I just need to finish reading up on the Kriegsmarine infantry - especially the Nordsee to attempt to do this rifle justice. I may also shoot some better pictures as they turned out a little bright. I was able to source a Nazi-era, German produced map of Poland which is neat along with some actual German occupied Poland stamps.
https://flic.kr/p/2jF4ctf 
https://flic.kr/p/2jF4cyq
https://flic.kr/p/2jF3jDi
https://flic.kr/p/2jEYTKdIt'll likely be my next big post! I just need to finish reading up on the Kriegsmarine infantry - especially the Nordsee to attempt to do this rifle justice. I may also shoot some better pictures as they turned out a little bright. I was able to source a Nazi-era, German produced map of Poland which is neat along with some actual German occupied Poland stamps.
Very nice rifle... Got to love those transitional models. I have a G24(T), but it is way less interesting
Not if you know how to solder. Very simple job. The heat will usually ruin the polish/blue.
I've seen several that have had these sights epoxied on. If you're careful, you can't tell the difference.
It'll likely be my next big post! I just need to finish reading up on the Kriegsmarine infantry - especially the Nordsee to attempt to do this rifle justice. I may also shoot some better pictures as they turned out a little bright. I was able to source a Nazi-era, German produced map of Poland which is neat along with some actual German occupied Poland stamps.
How and where is this Kriegsmarine marked? Thx
Sorry for the late reply. I must have missed this.
The original (sadly sporterized) matching stock is Kriegsmarine marked on the stock and there is a styled "n" on the stock disc from what I can recall. I will dig it out and take pictures in the next few days if you like. This particular stock is (from what I can recall) of the correct type/pattern/factory for this rifle, but sadly isn't the original, matching stock.
I am absolutely happy to be corrected / learn more about this particular rifle. One thing for certain is this rifle saw some hard use in its previous life. There is almost no finish remaining above the stock line (though the finish beneath the wood is decent). I don't think the finish has been played with at any point during its life which is nice. The barrel, receiver, trigger guard, rear sight, bolt release and floorplate match, while the bolt is mismatched and matches itself. It is also the smoothest cycling bolt action rifle I've ever handled.
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