Newbie Mauser K98 Question

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rzmitch

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Cool forum! Usually I'm in the shotgun section but read the thread about refinishing RC Mausers and was blown away! It was full of comment, verbal abuse, historical data, weapons dump pics...awesome and more drama than on TV...LOL

My question:
Can a person find an original WWII (made in the war years '39-'45) German Made Mauser K98 with all of the markings intact, all of the parts matching, none of the parts missing, and in original, unrefinished condition? If so, how much would that sell for and where might one find such a thing? This thread may have converted me to reading your forum frequently!

Thanks!
rzmitch
 
Long story short: yes you can find one, but you will pay for intact markings, matching parts and for good shootable condition. Prices vary from around $650 for lesser examples to over a grand. If you are just starting out and want something to fondle and shoot a Soviet rebuild would allow you to do so on a budget. Try TradeEx, they're great to deal with
http://www.tradeexcanada.com/index.php?option=com_paxgallery&task=table&gid=4
 
I would suggest that to really enjoy a milsurp is to shoot it, and I'd be very hesitant to shoot a completely mint mauser!

Why not get yourself a russian capture k98 for the price of a remington 870 and take it out shooting! Those guns are guaranteed history, as they became RC's because the russians pried them out of some frozen or scared germans hands. If that isn't history I don't know what is!
 
H Wally said:
Say what?

If you're joking, coolio - if not, I'm just saying that a lot of people don't like the RC's because they have been altered by the russians. Doesn't mean they don't have history though.
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I was referring to the comment that they were "pried" from a German's hands!
 
Skirsons, I don't want to re-open that RC (ooops SC...Soviet) thread and I did really appreciate all of the bantering and mud slinging! That thread showed "everybody's" passion for Milsurp and proves that all opinions are worthwhile. I mean I learned more about K98K's in those 9 pages than I could have in a week of surfing the Net! My initial question was answered in that the "real original rifle" IS available at a price; but I liked the opinion that as a beginner I might be wiser to buy a "shooter" rather than a "safe or display" queen!

What I'd like to know from you (seeing as you're a proponent of "original SC's)
is what should I be looking for in a "captured Mauser K98K"? Are there preferable units? ie...where and who rebuilt them? certain years of original manufacture? features to look for? common problems to look for and avoid?, etc etc etc...

I'd really appreciate your and any other's opinions for sure!
Mitch
 
As far as a shooter, bore condition is the most important factor. Past that, you just want a rifle in good shape, no rust or cracks in the stock.

Accuracy wise, there isn't a noticeable difference from manufacturer to manufacturer with K98's. Prewar rifles tend to be a bit smoother but since the rifle has been refurbished, this doesn't come into play.
 
Besides condition, there may be a particular manufacturer or code you want. From there, I'd try to find an RC that has the appropriate stock, butt plate and various small fittings like barrel bands etc for that code and year.

P&S Militaria was very helpful finding me something that fit my needs.
 
rzmitch said:
Skirsons, I don't want to re-open that RC (ooops SC...Soviet) thread and I did really appreciate all of the bantering and mud slinging! That thread showed "everybody's" passion for Milsurp and proves that all opinions are worthwhile. I mean I learned more about K98K's in those 9 pages than I could have in a week of surfing the Net! My initial question was answered in that the "real original rifle" IS available at a price; but I liked the opinion that as a beginner I might be wiser to buy a "shooter" rather than a "safe or display" queen!

What I'd like to know from you (seeing as you're a proponent of "original SC's)
is what should I be looking for in a "captured Mauser K98K"? Are there preferable units? ie...where and who rebuilt them? certain years of original manufacture? features to look for? common problems to look for and avoid?, etc etc etc...

I'd really appreciate your and any other's opinions for sure!
Mitch
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Well, Mitch, I think that preference rules there. Some folks prefer certain years, codes, etc, and some are more rare than others. The safeties on most I find are really hard to work so when you are buying if you are in a position to handle it, #### the bolt and flip the safety.

I would look for one where the markings are intact (not defaced/peened), however the birds are usually struck deep enough that it doesn't make much difference in the examples I've seen. Also, try to find one where the buttstock has not been "dished." You can tell this from a picture of the left side of the rifle. There will be significant discoloring on the side of the buttstock where the wood was dished out to apply the Soviet serial number. These features, however, all make them great pieces of history just the same. These are my preferences and someone may like the defaced markings and buttstock dishes more than me.

The reason they should be called "Soviet" is because they were "captured" by a multinational state made up of about 15 countries and calling them all "Russian" would likely offend some! I'm not sure which country/countries did the refurbishing but if it was East Germany perhaps they should be called German Captures!
 
There are 5 sets of markings to identify one 98K from another. The serial number, the letter in front of it, the maker's code, the year and the name on the left sidewall. The really smart collectors will know the pecularities of each of those elements and know what makes one 98K more desireable than another. Start with a rifle that excites you and then start learning.
 
Shooting is an original Olympic sport

skirsons said:
I doubt shooting was an original olympic sport in the year 776BC.
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Well maybe not in the oiled up half-naked bodies in loin cloth days, but shooting has been a sport in every Olympic games of the modern era. It speaks to the refined amateur sports that gentlemen played in the days of Baron de Coubertain. Some of the less rigourous sports like live pigeon shooting, rope climbing and Indian Club routines have been dropped. I suppose the members of the most exclusive club in the world, the IOC, had to start somewhere.

But at least someone noticed my tag line ...
 
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