K98

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mike12

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I recently started a WWII rifle collection and wanted to add a K98, but there doesn't seem to be a lot out there advertised as authentic German K98's.

All the ones I see are either Russian captures with no markings, variants of the K98 or K98s made in other countries? Do K98's with German markings ever come up for sale? Why are these so rare? If I can't find a German K98 what is the next best thing?
 
A RC K98 is no less authentic than one that wasn't captured. If you want an all matching, untouched, German coded rifle ..... you just have to drop big bucks.
 
The RC K98s I believe are awesome representations of this rifle. Many Rcs even have original German markings intact. There are a couple on the EE right now. Good luck and Happy Collecting :)
 
There is a gentleman on the EE bumping a "WTB" ad for an all matching Kar98k for quite some time (a year or so ??). I don't know if he found one yet but we will know soon.

On that note, all matching Kar98ks in Canada are not common. Many of them I would hazard a guess as either being vet bring backs or imports from the U.S. which were originally U.S. vet bring backs. These are very pricey in their own right.

If you are on a budget, go for a RC Kar98k. They are the real deal and saw service. There is one in the EE right now for $500 and it is a very early dated J.P Sauer & Sohn made receiver.

The three RCs I have have all their markings intact and not peened or ground off.

If you want a really good pre WW2 Mauser, look for either Czech made ones or Yugoslavian. Czech made ones are built off some of the German tool and dies used to make the Gewehr 98s from WW1 and before so the quality of make is very good. Many Czech VZ 24s saw WW2 German service and were captured alongside their Kar98k cousins by the Soviets. You can find these examples with German WaA markings as well.
 
I saw that. A 1936 Sauer is a rare and desirable code even in a force matched Russian Capture. There are some very nice Czech and East German refurbished WW2 German marked rifles for sale occasionally on the EE, usually with great bores.
 
UCSPanther said:
My RC 1940 kar98k still has the german markings intact.
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as does mine

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Check out shooters choice in Kitchener, ON last time i was on their site they had 2 for sale, i have also handles ones that they have had in their store so they are legit.
 
Week isn't dead thread...

I have been using "search" to learn more about my Mauser and, found this thread...

German "Markings" and, German manufacture are 2 different things...I have a VZ24 that is "very" German. Germany was not allowed to produce arms but, the Czechs could....You can see the bits of claws and, Swastikas sticking out from under the mounts.

I have read the VZ's were the "finest finished" of 98's but, the EE would let you beleive otherwise...
 
Hmmm... To the OP, after your tribulations about LE headspace, I suggest you get the headspace on any 98 checked before purchase - thus saving all parties a lot of headaches!
 
lol

Deltasilver said:
VZs ARE great rifles, and they make a fun little sub-collection. It's too bad there aren't more that weren't run through the Russian refurb Grind'N'Dip process.
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lol...wosre than Russians are those pesky hunters! My vz24 came from my father who bought it and, promptly had the bolt bent ad, scope mounted...you can easily see parts of the chicken(eagle) n' swastika....sticking out from under scope mounts! lol

Times change...
 
I think the Nazi marked VZ's were mostly Czech pre-war production that was pressed into German service(mostly allies, Rumania, Hungary etc.) The Germans did produce all of the G33/40 carbines in Czech factories. Later in the war(1943) they began to build K98k's at Brunn and Bysterica. The Germans built their own even between wars. The Mauser machinery in Czechoslovakia was actually German machinery seized from Germany after the Treaty of Versailles took effect. Czechoslovakia made a big business of exporting Mausers all around the world in the 20's and 30's. But I don't know if any VZ24's were produced under German occupation. Any I have seen were Czech production proofed with Nazi acceptance marks.
 
I have a Mauser byf code K98, matching (mostly, i think the mag floor plate is off) with cleaning rod,, No way its worth 2500?

I was thinking 4-800 tops, Laminated Stock, excellent metal, nothing penned or ground off all markings,
 
I would like to meet these people willing to pay $2500 for matching k98's. as I personally think there a myth, started by the man.. and if k98 are that price what do 16/33's, and 33/40s go for.
 
I'd be one:) but I'm passionate about the 98k. It's all I seriously collect. Having said that, not every matching k98 commands that price in Canada. A hard to find code such as a BSW or dual coded rifle would go that high though, I'm betting.

No different than the collector who is passionate about his Colt, M1 or Nagant. A 33/40, or even a 98/40 are great rifles, but to me they are different specimens. Same as a G41. It's what you are in to as a collector, and what you feel comfortable paying.
Just my opinion, I know it's not yours:)

gaff said:
I would like to meet these people willing to pay $2500 for matching k98's. as I personally think there a myth, started by the man.. and if k98 are that price what do 16/33's, and 33/40s go for.
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The problem is that Canadian Vet's usually brought back pistols/handguns and not long rifles. At the end of the war there was a US order allowing troops to bring home war trophies, many of which were long rifles (K98's, shotguns, drillings etc.).

As a result you have several nice all matching long rifles in the US and several nice all matching P08's and P38's in Canada. Most K98's in Canada were post war imports and were more than likely messed with by either the Russians, Czech's, importer or bubba.

An all matching K98 in Canada would run $800-2500
Norway/Czech Refurb or German bolt m/m $400-850
RC or m/m $350-600

Values on K98's are determined by condition, matching parts and maker or other significant markings (unit, luftwaffe, SS, etc.).

VZ24's were very close to a K98 and many parts were interchaneable. They were used by Eastern Allies of Germany and by German units, especially the SS who were in direct competition for arms agains the Wehrmacht. The most valuable VZ24's are the G24(t) rifles which were aresenal re-furbished by the Germans to look like a K98 (Stock disc incerted etc.).

G33/40's are not rare in the US, but do get premium prices $1200-3000 which are similar to US G/K43 prices.

In Canada most G33/40's I have seen run for $2000-3000 (Wolverine Supplies has one listed). I think they have a premium price because they were used by elite mountain units, including SS units.

I recently bought one for $1200 (bolt m/m) and end of the day once I import it from the US and get a G33/40 bolt, I will be looking at $1500.

RC's are great rifles if you want a K98. German made, all german parts, many are not peened and retain all markings. Several mysteries have been solved by obtaining RC reciever and barrel codes.

Czech/Norway rifles are a step up, usually have more matching parts and retain original finish.
 
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