CDN Tire K98s - Opinions?

I know its hard to believe, but we have a CT here that is probably better than any of those vendors. I will be very disappointed if that changes.


You're right. It definitely seems to depend on where the store location is. The new store in Vernon BC now has a firearms section again. The prices aren't any better or worse than the local gun shop other than ammo which in some cases is even higher. What they did do was to put enough pressure on the local Wal Mart to severely limit the amount of ammo they once carried to a very small selection.

The real problem with the big box stores is that they make it very difficult for the smaller operators to get by. That doesn't mean the quality of the firearms they carry is lower either.
 
6 Canadian tires in my area. Each carry about 10 firearms, always the same. No milsurp at all. They have ammos, but mostly shells and the common stuff: 30-06, 7mm rem mag, 270, 308, 223. Not so bad for hunters, but prices are always on the high side (for example, 22lr CCI minimags are 13$, but SFRC sells them for 9$, shipping included). If I was hunting and needed ammos in a pinch at 8PM on a tuesday I'd visit CT, but that's it.
 
Don't forget Rockland has Firearms as well but not many. But soon Cabelas will be open in 23 more days.

The only Ctc in the Ottawa area with guns is in kemptville and they only have beat up sks's for milsurps. Oh well. One more reason to keep away from Cambodian Tire and their cheap third world wares.
 
(for example, 22lr CCI minimags are 13$, but SFRC sells them for 9$, shipping included). If I was hunting and needed ammos in a pinch at 8PM on a tuesday I'd visit CT, but that's it.
You got me all excited... But alas, shipping not included. My local CT is only slightly more expensive on the mini mags when all in. Plus the CT money on my MC gets me a couple hundred rounds a month gratis.
 
Honestly if it was me I would wait for a better example of a K98k than a Russian Capture (at least at that price). They do come up on the EE from time to time, in better condition (usually) and for about the same price. I bought one when I first started collecting, and I since traded it for a Portuguese M1904/39. Value wise I was hosed. Reality I ended up farther ahead in both the quality of firearm and knowledge.

Its your money, but there is a reason they tend to sit on the shelves for a while (usually it takes someone who doesn't know what they are looking at to buy one at the prices they are asking, I know that because I was one of those guys).
 
I'm dismayed by this CT news, but yes, as to the original question, if you want a "nicer" K98 you'll need to watch the EE. For 800$ you should at least be able to get something better than a RC. That being said, I can certainly appreciate the history of an RC.
 
I hate to be the party pooper - but I cannot see K98 prices falling. Ever.

They keep going up and up every year, as supply runs dry and quality diminishes.

If the K98's at CT look nice, grab one if you can.

I have talked to importers and there aren't many left, and if they do bring in any in the future, they will be more expensive, and have hideous import marks on them.

Yes, it may be a Russian Capture, but that adds to the history. Your internet fan boys will tell you all sorts of diminutive stories regarding RC K98's, but the truth is that most were taken from the hands, or corpses of German and axis soldiers.

You find all sorts of incredible rifles in the RC mix, ranging from early K98's, to Portuguese port contract K98's that were diverted from Portugal and shipped off to aid Germany on the eastern front.

There are already site sponsors who have RC's listed on their website for over $1000... Yes, I know they used to be $500 dollar gun, but so were German K98's at one point, and now a matching example will run you $2500+.

Appreciate the history, and if you want a K98 that's both wicked cool and you don't have to worry about scratching or shooting, the RC's are an excellent example.

My 2 cents. People also called me crazy for saying M39's would climb above the 1k mark in the near future... What happened with those? Bingo.
 
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A person can also find many rare variants when it comes to RC's. I got a beautiful 1940 660 and later year produced k series 1941 bnz that I would have a hard time to part with. Three years ago RC's and 8mm surplus were all over the place and now few dealers have any left. Like someone above said, "If you find one you like it may be a good idea to grab it".

-Shawn
 
A person can also find many rare variants when it comes to RC's. I got a beautiful 1940 660 and later year produced k series 1941 bnz that I would have a hard time to part with. Three years ago RC's and 8mm surplus were all over the place and now few dealers have any left. Like someone above said, "If you find one you like it may be a good idea to grab it".

-Shawn

Exactly. Not mine, but super cool.

IMG_2225_zpsa52e809b.jpg
 
Thanks for the info everyone. If anyone has a decent war time k98 with intact 'dirty birds' that they would like to part with, drop me a line!

Brookwood
 
I hate to be the party pooper - but I cannot see K98 prices falling. Ever.

They keep going up and up every year, as supply runs dry and quality diminishes.

If the K98's at CT look nice, grab one if you can.

I have talked to importers and there aren't many left, and if they do bring in any in the future, they will be more expensive, and have hideous import marks on them.

Yes, it may be a Russian Capture, but that adds to the history. Your internet fan boys will tell you all sorts of diminutive stories regarding RC K98's, but the truth is that most were taken from the hands, or corpses of German and axis soldiers.

You find all sorts of incredible rifles in the RC mix, ranging from early K98's, to Portuguese port contract K98's that were diverted from Portugal and shipped off to aid Germany on the eastern front.

There are already site sponsors who have RC's listed on their website for over $1000... Yes, I know they used to be $500 dollar gun, but so were German K98's at one point, and now a matching example will run you $2500+.

Appreciate the history, and if you want a K98 that's both wicked cool and you don't have to worry about scratching or shooting, the RC's are an excellent example.

My 2 cents. People also called me crazy for saying M39's would climb above the 1k mark in the near future... What happened with those? Bingo.

Yes, the K98 will always be the "boss" mauser imho. I wouldn't be surprised if RCs are going for 10K.......25 years down the road.
 
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