Looking to get my first Milsurp

Ty500+

Ty500+

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Southern Ontario
So Im looking to buy my first Milsurp and I've settled on a K98. Preferably in 7.62 NATO, but, not opposed to the traditional 8mm.

I do not reload, thus the 7.62 decision for its affordability and abundance.

I was wondering what kind of things to look for before I buy.
Problem areas, numbers, variants, options, etc.

I am a complete novice on the subject so I appreciate absolutely anything anybody can share.

Thanks in advance,
Ty
 
I'm partial to South American contract built Mausers, outstanding quality from what I can tell. I lucked into a Chilean Short rifle ( in 308 Win ) from Tradex, tough looking wood & great steel
 
A 7.62 Nato milsurp that is available in Canada will mostly be bolt actions that were converted to that caliber in the 50s.

Examples include Israeli K98ks (350-600$ range), South American Mausers of some varieties (Chilean Mausers in 7.62 cost about 300$), and things like Spanish Mausers (FR-8s being the better option for 7.62 Nato, roughly 600$).

Other rifles I can think of which are milsurps are Ishapore 2As and 2A1s (7.62 Nato Lee Enfields), West German Mausers (very uncommon), a Argentine FN-49 (if you can find one), etc.

The issue with Canada is most 7.62 Nato rifles were purpose built semi-autos as it showed up after WWII, and when bolt actions were being replaced. Some nations updated there bolt actions to shoot the caliber to keep them in service for a bit longer, but by about the 1970s very few countries had bolt actions in 7.62 Nato in left in service.

Normally that wouldn't be a issue, however thanks to the prohibited by name category most the semi-auto rifles were prohibited by name. Examples include the G3, FN-FAL, CETME, etc. You can't even acquire a original M14 as that would be a converted auto (however you could build a clone, that being said it wouldn't be a milsurp as it is still wasn't issued). So if your sticking with 7.62 Nato as your standard, you will more or less be limited to converted bolt actions, mostly on M98 Mauser actions (though there are some weaker actions like M93 Mausers and such that received conversions).
 
Other than taking the sellers word, what kind of symbols designate the origin/history?
Eg. Star of David = Israeli
In the event I find a nice 8mm K98, should I be checking for certain things out of the norm of an average purchase? Or special care? Ammunition choices? Blah blah..
I ramble a bit...full of questions, sorry guys.
Keeping in mind Im not looking for a collector item, its going to be used a bunch.
 
Look at refurb markings or waffenamts, if you find a good 7.62 K98 with the original german markings I'd pick it up in a heartbeat, especially if the bore and rifling is in good+ condition and all the serial numbers match. Not too many of those around that I've seen. Many have been perverted by countries who scrub them of the orginal markings before stamping their own.

If it's a shooter you don't care too much about then I would go with a Chilean or Israeli in decent condition because the price can be driven up by the german markings alone.
 
I just bought a 8mm Mauser off the ee, I decided
to get a reloading kit, And 8mm dies to go along with
it. As I figure it would be a good time to learn To reload,
I can make my own bullets for it, etc

I could save money on most rifle rounds (303 British is like
35$ for 20), and It would carry on to other milsurps I
purchase down the road.

I think reloading is almost required for collecting milsurps.
 
For example a fair bit of 7.62 Nato rifles are usually stamped 7.62 on them somewhere. Israeli Mausers have the 7.62 stamped on the crest usually with a almost sandy colour in it, and usually the stock has a big 7.62 on it as well. Remember not all Isreali Mausers came from Germany, they had a variety of sources (Czechoslavakia, Germany, Belgium, even Sweden). The Chilean ones usually have NATO stamped under or on the crest if they are converted.

Questions are good, its how you learn. Some examples to look for in any rifle. Bore condition, crown condition, overall wear, bluing condition, stock condition, bolt face condition, etc. My recommendation for you is to get a 7.62 Nato bolt action based off the M98 action. Israeli Mausers and the Chilean M1912/61 Mausers being great options for a reasonable price.

The issue you will find with 8mm, is you might as well get any caliber for the price you will pay for commercial ammo. Its basically the same as every other full bore caliber except 7.62 Nato (i.e. minimum of 25$ a box). If you decide to get a 8mm, I recommend reloading, as it will pay for itself very quickly.
 
If you ever decide to start reloading 308Win is a good one to get started with.8x57 is a little harder imho.6.5x55 Swede is worth a look too if you have access to 100yrd (or more) range and plan on doing a little more serious target work rather than plinking.
Whatever make/vintage Mauser you get you will not loose but don't forget to look at Spanish and Chilean Mausers.Very unappreciated right now.
 
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