Matching DOU 44 98K?

S

stickhunter

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Hi all,

This Mauser 98K was listed on a dealer's site as a matching DOU 44 in 8mm Mauser I didn't purchase it (and it's now sold), but as I'm just starting to learn more about 98s, I thought I would include the only two pictures I have and ask if there are any "tells" as to the nature of the rifle (i.e., is it a refurb and if so, East German, Yugo, or a Mitchells Mauser)? For example, the extractor appears to be unblued, so does that rule out a Russian capture?

The condition from afar looks too good (and the price too low) for this to be an original condition rifle, so that's why I'm asking, and I'm just generally interesting in learning about these identifying features.

For those interested, the rifle was listed at $695, which in todays market seems very reasonable for any 98K.


 
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I'm assuming this is off a U.S. dealers site?

$695 is not really a bargain for what it is. Even here in Canada refurbs are usually going for a little less in my opinion. Looks like it might be a decent shooter grade example though!

Cheers,
-Steve
 
If it were a Yugo refurb it would have a Yugo serial number on the left side of the butt stock stamped perpendicular to the bore. An original DOU 44 would still have the bolt takedown disk in the stock not the Kreigsmodel style hole in the buttplate for bolt takedown. The East Germans stamped floorplate and trigger guard with a new serial number and late war German production often had no serial number on the bottom metal. A DOU 44 shouldn't have an external serial number on the wood just in the barrel channel, I think.
 
Thanks for the info, guys. I had been wondering about the stock disk, so AR's explanation is helpful. There's obviously not much to go by from just two pictures, but good to know that at least my initial assessment of a refurb/rework was correct.

This was $695 at a Canadian dealer, btw. A fair price in retrospect, but nothing spectacular.
 
Never Assume! LOL

Steve1987 said:
I'm assuming this is off a U.S. dealers site?
$695 is not really a bargain for what it is. Even here in Canada refurbs are usually going for a little less in my opinion. Looks like it might be a decent shooter grade example though!

Cheers,
-Steve
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stickhunter, IMHO, that rifle is easily worth $695. Again IMHO the East German reworks are probably the best of all the different reworks out there. At least they tried to keep as many parts as possible matching and stamped or engraved "new" unmarked replacement parts with numbers matching the receiver. Try finding any other reworks that were so meticulously refinished. The East Germans reworked 98s are head and shoulders above the Soviet and satellite nations reworks. Just look at its condition. They usually shoot as good as they look with decent ammo. These rifles are under appreciated for what they are. They were completely reconditioned and I have yet to see one with a frosty or worn bore unless some nimrod didn't know how to clean it up after shooting corrosive ammo.

Another thing, those rifles don't come along every day. Buy it while it is still available. You snooze on these and you lose them, likely never to find another at a "fair" price.
 
VuDu666 said:
If it's all matching, I'd buy the thing for 700, change the stock to proper WW2 German made one and go shoot it...
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It isn't all matching. I might be renumbered to match but since it's a rework it wouldn't be original. Swapping the stock out would do no good except ruin a valid rework. It is what it is now, a nice post war rework and collectible for what it is.
 
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