Mauser Kar98k

TheGrandEnigma

TheGrandEnigma

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Thinking about getting one for my next gun, but I dont' know much about the milsurp market. It'll be for the range, maybe deer, but I'm not looking for mind-blowing accuracy (not that I would mind. . .).

What do I look for in a k98k?

Where are the serial no.s and how many numbers are there to match?

Was this gun issued with a cleaning kit like the garands?

What other accessories would I want/need? (bayonet, clips, etc.)

Not looking for a collecter's piece, just a shooter, but I may as well try to get all the bells and whistles I can to preserve the history.


Thanks,

Matt
 
I know that they hold 5 cartridges and that they take 3 cleaning rods stacked together to make a full cleaning stick. They can be loaded up to almost 30-06 velocities and are known to be very accurate. 7.92x57mm isn't a common calibre anymore so you're going to have to pay a lot for factory or bust out the press.

I want to get one myself so I've done a little research

I also like cherry strudels
 
lot of questions, where to start.

A shooter would be from $300 to $800.
800 better be in VG shape.
Matching is hard to come by and could be pricey.
Many K98 on the market right now are RC and won't be matched.

I would consider getting a decent gun and looking for accessories later if you want a shooter.

I'm personally also fond of the Israeli and Norwegians in 308 win ( actually 7.62NATO to be precise) or 30-06. If you want a shooter the ammo is cheaper and easier to get than 8mmMauser.
A Swede M96 might also be a consideration as a shooter but it's not exactly a K98.
 
I have a Yugo M48-Bo, as far as shooters go, great iron sight marksmanship at 100meters, 400$. Not exactly historic in the WWII seen action sense, but its a K-98K alright.
Ammunition ranges from 25.50 to 40$ cdn and some milsup still pops up now and again.

As mentionned above you'll require a seperate cleaning kit. The issued cleaning rod is half barrel length.

The CZ vz.24 is a close cousin to the K-98k, also to be found in decent conditions with matching numbers.
Most k-98ks on the market are Russian captures with mismatched numers and more wear on them.
 
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In theory all major components and most minor ones will have some or all of the receiver serial number repeated on them.
Mismatched bolts are almost the norm and with the most recent (and, likely, the last) wave of 98k's on the market all parts are mismatched, having been disassembled, refinished and assembled without regard. Most of these so-called 'Russian Capture' ones have the receiver number electro-pencilled on bolt, floorplate, stock and rear sight and perhaps some other parts. Cleaning rods, front sight hood if applicable, and action set screws are invariably missing. Reproductions of all these parts can be had.
 
Yeah, as mentioned, if you are looking for a shooter, ignore the serial number thing. It won't matter unless you want a collector's piece. As well, don't worry about manufacturer or year of manufacture. All K98's, even late war ones, had to achieve a certain level of accuracy before leaving the factory. For a shooter, the condition of the working parts, like any used rifle, should be the major concern. With a 60+ year old rifle, I would check the bore, the stock condition (cracks, etc) and the blueing on the metal (any rust).

The soldier was issued a cleaning kit with the K98 but it wasn't unique to the rifle. You can get original or repro cleaning kits but a modern cleaning kit with a bore guide would be the best for the bore.

About the only accessory I'd get would be a sling both for carrying and to use for a more controlled offhand firing stance.
 
First thing is you need to decide whether you are looking for a shooter or a collector's piece with matching numbers. A numbers matching rifle will cost you 3-4 times as much as a perfectly nice shooter.

If you want a shooter, personally I'd reccomend a rebuilt Russian captured rifle. Get yourself some basic repro accesories like sling, cleaning rod and sight hood (if your rifle is made for one, some are not and you can't just throw one one on, I know..) and don't look back.

They are most often very good shooters. My RC K98K (scoped) shoots under 3/4" with handloads. If you are new to these rifles the trigger takes some getting used to. Really the one thing about K98's that most everyone agrees is not up to par. Long and squishy trigger pull is the best description I have. But, once you're used to it, not a real big deal. And if you're getting a shooter grade rifle anyways, you can throw in a Jewell (or other) trigger (Mysticplayer here has them at good prices and in stock) and you won't regret it.
 
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