Need some 98k help + some pictures of markings

[TheIndifferent1]

So I've finally got around to cleaning my 98k. The bore is full of dust and crud, and I want to use a foaming cleaner. Unfortunately, I can't get the floorplate to drop down. I've used 3 fingers to push down on the floorplate while using a small screwdriver to depress the catch and it just won't budge. I've smacked it a little with a rubber mallet and no dice. I don't want to squirt any release agents into it yet because the wood is nice and I don't want them to soak in.

Can I remove the triggerguard with the floorplate attached? Then I can get a better look at what is going on. Also, are the lock screws in there correct or are they something someone stuck in there? I thought lock screws had a semi-circle cut out of them, these don't.

Also, I'm hoping someone can help me a bit with the markings so I can start to learn about the rifle. I haven't taken any full-length pictures yet because the amount of dust on it is kinda embarrassing Once she's all cleaned up though I'll put up a full set

It's a Czech rifle, looks like it used up old war stock. The nosecap is poorly welded, as is the barrel band. The stock disk and buttplate are bare white metal. The only markings on the stock are the two on the sling notch. The only markings I can see above the wood on the receiver are the few that I took pictures of.

Thanks

Is that an outstruck chicken or something else? It's really, really tiny. There are a few more on the trigger guard.

What is this marking and what is E3?

 

[tiriaq]

The lock screws belong. Remove them, the trigger guard screws and the barrel bands, and you should be able to remove the trigger guard and then the barrelled action from the stock. Crudely welded bands are likely late war. Czech receiver, of course. No handguard in front of the receiver ring, etc. suggests rifle is stocked up K98k style. To remove the floorplate, the catch is pressed in, then the plate is slid foreward. You sort of need three hands, if things are stuck. Could you post a full length shot of the rifle?

 

[steve1973]

So I've finally got around to cleaning my 98k. The bore is full of dust and crud, and I want to use a foaming cleaner. Unfortunately, I can't get the floorplate to drop down. I've used 3 fingers to push down on the floorplate while using a small screwdriver to depress the catch and it just won't budge. I've smacked it a little with a rubber mallet and no dice. I don't want to squirt any release agents into it yet because the wood is nice and I don't want them to soak in.

Can I remove the triggerguard with the floorplate attached? Then I can get a better look at what is going on. Also, are the lock screws in there correct or are they something someone stuck in there? I thought lock screws had a semi-circle cut out of them, these don't.

Also, I'm hoping someone can help me a bit with the markings so I can start to learn about the rifle. I haven't taken any full-length pictures yet because the amount of dust on it is kinda embarrassing Once she's all cleaned up though I'll put up a full set

It's a Czech rifle, looks like it used up old war stock. The nosecap is poorly welded, as is the barrel band. The stock disk and buttplate are bare white metal. The only markings on the stock are the two on the sling notch. The only markings I can see above the wood on the receiver are the few that I took pictures of.
Thanks
Is that an outstruck chicken or something else? It's really, really tiny. There are a few more on the trigger guard.
What is this marking and what is E3?

As far as the triggerguard, make sure you are applying some forward pressure (towards the barrel) as well as down to release it. If there is some gunk in there, it might be a little sticky. Regardless, you can remove the triggerguard with the floorplate intact. That might allow you to see if there is a problem from the other side.
I think those are replacement screws, or at least not German lock screws. All of the ones I have seen have the cutouts like you mentioned.
I think you are correct in your evaluation. It looks like a postwar Czech rifle that has been partly assembled from war era parts (the peened waffen you noted would support that) and some postwar parts. In addition, you have the Brno marking on the side of the rail and lion proofs. These are indicative of postwar completion, though some of the parts are late war.

 

[TheIndifferent1]

Thanks for the info guys I'll remove the trigger guard and then take out the floorplate that way. I had the same problem with my M1903 and the remaining cosmoline had acted like a glue, keeping me from releasing the floorplate while it was still in the stock.

Here's a full picture from when I first got it:

Here are a few I just snapped, and then the batteries died in my camera I think it will clean up really nicely, the bluing looks good and most of the dirt/light surface rust should come off without any problems. I like the stock too - nice light colour, and the grain looks nice to me.

Did the Czechs use BLO? I'm not sure if this stock was sanded (due to lack of markings) or not...

 

[TheIndifferent1]

OK i took it apart but the floorplate still won't separate. I see some cosmoline in the spring, so I'm assuming that's what's keeping it closed. I'll soak it in some varsol for an hour or so and see if it frees up. I got some new batteries and took a picture of the marking on the barrel... A shield with KM and then that out struck eagle(maybe? it looks pretty tiny, but i'm not sure how small eagles are...)

 

[tiriaq]

Steve1973 is correct, the lockscrews could have cutouts to allow the screw to be turned without removing the lockscrew completely. Essentially you have a rifle set up in later K98k pattern using a mixture of parts. It would be interesting to know for whom. What is the serial number situation?

 

[TheIndifferent1]

Steve1973 is correct, the lockscrews could have cutouts to allow the screw to be turned without removing the lockscrew completely. Essentially you have a rifle set up in later K98k pattern using a mixture of parts. It would be interesting to know for whom. What is the serial number situation?

All the numbers are mis-matched.

I still can't get the floorplate off. I soaked it as best I could in some varsol with no luck. Then sprayed it with WD40 and let it soak for a few hours, and even with a helper to depress the catch no dice. Is there somethign I'm missing here? Push the catch in, and push the floorplate down... right?

Anyone have any other ideas? My next one is to submerge the whole guard in varsol for a few hours, but that means a trip to crappy tire to pick up another bottle.

I'm wondering if there is something inside the catch mechanism, as it is -really- stiff and doesn't move a whole lot.

 

[steve1973]

When you push the catch down, you are pushing the floorplate forwards towards the barrel as well? Are you familar with how it looks disassembled? That might help you see the motion that is necessary. Let me know if you need some pics of it disassembled....
Sounds like there is some serious gunk in there too. I wonder if they reblued it put together or something, hehe.

 

[TheIndifferent1]

When you push the catch down, you are pushing the floorplate forwards towards the barrel as well? Are you familar with how it looks disassembled? That might help you see the motion that is necessary. Let me know if you need some pics of it disassembled....
Sounds like there is some serious gunk in there too. I wonder if they reblued it put together or something, hehe.

Yep, pushing forwards too. I've never had the floorplate off this model of rifle, but I'm assuming it's similar to my 1903. If you could post a picture I'd appreciate it, just in case