Swapping K98 Bolt?

mmattockx

mmattockx

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Done with sheeple
I searched and never found the answer, so here goes...

I just bought a bubba'd K98 sporter. Have to wait a couple of weeks to pick it up, though. Still in the original 8mmx57mm chambering. It has iron sights only (not the original military ones from the looks of it in the pics). Depending on how much Bubba has done and if the barrel has been chopped, I may want to put a scope on it. Currently it has the straight bolt handle, which makes scope mounting problematic.

So, can I find a spare bent handle bolt and just use it? Or will there be headspace issues or anything else to worry about? Is it cheaper/easier/better to have a gunsmith alter the original bolt?

Oh yeah, this is my first centerfire rifle! Whoo Hoo!:D

Thanks,
Mark
 
If bubba has messed with it, it might be a good idea to make doubly sure it is still in 8x57. People do like to use mauser actions for all sorts of things.

Original K98 bolts were bent anways, so I would suspect it isn't a k98 from that, or maybe it has a different bolt from something else? Pics and any markings will tell pretty much everything from what bolt you have to which rifle you have etc etc etc.

Congrats on the first milsurp too! They're a hoot to shoot, and built like tanks!
 
H Wally said:
If bubba has messed with it, it might be a good idea to make doubly sure it is still in 8x57. People do like to use mauser actions for all sorts of things.

Original K98 bolts were bent anways, so I would suspect it isn't a k98 from that, or maybe it has a different bolt from something else? Pics and any markings will tell pretty much everything from what bolt you have to which rifle you have etc etc etc.

Congrats on the first milsurp too! They're a hoot to shoot, and built like tanks!
Click to expand...

Well, the seller says 8x57 and has been reloading for it, so that should be correct. I got a set of dies for it in the deal, along with some loaded rounds.

It was listed as a Mauser Mod. 98, is there is an earlier variant it may be? I will post pics of the receiver markings when I get it home.

Thanks,
Mark
 
I believe WW1 Mausers had the straight bold handle. But to answer your original question you *can* use any bolt although it may not be as smooth as the one that belongs to the rifle. Never heard of any headspace issues although I'm sure someone on here will have something to say about that.

Is it cheaper/easier/better to have a gunsmith alter the original bolt?
Click to expand...

probably not / no / yep

Post your pics though. If it is a pre-WW2 vintage bolt I'm sure someone would happily trade you for it instead of further altering the part!
 
If you swap bolts, it's always good to check headspace. Mauser bolts are much more interchangeable than Lee-Enfield bolts, though. I believe you could have problems if your rifle was Czech or Yugo manufacture. I seem to recall that the Czech bolt didn't have the guide rib, and the Yugo bolt is shorter. Of course, it might be an FN made rifle, too...... We need more details! Pics?
 
Likely Czech VZ24 or other variant. Wait until you receive it, but bending handle,drilling/tapping isnt cheap. If want to scope a 98 actioned rifle check out Tradeex offerings.
Geoff
 
Thanks, guys. It will be a couple of weeks before I have it in hand. The rifle is a 4.5 hour drive away and I will be picking it up on a business trip in the middle of February. I will be posting pics as soon as I get it home.

Mark
 
All right, I got the seller to send me a couple of pics before I pick it up. They are small and grainy, but maybe someone can pick up enough to help me out.

IM000010.jpg



IM000011.jpg


Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Mark
 
Lots of different Mauser bolts. Some shorter, some lugs different,some bolts bent, some bolt faces different even before being opened up. I think some people already said confirm which 98 rifle you have. Confirm cal. and look for proper bolt for that rifle or another simular manufactured bolt that will fit/function. Then you can headspace check. If headspace no go, time to take off sights, the barrel and do some lathe work.
Yes Mauser bolt interchangeing usually more work than Lee Enfield.
 
Generally speaking, to put a scope on a rifle like this one, you would need: a bolt with a handle altered for "low scope"; appropriate holes drilled and tapped in the receiver; a replacement safety to clear the scope.
IF you could find a commercial sporting Mauser (PH, Santa Barbara, Mk. X, etc), that would solve the bolt handle, IF headspace was OK, and IF both lugs made contact. Fitting, including brrel set back could be necessary. Or, the existing handle could be cut and welded, forged, or replaced with a streamlined one. The latter makes the best looking alteration. Keep in mind that the receiver will likely have to be altered to clear the low handle. Altering the existing bolt won't change headspace.
Once you have the rifle in hand, you will be able to consider your options. Whatever way you decide to go is going to cost.
 
I have a bit more info from the current owner. The rifle was manufactured by the La Caruna Armoury in 1943, with the end user the spanish airforce. I will post pics when they are available.

Thanks,
Mark
 
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