Valuing Mausers

[supernova]

I find myself finally ready to start getting into Mausers, preferably a German Kar98K. The trouble is prices are all over the map and I don't have the knowledge to find a fair value deal. What I would like is a shooter non-captured Kar98K in 8mm with markings intact. I'm not concerned about mismatched parts since it will be to shoot rather than collect. I see prices ranging from $650 to over $1000, some $1500 even with mismatched parts. Is there any good research site(s) where I can educate myself on prices and collectibility? I'll leave mint condition all matching examples for the true collectors, my interest lie with a wartime production example in good to great condition with a nice bore, good to excellent bluing, stamps intact and complete. Something visually representative of an issued rifle even if its mismatched. Where do I start on assessing the examples on the EE? There's a few I have my eye on but I have no idea if prices are fair or out to lunch.

 

[Mike Webb]

The K98k forum is the best resource for information. A lot of really smart collectors on there with an excellent reference picture section for checking out super examples of the various makers and years.