Yugo M48. Good or bad?

TNT

TNT

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I was looking at the beautiful M48 rifle from Marstar.

Any thoughts? Are they good value? Any known issues?

Any other rifles to consider in the same range?

I see that the ammo can be fairly expensive.

Thanks
 
Marstar and Districorp both have 8mm mauser ammo for about $10.50 per box(20), decent price for centerfire rifle ammo.
 
The Yugo M-48's from Marstar are nice guns in new condition. Not long ago I ordered a German K-98 and a Yugo M-48 from Marstar, same time. I personally like the streamlined feel and the smoother action on the K-98 better.

On a side note my dealings with Marstar have been far from gratifying. They didn't want to hold a matching serial numbered K-98 for me while I was awaiting my PAL, assuring me they'd have some left. But they sold out all the matching serial numbered ones out from under me and so I had to settle for a non-matching. They were very rude to me on the phone too. And when I got the guns there was no sling for the K-98 and the firing pin was broken. I finally got a sling but after repeated requests and assurance I'd get a replacement firing pin I've yet to see one. I can see myself being forced to buy my own replacement pin.
 
savagefan said:
K98 do you know Jo-Jo Cormier?
Click to expand...

I knew/heard of him but that was quite a number of years ago now. I didn't really know him very well. No idea where he is at the moment or what he's up to. If I'm right it seems to me that he had a brother here too but I can't remember his name now. I think they were from the maritimes?
 
the yugo rifles are ok. they are not really 'new' but are made with at least some used parts, the bolt on mine, SN matching, was definately used before as it had a ring corroded in the bolt face. i have handled and shot 2 (yes, i know, 2 rifles doesn't prove anything) of the M48's, neither was 100% reliable when it came to feeding and ejecting.

get a german K98, never had a problem with feeding/ejecting on one yet.
 
I have a German K98 that can't hit the broad side of a barn. I stopped shooting it, it won't even print the paper at 50 yards. I'm not a great shot, but I'm not that bad - however, I'd guess that that was just my rifle.

K98 is a nicer rifle overall and has more history, but if you're just looking for a shooter you know an M48 will be decent.
 
I bought a Yugo M48A, which is the M48 version with a stamped floorplate on the magazine, in New/unissued condition. The rifle is very nice looking, very smooth bolt. Shoots very accurately. However, it doesn't eject very well, sometimes leaving the brass in the feeding area. Only complaint I have.
 
M48 is a nice rifle with good quality in wood and metal. The only trouble mine has is the safety lever is diffuclt to engage - which is quite common on some M48. I solve it by filing down some bit of metal from the slots of the lever - and works ok now.
 
The best deal they had were the Yugo 24/47's for $200.....all milled, smooth action, mine shoots quite well. I wasn't crazy about the M48 and 48A's I handled, action was sticky and rough. I wouldn't pay $400 for a M48 myself.
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I made the mistake of buying an m48 and ended up selling it. The buttplate is flat and smooth and it slips off the shoulder. I think back and realise I should have bought a real k98 since it just about cost me as much with the pointless handpick option and all...
 
I like them.... :)

I have two of them, an M48 and M48A

I left the M48 as a virgin and shoot iron sights with it, but with claven2's help, I had the M48A modified with a ZRAK M76 6x Scope, essentially turning it into a period sniper rifle. It shoots pretty well. :D

M48A mounted with ZRAK M76 6x Scope Calibrated for 8mm

Click Pics to Enlarge








Some interesting links:

M48 Mauser Sniper Rifle (Click Here)http://www.texastradingpost.com/yugosniper/m48sniper.html

Field Expedient Sniper Rifles used during the Bosnian Civil War (Click Here)http://www.texastradingpost.com/yugosniper/

There's also a new North Cape Publications collector's book out that covers the M48 series of rifles. I just started reading it.

Title: SERBIAN AND YUGOSLAV MAUSER RIFLES.
Author: Bogdanovic, Branko.

Description: 2005. First printing. describes every Mauser model developed & used in Serbia/Yugoslavia from 1880 to present day; emphasis is on identifying models & authenticity with text, illustrations, photos & charts describing markings, codes & finishes for each model including bayonets, ammunition pouches, sniper rifles & optics, sporting & target rifles & scopes; SC. NEW. Item # 106661 $19.95 U.S.
Click to expand...


Regards,
Badger
 
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I tried farting around with the M48 and the M24 but they just didn't feel good (for me). Lots of people love them and I think they're a great reliable mauser but they just don't have the same feel and weight of the standard K98 mauser.

Its all about personal taste and the standard K98k is my joy.
Here are a few pictures of My K98k erma + B-Square scout scope / Burris scout scope. Shes a MOA shooter and I love this set-up ENJOY!

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PS: Marstar might be sold out of their nice wartime K98k's now but be patient. There are sometimes Israeli mausers for sale in awesome shape and they are in 7.62X51 NATO and it is much easier to get good quality milsurp ammo in that calibre than it is for 8X57 Mauser.

Just a thought.
You can find 7.62X51 (7.62 NATO) at Districorp
Portuguese (FNM) manufacture. 1978-1981 production. 147 grain, FMJ. Berdan primed, lead core, non-corrosive, brass cases. Packed 20 rds per box, 200 rds per sleeve, 1000 rds per case.
Item #384
$320.00 per 1000 rds case (28 kg)
$64.00 per 200 rds sleeve (6 kg)

I believe Milarm is also carrying the same stock for the same price.
 
I had one, until my brother in law shot it and bought it off me. This one appeared to be a bit of a 'vet' M48 BO, lotsa weather exposure to wood, but the metal was great. Fun rifle. Only sold it because I knew I'd still get to shoot it, and do.

They're surplus Mausers, recent manufacture vs basically all other Mausers. As the name says 48 and onward into the 50's. Yugoslavia knew how to make Mausers and produced a solid military rifle. Zastava has been selling them in one form or another for years and of course still produces fine Mauser hunting rifles.

The receiver is a 'mid'lenght vs the 'full' lenght 98, so parts aren't interchangeable with German (etc) 98 Mauser models.

The Yugo front sight is a sharper point than my K98K, I find it MUCH easier/quicker to read.

Actions are not as smooth as a German made 98, but fully servicable.

This particular rifle can regularly hit 10"sq floating targets from 350m from the kneeling position shooting surplus ammo, great sights. 220gn handloads are a moose slayer.

My BIL really enjoys the rifle and shoots it like a beast. (I shoot 15 aimed shots with my K98k while he's emptied half a bandolier. It functions with no problems.

Surplus 7.92mm packs a pretty good punch. They remind you that you're shooting a rifle. I'm a fan.
 
Mauser 98's

I like the Yugo's, but I really like the Israeli K98 made by FN. I have one in 7.62 with the Israeli crest on the receiver. It is in beautiful condition and shoots like a dream. I purchased the matching Israeli 22, FN manufactured, not the reworked ones. I am really pleased with the Mausers and have about 35 on my racks but I am looking for a Brazilian M1922 in 7 X 57, it can be the carbine or the rifle. I was into Black Rifles and military semi's but I love a Mauser. The 7mm is the only one I can shoot because the bigger bore Mausers cripple me. I have a spine injury and chronic pain and when I fire the 7.62's and 8mm's I can't walk after. Really sucks. There are some really nice Yogo's and K98's on the site and it's nice to see the younger guys getting interested in Mausers. The one thing that the younger collectors have to take into consideration is that there aren't any new military bolt guns being sold like there was 25 years ago. All current surplus Military firearms are prohibited and are out of the reach of new collectors. If you can pick up a military firearm in mint shape do it because they are few and far between.
Well my opinion is the K98 has a better feel than the Yugo, don't know why but it's different.
I hope everyone has a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Albayo
Does anyone have the Israeli marked 98 Bayonet????
 
Thanks for all your input gents, it seems like I would probably change my mind and get a K98. Riflechair, that is a fine rifle, very nice.

Now, where can I find K98's for a decent price? I know Marstar has the with all unmatched numbers. Is that a bad thing?

Thanks
 
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