Milsurp question - HELP!

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Sam Fisher

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I tend to by guns on a whim. I did it with my Romanian AK-47, two Springfield 1911's, Savage model 29, Kel-Tec P3AT, and my Mosin-Nagant M38 and M44 carbines.

I just recently started reading about the Mauser K98. I'm completely enthralled yet thoroughly confused. Seems there are so many things to look for with the K98 that I am fearful of getting a rip-off or a lemon. In other words, one that isn't worth a hoot. Don't get me wrong, I realize you get what you pay for and at $237 I don't expect to get an $1100 Mauser. But I still want one that is "original" and that carrys some authentic history with it. What I don't want is some previous owner's mix-n-match "parts gun". That in a nutshell is what is preventing me from getting one. But I really do want one. You fellas have any suggestions/advice? Thanks!
 
The best deals in town are the soviet captured K98's Most still have all the markings, and most I've seen have been in pretty good shape. Right now SOG has them starting at about $200. One thing to stay away from is Mitchell's Mausers, who have been getting away with selling Yugo M48's as 98k's. Still a nice rifle, I love mine, but it's not a K98.
 
If you are not familiar with the K98k, a quick and dirty check is that the K98k has no handguard back of the rear sight. The M48, VZ24 and others have a handguard that surrounds the rear sight.

Obviously there is a lot more to getting a good K98k than that, but it will let you bypass other guns to concentrate on what you want.

Jim
 
You're off on the right foot...research, research, research! Books and websites that specialize are great starting places. FWIW...AIM surplus recently had a batch of Nazi marked K98s, "select grade" for $229 ea.
I've heard only good things about them...a reputable dealer is a really important part of the equasion.

Buying rifles on whim is a bad thing? I thought that's how everyone did it! :cool:
 
There are a LOT of Mausers out there in the general style of the k98K made (under contract with Mauser) by different countries, as well as many made by Mauser and exported to different countries. Regardless of which Mauser you choose, if you want some "history" with the rifle as well as matching numbers, then stay away from the "rebuilds" and "re-mans". They are good shooting rifles, generally, but with the rebuilding process, the history of the rifle is often diminished or erased.

When looking at a potential buy, always pop the bolt out and check the bore, (I'm sure you knew that) as well as the bolt face for pitting. Also check the wood line for rusting on the metal parts. You should look at buying a Mauser with the same eye you would use to buy a used gun. Expect normal wearing of the blueing to the point that it is gone in many places, but that's fine as long as the metal is in good condition. To get a Mauser with an excellent blueing job you are going to pay some big bucks for a non-resto genuine milsurp.

Most of the serial numbers are visible with the exception of the stock, handguard, firing pin, magazing/triggerguard and barrel. Of course, this depends on which country the rifle is from too. My own k98K has only 3 hidden numbers on the stock, handguard and firing pin, while my Swedish Mausers have 5 hidden numbers.

It has been my experiance that just because ALL of the visible numbers match it does not necessarily mean that it is an all matching rifle, but it will be sold to you as one if the seller will not allow disassembly. It seems to be a toss up to get a matching stock. Most important to me is that all of the metal parts match, especially the bolt and receiver.

Hope this helps,

Dave
 
Make sure you study the rifle pretty closely.

A dealer in my area has gone to taking milsurps and redoing the bluing and stocks. Just two days ago I saw a Swiss K31 with a parkerized finish and glossy stock. Gone was the nicely blued finish. He will take a beater and refinish it completely and try to sell it as "refurbished" or "almost new!".

I'm thinking of asking him to open his shop on the 31st of October as a "house of horrors" for Crufflers. :D

Good Shooting
Red
 
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