Question about a Yugo 48 and Yugo 98 Mauser

[Kestrel]

Saw two Yugo mausers in a store today. One was marked "48" and one was marked "98". Both were in 8mm. Are these good mausers? Are they accurate? Strong? Good metalurgy?

One was a "Mitchell Mausers" gun - I think it was the 48, but can't remember.

By the way, they also had a nice looking Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55, but the stock had been refinished and had a glossy finish to it. Don't know why...

How do these Yugo mausers compare to Czech VZ-24 mausers?

Thanks for any help,
Steve

 

[J Calhoun]

The 48 is a Yugo made Mauser after WW2. They are robust and function well, but I would not expect any type of collector value.

The VZ 24 that I looked a while back was well made. Had good craftsmanship. Probably will be more collectable than the Yugo.

I don't know first hand, but I believe there are differences in the 48 and 98.

 

[cracked butt]

The 98, was probably a captured german rifle (K98) that was repaired or rearsenalled by the yugo's and will have a yugo crest on the receiver. The M48 was made well after the war, has a shorter receiver (about 1/4" shorter) and will have a full length handguard, unlike the 98 which has a handguard that starts in front of the rear sight.

accurate- yes
strong-yes
metalurgy- mediocre to good (the 98 will probably be better)

All else being equal, I would rather have the 98 than the 48.

The VZ-24 is far superior to the M48 in terms of quality, materials, and workmanship though its much more difficult to find one in the same condition as an 'unissued' M48.

If I seem a little negative about the M48's its because I've owned 2 of them, and while they are good shooters, I've never been impressed with their quality- but then again they ARE $100 rifle afterall.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

cracked butt pretty much covered it.

To clarify one thing though, the Yugo 24/47s are Czech made VZ-24s that were arsenal refurbished after WW2. Some of these are available in arsenal fresh condition.

Another thing is that the 98s have rear sights which go down to 100M, while the 48s go down to 200M, and the 24/47s go down to 300M. I have a VZ-24 and it shoots about 18" high at 50 yards with the stock sights. To get them sighted in for shorter ranges you need to install a higher front sight.