What do you look for in a K98 to know if you are getting a good collector/shooter? What is a normal price range? I know very little except that many were russian capture. Basically I am looking for something that would be a good rifle in a WWII collection. Any info appreciated regarding what features to look for.
What to look for in a K98
- Thread starter mshootnit
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Go over to Mausercentral.com tons if unfo to read on there. I don't know serial numbers and such off the top of my head, but its all on that site. Look for a rifle with little wear on it. Stay away from rifles that look too used and abused. You'll want to stay with 8x57 mm marked rifles. If you can find one without an import mark, jump on it as long as the bore and chamber area look in good condition. Russian capture rifles will have an "x" stapmed somewhere on the reciever. As to price.. Anywhere from 200$ and up to 600$ and more for true "collector" rifles, but you probably won't stumble across one of those. Check lots of stores and do a lot of research. I have a K98k that has a russian capture mark on it. It also has all the correct German markings and matching serial numbers on it. I don't know if its a mitchelles or not, (fake markings) but I don't think it is because the markings look old, and the blue job looks origonal-though it has a polished bolt in it- the K98 is an awsome rifle and a great shooter. Let us know what you get. Have fun, and Merry Christmas. Brian.
Whenever I've bought a surplus Mauser (or any used gun) I've always insisted on running a cleaning patch or two through it to see the bore without any storage grease. I simply bring my own cleaning rod an patches with me and do it myself. To date, although the guy behind the counter may act ammused, no-one yet has ever said "no, you can't do that"! I've seen bores that were competely black, and some that looked new, out of the box.
Next I look for obvious defects, such as cracks in the stock, chips, deep scratches, ect. Anything that doesn't look like it just needs touching up.
Lastly, I check for matching serial numbers on all the important parts. Usually what you will see is something like a 6 digit serial number like 123456 on the reciever, and 3 digit numbers such as 456 on the removeable parts like the bolt. If the bolt especially does not match, you need to worry about whether or not that rifle has the correct headspace.
Can't tell you anything about current prices, because I bought my last K98 when the going rate was 50$!
Next I look for obvious defects, such as cracks in the stock, chips, deep scratches, ect. Anything that doesn't look like it just needs touching up.
Lastly, I check for matching serial numbers on all the important parts. Usually what you will see is something like a 6 digit serial number like 123456 on the reciever, and 3 digit numbers such as 456 on the removeable parts like the bolt. If the bolt especially does not match, you need to worry about whether or not that rifle has the correct headspace.
Can't tell you anything about current prices, because I bought my last K98 when the going rate was 50$!
RWMC
Member
K98k Mausers are available for around $265 to $280, plus shipping, sales tax and dealer fees. Some can be found with the straight bolt handles for around $170. I own a Russian capture K98k that was made in 1935. It does not have a "x" stamped in it. It is not a matched serial numbered part rifle, but it still shoots 6'' groups at 300 yards with a Weaver 2.5 x 8 long eye relief scope on it. Not too shabby for a 75 year old rifle with 48 year old eyes trying to keep the cross hairs on the target! Personally, I would rather have a K98k that was built before 1943 if I wanted a good shooter. Things were starting to head down hill for the 3rd Reich by 1943. Quality might have began to slip in the arms production facilities. But that is not to say that you could not find a fine shooting K98k with a 1943 or later date on it. Just get one. You will not regret it. Shoot it and get good with it. But most of all have fun. Merry Christmas to you
doctorxring
Member
K98
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An original K98 with matching serials is a $1500 gun if it's in good shape at all. This is not the way to go for a "shooter" K98. This is for collector's only, although some collectors shoot their prizes.
On a "Russian Capture" K98, the Russians put their own serials on the stock, bolt, and floorplate that were matched to the receiver number. These guns were all built up from parts of disassembled captured K98's from WWII. The captured guns were not kept intact, but all broken down in to parts. Some receivers were marked with an X, some where not. Most were reblued. Stocks finished with shellac.
There were also Yugo "capture" rifles, which are also similar guns built up of parts by the Yugos, postwar. Many of these rifles are in very good shape and make excellent shooters.
Many other countries used German K98 rifles in the postwar period. French, Iran, Israel, Norway to name a few. This is the focus of my rifle collection. Postwar K98 rifles used by various countries. The current price for a nice condition common postwar K98 with a fine bore, either Russian or Yugoslavian, is around $350. Lower grade bores bring less money. Pay the money for a fine bore.
These best place to learn and ask questions about K98's is on this forum on
the Gunboards --
http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?6-The-K98-Mauser-Forum
good shooting, dxr
Top to bottom - First two are Yugo, then a Norwegian, then an Israeli gun, last is a Russian capture K98.
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An original K98 with matching serials is a $1500 gun if it's in good shape at all. This is not the way to go for a "shooter" K98. This is for collector's only, although some collectors shoot their prizes.
On a "Russian Capture" K98, the Russians put their own serials on the stock, bolt, and floorplate that were matched to the receiver number. These guns were all built up from parts of disassembled captured K98's from WWII. The captured guns were not kept intact, but all broken down in to parts. Some receivers were marked with an X, some where not. Most were reblued. Stocks finished with shellac.
There were also Yugo "capture" rifles, which are also similar guns built up of parts by the Yugos, postwar. Many of these rifles are in very good shape and make excellent shooters.
Many other countries used German K98 rifles in the postwar period. French, Iran, Israel, Norway to name a few. This is the focus of my rifle collection. Postwar K98 rifles used by various countries. The current price for a nice condition common postwar K98 with a fine bore, either Russian or Yugoslavian, is around $350. Lower grade bores bring less money. Pay the money for a fine bore.
These best place to learn and ask questions about K98's is on this forum on
the Gunboards --
http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?6-The-K98-Mauser-Forum
good shooting, dxr
Top to bottom - First two are Yugo, then a Norwegian, then an Israeli gun, last is a Russian capture K98.
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madcratebuilder
Member
^^^^^^^
I concur with DXW. The Yugo captures are priced right, some well have a new barrel and some retain a few original German markings on the small parts. I picked up this YC last spring for well under $200.
I concur with DXW. The Yugo captures are priced right, some well have a new barrel and some retain a few original German markings on the small parts. I picked up this YC last spring for well under $200.
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