K98 Rifle

[AAJagerX]

My pops just inherited a German K98 rifle (1939).  Would anyone happen to be familiar with this type?  It's in PERFECT shape, but he's still hesitant to put any ammo through it.  Any info would be appreciated.

AAJagerX

[mensa180]

If he doesn't know what to look for in it then get it checked out by a local gunsmith.  If it is in perfect condition then it might just need some cleaning and you're good to go.

[AAJagerX]

Yeah, that step is a given for me, seeming that I kinda like it when guns DON'T explode in my hands.  I've been doing some reading, and it seems like a really accurate rifle.  I'll do the gunsmith thing, find a good scope and we're in business.   

[Schlitz]

Great news.  Get it checked by a gunsmith and DO NOT ADD A SCOPE!  Don't do anything to alter that piece of history.  Look up http://www.surplusrifle.com/ to get loads of info.  Most importantly,  clean it thoroughly after every firing session.   Put up some pics if possible.

[Saurdaukar]

If he doesn't know what to look for in it then get it checked out by a local gunsmith.  If it is in perfect condition then it might just need some cleaning and you're good to go.

+1.

I have a 1936.  Great rifle.  Just get it checked out, get the right ammo and youre GTG.

[AAJagerX]

Schlitz, I'm not going to just throw any old scope on it.  I'll find one from that time period (there's alot of them out there).  I'll post a pic later today.

[Makarov9]

Is it drilled and tapped for a scope already or will you go with a scout-type mount that replaces the rear-sight? I have a Yugo 24/47 which I put a scout mount scope on. I'm very pleased with it and I didn't permanently alter the rifle. BTW, congrats on getting such a great historic firearm!

[68Hawk]

If it's a German Mauser from 1939 I would suggest not altering it in any way.  If it survived the war and all these years in perfect condition then it deserves to stay as it is.  If I owned it myself I'd probably not even fire it.  You can get a beat up one for maybe $350 or less that will still fire very well and not diminish in any way the value of you pristine collectible. 

Definitely get it checked by a gunsmith, and also do some research on where it was made and the value of it.  There's a lot that can be learned form the serial number and stamps that may be on it.  I know there's an added value bonus for weapons that actually bear the German markings with the swastika, but I can't say as I know too much else about how K98s are valued.  You might have a real treasure there.  Even if it isn't highly valued, you don't really need to put a scope on it.  It should be very accurate, and shooting with the original iron sights should get you out to at least 300-400m.  Don't mess up a piece of history, or put a scope on with some mount that could have questionable accuracy.  It's more fun to experience it the way the soldiers would have.

[Schlitz]

AAJagerX,  If it's pristine, you don't want to alter it in any way, as mentioned by 68Hawk.  Get a beater, fix it up and then put the scope on.

Here a few picks of my dou '43 k98.







As I mentioned before, I would never alter an untouched weapon.

[Widewing]

AAJagerX,  If it's pristine, you don't want to alter it in any way, as mentioned by 68Hawk.  Get a beater, fix it up and then put the scope on.
 

I have a 1943 BRNO 98k, laminate stock. Matching numbers. I haven't fired it in 10 years, and don't plan to. Although, I do have plenty of 1970s surplus 7.92mm rounds in the safe. I have the correct bayonet, scabbard and frog for it as well. I stumbled upon a stash of late 1930s Polish ammo in the late 80s. I bought 40 rounds for their collector value. Nice stuff, w/nickel plated copper jackets and bright, clean brass. I store it in 7.62mm NATO ammo can with desiccant packs.

I have a another 98k, that has far less value. That's a fun weekend shooter.


My regards,

Widewing

[AAJagerX]

Ok, Here's the rifle.  I dunno what I was thinking, but after looking at the date stamp again it's a 1936 model.  My bad.



Date Stamp



Model




I figure that the scout scope would be the best choice, as it won't require any modification.

Thx,
AAJagerX

[rstel01]

98K is a great rifle and the Mauser action by nature is very strong.

As mentioned before, I would not alter a 98K:

It took me 17 years to build this collection:



I set out to acquire the main battle rifle for every WW2 Combatant. ( Although involved, I kind of left Italy and France out. I'll add them if I come across them but, they really were not the main players)

The prerequisite was to be un-mutilated, all headstamps and markings complete (Including German "Nazi" Waffenmat and Japanese Imperial Chrysanthemum). They all had to be built in 39-45.

The Top is my 44 Built Springfield M-1 Garand

Next is 1943 Mosin Nagant M44

Then 1943 IV Lee Enfield

Then 1941 Mauser 98K

And Finally 1944 Arisika Type 99 

The hardest to get was the 98K in actuality. Most of the 98's had the Waffenmat's gouged out of the barrel after the war since they had the "Nazi" Reich Mark. I also was able to get vintage 98K ammo with the Waffenmat stamps (but dont use it)     

[AAJagerX]

Wow...  Thanks for posting that pic.  Great stuff. 

[Larry]

I got this baby yesterday. Russian Mosin Nagant 91/30 dated '43 with all matching numbers. IMO best $85 Iv ever spent. Thinking about getting a M44 next, hell might just try and get a whole set since they are so cheap.

[CAVPFCDD]

I got this baby yesterday. Russian Mosin Nagant 91/30 dated '43 with all matching numbers. IMO best $85 Iv ever spent. Thinking about getting a M44 next, hell might just try and get a whole set since they are so cheap.

$85? that seems very cheap, does it shoot?


I always thought that was a cool gun after watching "Enemy At The Gates"