K98 questions

[ramosthompson]

I am waiting for my first RC K98 coming from Classic Arms. Should come tomorrow. The bore is described as NRA very good to Excellent. My questions: Do these need to be checked by a gunsmith or do they come as shooter? Where can I get surplus 8mm in the Bay Area? I live in Oakland and cannot get mail ordered shipped to me. Thanks in advance.

[hoozaru]

I think it should be ok, probably wanna check it by yourself with a 8mm headspacing gauge

[Saigon1965]

PM member "Scout II" here - He should be able to help you out with the ammo - He's in Hayward -

[glennsche]

bears repeating...

NRA Grades Explained

The following standards were set forth by the NRA for describing the condition of an antique firearm. The NRA officially calls these their "Condition Standards for Antique Firearms". This same grading system can be applied to modern firearms as well. We ask that you use this system when listing your firearms.

Unspecified - The condition of the item was not specified by the seller.

Factory New - all original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition in every respect, inside and out.

Excellent - all original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; unmarred wood; fine bore.

Fine - all original parts; 30% to 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood, good bore.

Very Good - all original parts; none to 30% original finish; original metal surfaces smooth with all edges sharp; clear lettering, numerals and design on metal; wood slightly scratched or bruised; bore disregarded for collectors firearms.

Good - some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned or reblued; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal legible; wood refinished, scratched, bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.

Fair - some major parts replaced; minor replacement parts may be required; metal rusted, may be lightly pitted all over, vigorously cleaned or reblued; rounded edges of metal and wood; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal partly obliterated; wood scratched, bruised, cracked or repaired where broken; in fair working order or can be easily repaired and placed in working order.

Poor - major and minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated; wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collectors firearm

[Rogerbutthead]

In my experience, NRA good is junk.

[caldude]

I got my K98 from Classic Arms, and the bore was rated at Very Good I think. It was dark but the rifling was still very good. It shoots fine. I did not get the headspace checked, just monitored the first few cases after firing to see if there were any signs of excessive headspace.

[B Strong]

I always check headspace in surplus rifles. Most check out OK, but enough have had problems over the years that it makes sense to me.

The gauges are available, all you have to know is how to strip the bolt and remove the extractor. You can get a set of HS gauges from Brownells or Midway

[Jarhead]

I bought a bunch from Empire Arms and Coles 4-5 years ago and all tested good w/ head space guage. Though my shooters were all late war, 44-45, and I made fake snipers ( Bubba ) out of them. High Turrets, Long Slide and Short Slide much more fun to shoot especially with reloads.

[Jarhead]

+1 on check all MilSurp w/ headspace guage

[ramosthompson]

Thanks for the help, guys.

[tujungatoes]

Remember to get a Field gauge. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=563880

Many milsurp rifles will close on an no-go, but are still safe as long as they won't swallow the Field gauge.

Be sure to post some pics.

[hoozaru]

yep field is the best one to use

[Jarhead]

http://www.odcmp.org/0309/default.asp?page=M1HEADSPACE

http://i42.tinypic.com/2hs1c8g.jpg

these may help

[Sampachi]

Wait till the next Cow Palace show and stock up on 8mm there. I know City Arms in Pacifica had 8mm, but seems like everyone is buying ammo these days, so I'd call ahead to make sure they have some in stock before you drive out.
Not sure if the gun shop in Walnut Creek is still around but he used to deal in milsurps and might have some 8mm.

[Rogerbutthead]

Aim has 8MM

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/copy_of_8mm.html