M48 - Correct Accessories?

[MilSurpFan]

Hi All,
Looking to learn what the correct accessories for an M48 are.

Was thinking at least these, can anyone tell me what "correct" items would be like or what to look for, ask for if ordering online, etc? Any idea where the "unissued" stuff is hiding?

1) Bayonet, Scabbard, and Frog - I'm guessing, ideally matching numbers and retention device in scabbard is present.

2) Cleaning Kit - Guessing this is the oil can, cordage, pouch, muzzle protector... anything else?

3) Sling and Keeper.- Guessing the keeper is the thing to be looking for.

4) Ammo Pouches - Have seen leather and cloth one's advertized... any idea which is "correct"?

[mj1]

I think you covered it. there was a small booklet and that was it.

[emcon5]

Samco still shows new kits available:

M24/47 Accessory Kit
Includes Bayonet, Scabbard with Leather Frog, Leather Ammo Pouch, Leather Sling, and Cleaning Kit.

https://www.samcoglobal.com/1-M24-47.html

I would expect the M48 kit would have the same stuff.

[RangerTim]

I believe the kits and tools for the M48 were identical to the M24/47, bayonets, tools etc were all the same.

[MilSurpFan]

Thanks for the pointers and link to Samco.

I guess it's silly, but since getting back into this with a Mosin that had all the goodies, I just feel like I want all that stuff. Those Mosin's are a gateway drug, aren't they? LOL!

Years ago, when I had a Garand, took about a year to find the oiler, bandoleers and all the other stuff. But made me really happy to have one complete setup with vintage ammo to boot.

[joefrank64k]

This is what came with my all #'s matching M48:





Detail of what is in the pouch:



Hope this helps. And, it's not silly to want all the accessories...sometimes that's half the fun.

[GeeDog]

Ordered my kit from Samco a few days ago on a recommendation from a fellow Calgunner. I thought the price was very good, and can't wait to get it. I like to have the bayonet for every rifle that's equipped for one, and the rest of the accessories are pretty cool too.

[GeeDog]

Quick update on my SAMCO order. Got it about 10 or 12 days after I ordered it. Bayonet, sling, and ammo pouches look pristine / never used. The rest looks it's age. The luck of the draw I guess. I'm very, very pleased with the items. I'm not sure the sling is what I want on my M48. It doesn't seem quite right, but I really only wanted the bayonet and it's a beauty.

[Marcus von W.]

The sling shown in JoeFrank's photos is the correct style for Yugo M48 and 98k Mausers. With the mushroom-head studs at each end instead of the "frosch" retaining tab on the buttstock end, it is also the correct sling for all the other Yugo military Mausers. By doing away with the German style sliding roller buckle at the front I guess the Yugos saved a little time and material.

Although these Yugo slings aren't exactly original or proper for other Mausers like Czech, Russian, and Romanian capture, they aren't totally incorrect either as examples of them have showed up with the stuff the Russians ended up with at the end of the war. Since they are a WW2 era European military sling, I feel they look better and are more accurate on a WW2 Euro Mauser like a 98k than a post-war Israeli sling or one of the various replicas.

Another acceptable option for 98k type rifles or other Mausers are the Austrian MP40 and Stg 58 slings that are almost identical to WW2 German Mauser slings, but are an inch or two longer and have 2 holes in the buttstock end instead of 3. They have the same sliding roller buckle, correct weight and color leather with the cross-hatching, come from a German speaking former part of Germany, and are made by companies like Stoller in Vienna who also made military leather goods during the 3rd Reich era. For some rifles they are good to go as-is, and for 98k's just add a Yugo "frosch" retaining tab to the back end.

There are also post-war German made Mauser slings that show up once in a while. These also are the correct pattern and appearance, and are marked "Germany" on the back.

[GeeDog]

The sling I received is very light cream-colored, like the ammo pouches. It's approx. 1" wide, maybe a little over 4' long, with a simple metal buckle on one end, and two holes on the other end for securing with those little brass nipples like on the bottom of the ammo pouch (but absent on the sling). Barely legible stamped on the leather near the buckle end is S-8-0100.. something. I tried to figure out how to use it on the rifle, but still can't see it working.

[Marcus von W.]

Sounds like maybe a Yugo SKS sling or something? Sometimes the various importers or retailers just throw whatever they have laying around in the box with the rifles - like back when Century was tossing Turkish FAL or some kind of similar bayonets made from old WW1 "ersatz" Mauser bayonets in with the Turk Mausers they sold....no way these bayonets would ever fit or work in a Mauser.