Question About Mausers

[Bobby Ricigliano]

This one is for you Mauser experts out there!

I have recently acquired my first Mauser and I am quite smitten with the whole design and sturdy feeling of the rifle. It is a Yugo M48A in unfired mint condition. I will be taking it out to shoot and will provide a range report shortly.




So here is my question:

What is the likelihood and potential cost to acquire a nice K98 that has matching numbers and doesn't have any of the original markings ground off?
If I found one in good shape would it be stupid to shoot it?

I know there are unending variations of Mausers out there, but I am really only interested in the 8mm K98/M48 types. What else is interesting to collect along those lines?

Thanks to any and all who reply. Thanks also to SKSer45 who traded this fine rifle to me and opened up a whole new avenue of milsurp interest!

[Milsurps]

What is the likelihood and potential cost to acquire a nice K98 that has matching numbers and doesn't have any of the original markings ground off?

Pretty !

My M48 is my best shooting Mauser. You'll love yours.

K98 as above ?.. ka-ching !

[DennisCA]

Bobby, Take a look at this:

http://www.simpsonltd.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=k98&search_in_description=1&x=12&y=17

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Bobby, Take a look at this:
http://www.simpsonltd.com/advanced_s...on=1&x=12&y=17

Thanks Dennis. That is a great link. I see that they can get pricey. I know I am about 20 years too late to jump in on abundant and cheap milsurp guns (except Mosins) but $800 - 1K seems fair for a very nice specimen.

[Emdawg]

I have both a M48 and a K98. Both shoot very well.


If you want something a little different from the both of them and on the same design as the K98 you can try to find a Mauser Commercial. I have seen a couple floating around.

Or perhaps a M24/47 or a VZ24.

[pitfighter]

Matching German pre-1945 K98 $800 and up.

Unless you get lucky, which it is still possible to be.
I found one for $400 in a pawnbroker in Santa Ana a Byf 43, all matching with original sling.

Pit.

[Mustang]

I know there are unending variations of Mausers out there, but I am really only interested in the 8mm K98/M48 types. What else is interesting to collect along those lines?

If by "K98/M48 types" you mean any 8 x 57 large ring Mauser with a 22"-24" barrel, there are a number.

The most common would be the VZ24, a Czech made K98 type rifle. There is also the M24/52C, which is a Yugoslavian refurbish of the VZ24.




I have both and they are pretty good shooters.

There is also a number of FN made K98 type rifles. I got one last year that is all matching, but has no crest. Also a good shooter.




If you are willing to give up the "8mm", there are all kinds of possibilities, including the Norwegian K98's which are German K98's, most all matching, but that were rechambered for 30.06 by the Norwegians




If you are willing to give up the "all matching", then there are many "Russian Capture" K98's, including some interesting ones. I've got banner Mauser and a 1941 Portuguese K98's "RC's"






Of course, then there are the Chinese K98's...

[Varg Vikernes]

Be VERY careful with buying a Mauser. There are a LOT of fakes out there. People trying to pass off mixmaster guns as all matching swastika nazi Hitler's personal K98 or whatever. You have a lot of research to do if you wanna try and not get burned on what to look for.

I just picked up a Yugo 98K too, though built on German machineing. Looks like it was scrubbed by the Yugos, and was basically a K98 before they got their hands on the rifle.

[BruinGuy]

I think you already know to stay away from Mitchell's. it's worth researching the tell-tale signs of a Mitchell's.

I just got a Yugo M24/47 from Widener's and it is in superb condition.

If you jump into Mausers like you have Mosins and SKS then I will be interested to see what you acquire. There are lots of Mauser experts here so if in doubt ask so you don't get taken by a fake!

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Thanks BruinGuy and the rest for your input. I have already committed to another M48 and a Polytech Hunter SKS deal. After that I will be hunting for a K98. Everything you guys mentioned sounds appealing.

I could free up a lot of space and funds if I could unload some EBR's that are boring compared to these old warhorses, but with the political climate in the PRK I can't do that.

[DennisCA]

Bobby - I bought a Yugo 24/47 from a calgunner a few years ago.

Matching numbers but the crest is faint, however I wouldn't trade that gun for anything. One thing Yugo's generally shoot high at 100 yards about 2 inches.
However I did just replace the firing pin spring because I was getting a lot of "soft-strikes", esp with Yugo-type ammo. It was $8.00 bucks (I think) and easy to replace.

[madjack956]

I think you already know to stay away from Mitchell's. it's worth researching the tell-tale signs of a Mitchell's.

I just got a Yugo M24/47 from Widener's and it is in superb condition.

If you jump into Mausers like you have Mosins and SKS then I will be interested to see what you acquire. There are lots of Mauser experts here so if in doubt ask so you don't get taken by a fake!

Whats the deal with Mitchells?

[DennisCA]

Whats the deal with Mitchells?

Madjack - You mean Mitchell Mauser's?

I haven't heard a lot good things about them.

[BruinGuy]

Do a Google search for: Mitchell's Mausers fake

You can read hundreds of posts written by people more knowledgable than I detailing their crimes against history and the C&R community.

There are still lots of great Mausers out there from dozens of countries, in many variations and chamberings, and even K98's with intact chickens that won't put you in the poorhouse. No reason anyone should support a dishonest business!

[madjack956]

Thanks! I would have got taken. I thought they were on the up and up seeing as their ad is listed in American Rifleman all the time.