about Mitchells Mausers

[paulm]

Need some honest input. I'm not asking anyone to bad mouth. Has any one ever dealt with Mitchells mausers?They advertise in the VFW mag.They say one thing on the web, and something else on the phone.As opposed to other Mauser collectors/dealers how do they stack up?Also I need some input about Armchair gun show,does anyone know him?..Finally If anyone has a mauser or Enfield that they are thinking about selling,feel free to seize the moment.I won't buy before Jan 2008,but I will add 3 rifles to my collection this coming year,so feel free to mention it to me.
Happy happy Paul M

[Claven2]

Please do avoid mitchells. What they sell borders on fraud. Allegedly, they take a plain $150 Yugo M48 available everywhere and sand the stock & refinish the wood. If the metal finish is poor, they reblue it. If the numbers don't match, they scrub them and restamp them. Then they sell them to you as "arsenal new" without disclosing that they ruined the collector value by refinishing ratty mismatched rifles. Furthermore, they more than imply that the rifles are German ww2 origin when in fact they were made in Yugoslavia in the 1950s.

their "collector grade german K98k's" are mismatched russian Capture K98's that again, mitchells has refinished, restocked and renumbered so they could claim they aren't really Russian Capture rifles. Many also allege their "ss marked" rifles are fakes - I tend to believe thsoe rumors given their other practices.

At the end of the day, people who buy from Mitchells are invariably people who buy Elvis collector plates off the Shopping Network and pimped up M1 garands with gold leaf everywhere from Commemorative Arms. They have no collector value whatsoever.

Real, collectible Yugo Mausers and RC K98's can be had from virtually any other source for ALOT less money.

[Skippy]

Claven is correct, avoid Mitchells if only because of their inconsistencies in advertising.

Easy on the Elvis plates tho buddy, there is only one king ;)

Depending on what you're looking for as far as a K98k goes I might have a Russian Capture to interest you, I have 2 (maybe 3) I'm considering letting go to fund another rifle I've fallen in love with.

Alternatly check out P&S Militaria, they're still got a few RC's in stock, each of which is at least more legitimate (if not a big uglier) that the ones they hock at Mitchells.

[Skippy]

Actually I notice you're American so my rifles, nor the ones at P&S will be able to get to you :(

[neolithic1]

My first purchase was a Mitchell. I was misled by the advertizing and paid far more than I should have, however, it is the rifle that got me interested in collecting. My interest in learning about that Mauser led to my C&R license and less expensive rifles. I would advise that you purchase from one of the surplus dealers on the net. You can find a far better deal than Mitchells will offer.

I do not believe that the rifle I obtained from Mitchells has been scrubbed or reworked. It is in fantastic shape though, as are the accessories...

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i276/neolithic1/The%20collection/DSCN4977.jpg

[Claven2]

Some of their M48's might ONLY be falsely advertised and overpriced. Some others are clearly reworked. Either way, I would not buy from them PERSONALLY.

[sdh1911]

I agree with Claven2, These guys are a hair away from scam. I feel badfor the guys who buy them only to find out when they go to trade off or sell them they got deep smoked. Yep they look great, so do My Yugos and RC's but I never paid over half of what those fellows are charging-SDH

[303Nut]

I agree with everyone about Mitchell's Mausers. Stay away. Now I will say that not all of their M48's are reworked. I have one and have seen others that are like new. Seems they had a bunch of mint ones that they did not have to beautify.

[paulm]

Ok everyone I now have the straight story.The Germen Mauser was the exclusive domain of Paul and Willhelm mauser who manufactured the German Geweher 98 and the Karabiner K98 in Oberdorf Germany until sometime after the end of WW2. It stands among the top 10 rifles of the world, and is #4 in the top bolt action rifles of the worlld( I may be wrong on the bolt action bit) If I am feel free to correct me.I do not know where Mitchell came into the picture, but he is no authority on the Mauser, and I will not buy one of his guns.The more time I spend with this hobby the more I learn

[bhaalgorn]

has anyone ever done any real research on this? and no, forum research doesnt count. i mean actually taking one to be appraised or inspected. i just bought one today, a k98 not an m48, and yes i know the differences between the 2. i keep seeing forums bad mouthing mm but i keep wondering if any has done their homework besides browsing a forum. i know the mm k98 probably has no collectors value but its still a working rifle and thats what i bought it for, to put little holes in paper a football field away. ill post a follow-up when i receive the rifle.

[tiriaq]

Ok everyone I now have the straight story.The Germen Mauser was the exclusive domain of Paul and Willhelm mauser who manufactured the German Geweher 98 and the Karabiner K98 in Oberdorf Germany until sometime after the end of WW2. It stands among the top 10 rifles of the world, and is #4 in the top bolt action rifles of the worlld( I may be wrong on the bolt action bit) If I am feel free to correct me.I do not know where Mitchell came into the picture, but he is no authority on the Mauser, and I will not buy one of his guns.The more time I spend with this hobby the more I learn

I'm not sure what you mean by "Mauser was the exclusive domain". Mauser type rifles were made all over the world by numerous makers, licenced and not. Some of the rifles sourced in Yugoslavia were unissued. Many were rebuilt there. Many were made there, others in Germany or elsewhere in Europe. MM rebuilds rifles. Whether they are considered scrubbed bitsers or are desirable as anything other than shooters is a matter of opinion.

[gandog56]

I tend to have no faith whatsoever in MM after I saw them trying to sell a Mosin Nagain 91/30 Sniper Rifle for 1500 bucks. Heck, I can't find anybody else trying to sell them for more than 500 bucks. And oh yeah, the accessory kit for it that everybody gives away for free on their 70 dollar Mosin Nagants....$250.00

Sheesh what a rip off.:nono:

[Claven2]

has anyone ever done any real research on this? and no, forum research doesnt count. i mean actually taking one to be appraised or inspected. i just bought one today, a k98 not an m48, and yes i know the differences between the 2. i keep seeing forums bad mouthing mm but i keep wondering if any has done their homework besides browsing a forum. i know the mm k98 probably has no collectors value but its still a working rifle and thats what i bought it for, to put little holes in paper a football field away. ill post a follow-up when i receive the rifle.

Nobody ever claimed they weren't perfectly good shootable rifles. But a K98k that has been altered away from the condition it was sold out of government ownership lessens it's value as a collectible. Mitchells Mausers are more of this latter type than the former IMHO.

[hamttx]

Hello all,
Like many of you I have heard many stories on Mitchells Mausers, and I think they are getting a bad rap in general. That said I have a friend who purchased one recently (a K98 not the M). It came packaged very professionaly and during the ordering process he was specific about what he wanted. For example, no arsenal repairs on the stock, a good blue job on the metal, polished bolt, etc. He paid right at $500.00 for the rifle and it looks great. It is a earlier model so it does not have provisions for a site hood (no groove), but the "appearance" is worth $500.00. It also shoots lights out even in the hands of an average marksman (me). When I compare what I recieved in the past from SAMCO, IOC and the other importers for around $200.00 to $250.00 you get a lot for your money. You are basicilly paying for someone else to do the restoring job for you.
So far as historically correct I'm sure there is some issues, but every gun show I have been too (I live in Augusta, Georgia so I attend shows that are close to me) the vendors that sell Mausers are all "supposed" experts with over priced examples, the furniture usually looks ratty, the bluing is coming off or gone completely and you have no idea if things like the headspace or the grooves and landings are good or not, so you still have to take it to a gunsmith before you fire it. The matching number thing is another joke. Having lived in Germany for a better part of 10 years and spoken with ex german soliders at length you can argue almost any fact of the manufactoring process based on the fact that their (Mauser) records have been lost or destroyed so you cannot verify very many statements. Think about it, the germans have the reputation as excellant record keepers, but there is no logic on having some super accurate markings during war time on a firearm that the enemy could capture and use to determine origin, production runs, where the arsenals are located, etc. Historians may be able to make an educated guess, but ultimitly that is just what it is, a guess. Other than the example I saw at West Point (they had one on display) they made certain cliams about the rifle, but it came with a discliamer, "based on the information that was available" so you always take a risk at just what your buying anyway. Mitchells "Sniper" is a good example. I don't beleive it to be a actul sniper rifle, but I do believe it to be a fair representation of what one looked like. Though the $2700.00 price is way crazy. The intent of the scope mount was so that any solider in the field could have a sniper rilfe without having access to a gunsmith due to its unique mounting system. I would rather find a copy of the blueprints of the scope mount, take them to my local machine shop and make a copy on a CNC machine and try to find the scope. Saving $xxxx.xx along the way.
In the end, IMHO if you purcahse their K98 or M48 (which they state in their ad "made in Serbia") you get a decent rifle at a fair price considering what I have seen out in the market place and you can take it striaght from the box to the range. Hope I was not to long, and again just what I think so it don't mean much.
Leonard

[oldrgr]

Like neolithic, I read the "Going, going, soon to be gone for ever," baloney for two plus years in various ads, and finally bought an M48 back in around 2004.

Some positive things happened as a result of this purchase.
1. It got me into collecting and shooting milsurps. There is a debate in our house as to whether this was actually positive or not...;).
2. I too went the route of a C&R license, found the plethora of gun forums on the Internet with all kinds of great info, etc. and have learned a great deal. I chalked up my goof to being ignorant.
3. My MM is a tack driver on the range.
4. Caused me to get a RC K98 (dot 1944) from Classic Arms, which I truly love.

I am under NO illusion of any collector value of my MM. I would not buy another from them now knowing what I know.
Regards.
Bob

[Former Cav]

Try aims surplus or someone like that. I bought a yugo m48 from them about 6 years ago for less then $100. It shoots about a 3 inch group at 100 yards with the V notch (factory) sights and my 56 year old (at the time) eyes with surplus ammo.
HTH
Bob

[Jim K]

Sounds like there are either Mitchell fans or some Mitchell employees out there. Yugo M48's are perfectly good rifles, though Mitchell's prices were twice what others sold them for. But Mitchell's lies about them being K.98k's, used in WWII by the Germans were just too much. Oh, I forgot, they didn't QUITE lie, just used some clever language to make people believe the rifles were what they are not.

The true K98k's they sell are genuine, but rebuilt and refinished more as decorators than as collectibles. That they are shootable rifles is not in question. But Mitchell's is selling as collectible, and charging collector prices for, reworked, mismatched, and refinished guns that have little or no collector value.

I see the problem with Mitchell not being the rifles themselves - they are what they are - but the hype and not-quite lies used to sell them at inflated prices.

(OK, let's hear from those Mitchell employees, and say Hi to your boss for me.)

Jim

[billt]

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/8921/smausers001lp8.jpg

http://img275.imageshack.us/img275/2946/smausers002hv1.jpg

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/5825/smausers0051qs6.jpg

http://img275.imageshack.us/img275/5818/smausers0081xx6.jpg

I purchased 2, M-48 Mauser's from Mitchell's a few years ago, and have been completely satisfied with both of them. I wish the people who continually badmouth them would just realize that not everyone is interested in a "period correct", historic Mauser. Some just want a really nice, clean shooter that doesn't look like it was used for a tomato stake. Mitchell's provides this, and at a fair price I might add. My rifles look and shoot great, and I've never taken them to my club range without receiving several compliments on them. Someone will most always ask where I got them from. If Mitchell's were such "ripoff artists" as many accuse them of being, why do they have a triple A rating with the BBB? Mitchell's has many repeat customers. I know of 3 people who bought rifles from Mitchell's after seeing and shooting mine. Face facts, there IS a market for these rifles, and it's a very large one. Not everyone who wants or owns a Mauser is interested in "historical correctness". I keep hearing how you can buy rifles like Mitchell's sells for much less. I have yet to see one. Here in Phoenix we have more per capita gun shops than anywhere, and I've seen plenty of Mauser's in them. Most I would be afraid to load and shoot. Beat up, old Mauser rifles are a dime a dozen. You can buy them most anywhere. Mitchell's provides nice, clean, accurate rifles with new accessories that you can't find at most gun shops. They also deliver in a timely fashion, and provide a money back guarantee. That is more than most do these days. Count me as a satisfied Mitchell's customer, and there are plenty more where I came from. Bill T.

[oswago]

Post war yugos have little value to a real collector. They are nice and clean though.

[RED]

What they offer is a really nice copy of a historical firearm. The ones I have seen are quality restorations/imitations. If being the original real deal is important to you stay away. If you want a pretty copy to put on your office wall, they are perfect for you. If you want a shooter or an original firearm, you won't get them from MM. By the way, if you feel ripped off, send me your MM Mauser and I will cry with you.:runaway::runaway::rofl:

[Devil Dog]

I'm sure your Mitchel's Mauser is a nice gun. The complaint is about their advertizing, description and especially their price. They are not a good value.

[billt]

I'm sure your Mitchel's Mauser is a nice gun. The complaint is about their advertizing, description and especially their price. They are not a good value.

The problem I see is the people who are doing all the complaining, (advertising, price, value, etc.), are usually the ones who don't own them.

[gandog56]

Maybe it's the people that weren't taken in by their misleading advertising which is why they don't own them.

[billt]

If a customer is satisfied with the product they have purchased, how have they been misled? Remember, and this is important, I don't give a damn that my rifle didn't shoot a sniper in Budapest. It's clean, accurate, and doesn't look like Hitler hid it in his garden during the rainy season. Bill T.

[Devil Dog]

To each his own, but I would like to have a rifle that Hitler hid in his garden.
Most people are "duped" when they buy a M.M. They may learn the truth later, but I don't think they received what they thought they were buying.
I guess it all depends on what they thought they were buying.

[Claven2]

FWIW, I have lots of yugo Mausers in mint unissued condition. I never paid anything close to the MM price, usually less than 50% the MM price, all from legit dealers with solid advertising.

YMMV.

[billt]

Most people are "duped" when they buy a M.M.

That's nonsense. Most who buy from Mitchell's are no different than I am. We simply wanted a nice, clean, accurate Mauser rifle. That's it. That is all Mitchell's customers are looking for. They are not purchasing for historical significance. They want a clean rifle, and don't envy those who show up at the range to shoot their, "Historically Correct Tomato Stakes". Bill T.

[Claven2]

Bill:

Let me be very succinct:

Nobody is saying there is anything wrong with the M48's that Mitchell's is selling. Many of their M48's are just fine, though some people have reported some (but certainly not all) of them to be humped up a little. (e.g. serial numbers re-matched by the importer, stocks sanded and refinished, etc.)

What is wrong with MM is that they advertise these guns as being WW2 K98k's which they are NOT.

What's more, they creatively write their ad copy to justify their asking prices. While I am glad you like your rifle, you almost certainly paid at least twice what it was reasonably worth. Nearly every other major milsurp dealer out there has sold the exact same unissued Yugo Mauser rifles for less than half the price.

Then we get into the "snipers" and "SS rifles" mitchell's is peddling. Be afraid - be very afraid of these "creations".

[billt]

While I am glad you like your rifle, you almost certainly paid at least twice what it was reasonably worth. Nearly every other major milsurp dealer out there has sold the exact same unissued Yugo Mauser rifles for less than half the price.

I hear that all the time. I will say this. First off they are most definitely NOT "the exact same". I know because I've seen both. Second, here in Phoenix we have per ca pita, more gun shops and gun shows than anywhere. The Small Arms Review show is one of the largest, biggest attended shows in the entire country. I attend most of them. I have yet to see anyone selling ANY kind of Mauser as nice as what Mitchell's offers. I've seen a lot of these so called "unissued" Mauser's, and most don't look anywhere near as nice. Many look like crap, pure and simple. Rusty accessories, horrible looking wood, missing cleaning rods, missing front sight hoods, name it. I don't make a habit of throwing money away, and if there were such deals out there to be had, I would have jumped at the chance. I bought from Mitchell's sight unseen, which is risky. But was totally satisfied with both of my rifles. I've seen plenty of Mauser's for more than I paid. I simply shook my head and walked away. I understand the importance of historical significance to those that care about it. But my priority was a nice clean shooter. I accomplished that twice with one phone call. Hard to beat that in my book. Bill T.

[Claven2]

Well, FWIW, here is a non-mitchell's M48 I purchased for less money. About 50% less. It's unissued. Period.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d85/Claven2/P8111434.jpg

[Patrick Chadwick]

That looks fine as a Yugo. It's when I see something like that claiming to be an unissued wartime-made 98k that my fake-detecting antennae go to full alert! Always remember dear collectors - stamps are cheap!

Patrick

[seagoatami]

how can I say this? OK, there are those who own a collection of rifles that are as they came off the assembly line 100 yrs ago,perfectly correct in every way(supposedly)they know the linage of these rifles down to who shot them last and who shot them first. and where they were shot. Ok this is great. There are those who own rifles that may be or may not be historicly correct down to the last bolt and nut. But they are perfect looking and firing examples of the historicly correct ones. they bought them from people who completely refurbished them so they look extremly good hanging on the wall and shoot well on the range. The people who redid them are in that business to make people happy and from what I've read in here. they have accomplished just that. Or they wouldnt still be in business. their product is good and it is safe. or we would be reading about them being sued. I happen to own a MM rifle and to my eyes it is a beautiful piece of machinery and none of the numbers look to be altered in any way and it is just as they advertised it to be. I wish I could have a rifle in that condition that I knew came right from the battlefield. But they just dont exist in my price range. and the ones that do exist are no where near as nice as mine is . and by the way , I w3as at our county gun show a couple weeks ago and there were some mitchell mausers for sale in the boxes as they came and they were selling at the same price as the ones in the magazine or higher . Best of all they all sold. I sorta collect Endield rifles and the examples they had, were crap. I have better rifles in my collection than they were selling for over twice the price. I also like my guns sporterized or what is none as jungle warfare style. This will make died in the wool Enfield collectors turn in their graves lol. But thats what I like. so I collect themI also just like Carbines,or short rifles. But thats me so what ever you like you collect . Thats what makes you happy . Others shouldnt run you down for you likes and dislikes. Do what makes you happy. As far as I can tell you only go around once in life , enjoy it while you can do what makes you happy, Seagoat

[billt]

how can I say this? OK, there are those who own a collection of rifles that are as they came off the assembly line 100 yrs ago,perfectly correct in every way(supposedly)they know the linage of these rifles down to who shot them last and who shot them first. and where they were shot. Ok this is great. There are those who own rifles that may be or may not be historicly correct down to the last bolt and nut. But they are perfect looking and firing examples of the historicly correct ones. they bought them from people who completely refurbished them so they look extremly good hanging on the wall and shoot well on the range. The people who redid them are in that business to make people happy and from what I've read in here. they have accomplished just that. Or they wouldnt still be in business. their product is good and it is safe. or we would be reading about them being sued. I happen to own a MM rifle and to my eyes it is a beautiful piece of machinery and none of the numbers look to be altered in any way and it is just as they advertised it to be. I wish I could have a rifle in that condition that I knew came right from the battlefield. But they just dont exist in my price range. and the ones that do exist are no where near as nice as mine is . and by the way , I w3as at our county gun show a couple weeks ago and there were some mitchell mausers for sale in the boxes as they came and they were selling at the same price as the ones in the magazine or higher . Best of all they all sold. I sorta collect Endield rifles and the examples they had, were crap. I have better rifles in my collection than they were selling for over twice the price. I also like my guns sporterized or what is none as jungle warfare style. This will make died in the wool Enfield collectors turn in their graves lol. But thats what I like. so I collect themI also just like Carbines,or short rifles. But thats me so what ever you like you collect . Thats what makes you happy . Others shouldnt run you down for you likes and dislikes. Do what makes you happy. As far as I can tell you only go around once in life , enjoy it while you can do what makes you happy, Seagoat

+1 Well said!! Bill T.

[Sarge13]

I will not address the M48 Yugos that mitchels sells, or has sold as they are out of my field of interest. However:

IF you want a WW 2 K98k AND want to get screwed royaly when you buy one - buy it from the shysters at mitchels Mausers!!! Get one of their "original" WW 2 Mausers with 6 matching numbered parts. There was never a 98k made before 1944 that only had 6 matching numbered parts, they had 25 matching numbered parts! Most of what they sell are russian captures with the X, altho some have been polished so that the X is gone. The bolts were ALWAYS blued till 44 and then some were phosfate finished - NONE were ever polished! In some of their adds they have said that their rifles have new made stocks, but not very often.
And then they refinish the rifles after they are thru renumbering 4 of the 6 matching parts, including the new stock which will have Nothing but a ser nr on it - NO WaA proofs, NO Eagle over H or any other war time markings.
Yes they look pretty and if "pretty" is your sole criteria, buy one, BUT their adds are just a half step short of fraudulant when they claim they are "original WW 2 rifles"!!! :nono:
Sarge

[Lifttech]

Newb here. What happened to integrity being a gauge to a man's/company's character? Not perceived value.

When we chose to do business with company's like MM, we are giving them a pass to continue their practices.

My son and I think they are nice also but will not buy from them. If they were open and honest like Gibbs representation of the 03A4 currently available these threads would go away and I would seriously consider one.

[billt]

When we chose to do business with company's like MM, we are giving them a pass to continue their practices. My son and I think they are nice also but will not buy from them.

I don't understand you people. You "think they are nice", but you, "will not buy from them"??????? Mitchell's Mausers are what they are, and they are nothing more or less. I don't care what they call them, or what name they tag them with, if you "like them" and "think they are nice", what more do you want? You're not making sense.

It doesn't matter what they call them. I know as most do they are not "historically correct". I didn't care when I bought mine. I wanted a nice clean shooter. Mitchell's provides this. If I wanted a battlefield pickup I would have bought one. You guys seem to think anyone who buys a Mitchell's Mauser is "getting screwed" for this or that reason. That is simply not the case at all. People who buy them ARE SATISFIED CUSTOMERS, PERIOD! You people are having some kind of mental block accepting that. That is not my, or Mitchell's problem.

Look them up on the BBB website. They have a double A rating. That doesn't come from misrepresenting their product, or "screwing people". They sell their weapons with a full money back guarantee. What more do you want from them?

If you don't care for their product, then don't buy it. It's as simple as that. The best, most trusted gun publications accept their advertising. They wouldn't if they are as corrupt of a business as you people seem to think they are.

In short your criticisms have no substance. The tried and true "collectors" know what they are, and won't buy one because they aren't "historically correct". People like myself who don't give a damn about that will. And that is it. You guys are having a lot of trouble accepting the fact they sell so many, and the purchasers are totally satisfied with what they are getting. GET OVER IT! Have a cold beer and chill out! Let people buy what they want and be happy with it. Last time I looked this was still America. To each his own. Bill T.

[my1stk98]

I mean if there's no big deal with them refinishing and restamping K98s to "original" then why can't they do so and sell them as prettied up reproduction/ refinished K98s as representative functional pieces? I mean I guess if all people want is something that looks nice and shoots (I'm sure the K98s from MM do), why even include all the other BS....? :dunno: I just don't appreciate a company offering a product advertised as something its not...but if you wanna go buy it be my guest...as long as everyone's happy :rolleyes:

[bearhunter]

This argument will go on forever. It's almost like religion and we don't want to start on that either.
Personally, I would rather have a decent Russian capture than an MM. That is my own taste though.
If you like to shoot your rifles and have them look clean and new, the MM rifles are just fine. Go for it. I think Sarge13 is put off by their vague advertising policy as well as the amount of people trying to sell them as totally authentic pieces to the less vigilant amongst us. He has a valid point there. I also think that the average shooter couldn't care less about the authenticity of their rifle as long as it shoots well and looks good, that's OK as well.
MM gets by with their advertising, misleading as it is, because the rifles haven't been issued since refurbishing and they were genuine WWII issued rifles. They are also Model 98 variants. They do advertise 6 matching parts, they don't say when or who matched them. Fine, if it's important to you, read between the lines and don't buy one. This is why I prefer a RC refurb. The RC rifles are frowned upon as well but are historically correct and are sold as refurbished war stocks. They weren't nearly as nicely finished as the MM rifles but as far as Russian/satelite countries specs go they are correct. Some of them are very nice as well, even though there isn't a matching number on them, unless it's force matched with an electropencil. I can still remember when the Indian SMLE and No4 variants hit the markets, the furor was maddening. People are finally acknowledging that they are correct to Indian specs and saw a lot of fighting service during the separation wars and later during the border and Kashmir skirmishes.

When all is said and done, don't sweat it. MM systems are complete with all of the accessories and that can be a real chore to find as well. Buy one if that's what you're looking for, just don't try to pass it off as a non issue, non refurbished example of a K98. All will then be well.

Sarge13, take it easy on these guys, they just haven't had the opportunities to aquire the rifles you and I have. They are young in many cases and hard pressed for time and money, just like we were at that stage of life. They have to get by with what's available. Nice clean mausers that were unissued were bought up long ago and converted into many fine sporters that allowed many a young hunter to get into the bush and on the range that couldn't have afforded the luxury otherwise. I'm willing to bet you cut up your share of those rifles, I know, I certainly did. I bought brand new in the wrap BYF 42, 43 and 44 rifles, eight in a crate, in the wrap with matching bayonets and slings for $100 per crate in 1970. After "sporterising" them and "cutting down" the bayonets, I could sell the separate components for 4 times what I paid for the complete sets. The stock parts and cases as well as the red ribbons and wrapping paper made fine fires as well. That's where most of those rifles went, like it or not. No wonder the MM rifles look so attractive when all that's available are the mixmaster, beat up Turkish and African left overs.

[Sarge13]

I think Sarge13 is put off by their vague advertising policy as well as the amount of people trying to sell them as totally authentic pieces to the less vigilant amongst us. He has a valid point there.
They do advertise 6 matching parts, they don't say when or who matched them.
Sarge13, take it easy on these guys, they just haven't had the opportunities to aquire the rifles you and I have. They are young in many cases and hard pressed for time and money, just like we were at that stage of life. They have to get by with what's available.
I'm willing to bet you cut up your share of those rifles

You bet I am!!! Their adds are all just a half step short of Fraud! :mad:
Their 6 matching parts include the number on the NEW MADE stock. The only original numbers on those rifles is on the bbl & rec - which the other 4 parts are renumbered to match. There are 24 numbered parts on a correkt K98k. The shysters at mm boast of having 6. :yikes:
Anyone smart enuf to ask questions, from a wide variety of sources, will never buy a butchered mm for their ridiculous price.
NO!!! I have NEVER butchered an original military rifle of any type and Never will!!! I have done my best to restore several though!
Sarge

[bearhunter]

OK Sarge, I offer sincere apologies. I haven't cut up any for at least 30 years myself. There were so many chopped ones around, there wasn't any need to. There was also a long spell when original milsurps were a lot less valuable than a "sporterised" version.
Many companies around the world turned the milsurps into fine sporters. Like it or not, everyone doesn't like milsurps. I know, sacrilege, but it's true.
Many of those old rifles are starting to show up at gunshows again. Everything from barely touched and restorable to butchered beyond repair and are only a source of parts.
I just picked up such a mauser last weekend at a local show for $50. It is a GEW98 that had the receiver softened so it could be engraved and the trigger guard ground to paper thin proportions. The stock is a piece of plain beech. It does have some nice features though, a set trigger, express sights and an after market barrel chambered in 8x57. I checked out the lug recesses for set back but they look good and the rifle is well used so it should be OK. I have a chance of getting a "Brinnel Hardness Tester" from a plant closure as a freebie, so one way or another it will be tested properly.
I also picked up a GEW98 bayonet by SIMPSONN in 99% condition with matching scabbard. Now, I need to find a suitable rifle to pair it up with. That won't come cheap.

[Digger]

Well the tankers are kind of cute in their own way. :dancingbanana:

[mchl13]

I am happy with my M-48 from MM with 2 exceptions. It shoots nice groups about a foot high @ 100 yards unless I bury the front sight in the rear V and use a 6 o'clock hold. The other complaint is that the magazine floor plate has been tack welded shut making it a pain in the *** to clean especially after shooting corrosive ammo. What's with the bayonet on, or the cleaning rod in but not at the same time?
The extra accessory package however is a waste of money.

[Johnny Peppers]

Check out the prices on these jewels. That makes for very expensive boxes.

P08 Luger (http://www.mauser.org/Pistols/P08%20Luger/index.htm)

[dj*]

I sold my (Mitchels M-48 A) to Cabela's for 250.00$ three months ago..
Just thought some of you might like to know how much they are going for
on the street lately.

[billt]

I sold my (Mitchels M-48 A) to Cabela's for 250.00$ three months ago..
Just thought some of you might like to know how much they are going for
on the street lately.

If Cabela's paid you $250.00 for it, they're going to turn it around for at least 20% to 25% more than that. So in reality you are looking at a customer paying in the neighborhood of $300.00+. They'll get it, quickly. Guns don't gather dust on Cabela's racks. Bill T.

[cafdfw]

Ditto the P38 they're selling Johnny. Why would anyone ever pay this much?
Walther P38 (http://www.mauser.org/Pistols/P38%20Walther/index.htm)
I have an all matching 1943 BYF in original finish I gave $550 for and that seems about the average price.