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German Mauser Gew.98. to K98 converted rifle | Trade Me
Some advice on whats been done to it, is it worth buying to shoot in service rifle? ie it needs to be as-issued......its certianly seems to have been issued 3 times LOL.
things to look out for like safety, wear points etc?
thanks
The early WWI Mausers are somewhat soft compared to later Mausers. Do look at the receiver, any bolt set-back? Rear receiver bridge damage? Seems overpriced to me, but I know nothing about your market.
Those rifles do show up from time to time, and are quite fascinating. Some were converted a couple of times. In the inter-war period, a fair number of G98s were converted to the "98b" configuration, where they still had the long barrel but had the flatter rearsight fitted. In the early 30's, I believe shortly after Hitler came to power, the program of conversion and new manufacture began. Many G98s were converted to K98k standard. I suspect that the seller's description is incorrect--probably if you were able to see the proofs on the side of the barrel and rearsight you would see that they are still the Weimar or early Nazi period ones, not the later "dirty bird" Eagles. This unit was likely converted in about '34 or so, and likely saw its share of action in the war. I know several sources indicate that the early SS units were often issued with the converted rifles as they did not get first pick of the new manufactured rifles. Post-war, this was then retooled and used by the Haganah/IDF.
If it checks out, it should be safe to shoot, and it is mostly just of interest as a shooter now. Its history is interesting, but doesn't add to the value at this stage. Not sure about the value--looks like a mixmaster to me. A WWI Gew 98 converted in the '30s to K98k configuration should have likely a solid stock, maybe laminate, but certainly a flat and not cupped buttplate. This one seems to have the earlier H style front band, but a laminate stock, cupped buttplate, mismatched floorplate, post-war Israeli style front hood....don't know about the bolt #. A rifle which has seen a lot of history, but not well cared for by the look of it. A lot of its value even as a shooter is going to depend on bore and throat condition. I've seen bore conditions on these IDF used 7.62 which have ranged from sparkling new to rats***. I would think maybe max about $450 if it was around here, as folks like the 7.62. Not sure what your market is.
Ed
I agree with boltaction. Forget the seller's hype, it's value is only that of a shooter. Severely overpriced IMOH. Over here it would fetch around 200-250 euros.
Cool rifle, way overpriced for North America. Not sure of your local market.
I would not worry about receiver hardness, Holland and Holland built countless magnum rifles on WW1 G98 receivers from 1919 to present day.