K98 Identification

I hope someone can help me identify this K98 Mauser.

I am looking for a sporterized K98k to return to military configuration. The one I have found, but not purchased yet has no markings other than a couple of 14's stamped on the barrel and trigger guard assembly. It is not drilled and tapped and the action appears in very good condition.

What I'd like help identifying mostly is the bolt handle. It does not appear to be the sharp angled K98k handle, but one with a gentle curve. There also appears to be a flat on the inside of the bolt handle knob.

Any ideas??

Attachment 59180Attachment 59181Attachment 59182Attachment 59183Attachment 59184Attachment 59185Attachment 59186Attachment 59187

I may be wrong, but it appears to be a heavily sporterized kar98, not a 98k.

Thanks, but K98 is short for Karabiner 98 or Kar. 98. There were K98a, K98b and K98k models that I am aware of.

I'm told the rifle was German made and bolt is unmodified, so all I'm interested is in identifying the action. I realise the stock/barrel are sporterized, but I'd be changing those out.

Bladerunner, Just my opinion but this one is not a good candidate for de-sporterizing. To purchase the stock, hardware and sights will cost more than it is worth. Also check barrel length and other mods. As Anzac noted it is probably a KAR98. The bolt handle was straight and was torch bent, causing the rounded bend. The underside of the knob was ground flat to clear the stock. So you have very little original there. At minimum look for one that has not had the barrel cut and still has the original sights. Salt Flat

Bladerunner, It will be difficult to I.D. because most all the markings were scrubbed when reblued. The serial number may be there but I don't see it in the photos. Salt Flat

Sporters usually make me sad but that is a sleek looking rifle. Not too sad.

Is the flat on the underside of the knob smooth or checkered?

This is a WWI GEW98 receiver with a WWI Kar98a bolt. VERY nicely done sporter and a VERY poor candidate for reconversion to GI configuration. Try to find a German Mod 98 cut-down, they are at every gunshow, just start beating the bushes.

Like a few others said, a heavily sportered and scrubbed WWI mauser. A poor candidate for restoration but a dandy hunting rifle. By the lines of the stock either sporterized in Germany or done by a German born smith stateside. Very teutonic look about it, I like it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vintage hunter

Is the flat on the underside of the knob smooth or checkered?

---

Or is it hollow ?..................

Looks checkered to me. It is a very nicely done German hunting rifle. Post-WWI and a keeper. Not a re-conversion candidate at all.

I agree with Calif-Steve in that it is a "Gew 98" not a Kar 98; but looks like a typical European (German) style hunting rifle, as stated previously. It's a nice one and I would leave as is. :thup: