Help buying a K98 Russian Capture

I must have given my eldest son the MILSURP bug, because he's been going after various firearms. He cam to me asking how to identify a real from fake German K98 Russain Capture Mauser.

He wants one of these badly but has taken caution since so many fakes are out there. I told him that y'all might be able to help.

What should he be looking for when buying German K98 Russain Capture Mauser and how can he identify a fake?

I told him if he's going to continue down this MILSURP path he should join us here on the FOURM.

I like his taste!
I never understood why the Russian captures get poo-poo’d. What a neat history!

I don’t have one yet but would like one. I’ll be following along!

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Originally Posted by rcathey

I don’t have one yet but would like one. I’ll be following along!

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He was after this one, but we couldn't tell if it was a fake, information we read on the net made it questionable so he didn't bid on it

https://www.proxibid.com/Russian-Cap...ation/62455744

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../08/8243-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../08/8245-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../08/8247-1.jpg

Once it's been messed with I don't think anyone will be able to tell for sure if it's real or fake Russian capture.

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Originally Posted by Flying10uk

Once it's been messed with I don't think anyone will be able to tell for sure if it's real or fake Russian capture.

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Not sure what you mean by messed with, From what I have been reading it has a lot to do with the stamps, placement of the stamps, and missing stamps.

More information than you want to know. See my write up on SRF. :confused:
I show some of mine...
Military Surplus k98ks commonly found at gun shows - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

If it was me , i would search out an import mark on the barrel and no marks on the receiver. Original reddish shellac stock and the common marked electropeenciled bolt in black. I would avoid a more Germanized version; I favor its original Russian character. Also no counter bore. See the attributes in the link.
Some like to add original lock screws and cleaning rod as well as an original sling rather than reproductions.
But, then some favor the dreaded Mitchel's Mausers...:mad smile::bash:

Your example stated " Wood has been sanded smooth and a brown stain added," The stock was messed with but at $950 that is crazy. Yeps.

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Originally Posted by usabaker

I must have given my eldest son the MILSURP bug, because he's been going after various firearms. He cam to me asking how to identify a real from fake German K98 Russain Capture Mauser.

He wants one of these badly but has taken caution since so many fakes are out there. I told him that y'all might be able to help.

What should he be looking for when buying German K98 Russain Capture Mauser and how can he identify a fake?

I told him if he's going to continue down this MILSURP path he should join us here on the FOURM.

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Well, its the first I've heard of any attempt to fake a Russian Capture?
Trying to force match RC's into being original matching, yes, but not faking a RC.
I suppose given the way RC's are now becoming collectible perhaps that the next thing?
That one looks like a RC that has been cleaned up of its Soviet arsenal refurbishment, such as the forced match electropencil serial number on the bolt, and the fact that the stock has had its grotty shelac finish removed, and maybe further sanded. Its also got the locking screws fitted so someone has fitted those (normally missing on an untouched RC)
If you want an untouched RC in as it left the Soviet refurbishment factory in the 1950's then pass on this one. It depends on what particular reason you son wants a RC K98k?

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Originally Posted by usabaker

Not sure what you mean by messed with

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For example removal of Russian shellac stock finish and removal of Russian electro pencil markings.

Addition of reproduction capture screws, cleaning rod and sling. Possible sanding in an attempt to remove RC stock serial number ? Possible/more than likely removal of import stamp.


"Includes replacement cleaning rod, reproduction sight hood, and leather sling...Wood has been sanded smooth and a brown stain added,... No visible import stamps."
I am not sure why the color was changed to brown rather than a blond like a Mitchell or new German rifle. Even Mitchells Mausers could not remove the deeply stamped RC serial number on the stock. Maybe someone want a nice shooter???? Still I'd favor a somewhat intact RC with its reddish brown shellac stock. Look at the link near the last pages for the example photos of the ones Empire recently sold. You may want to get on Empires email list so you will be notified of to be sold items.

If the new member is new to buying surplus firearms he may want to read this SRF link:
Buying first surplus rifle, what to look for - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

I don't believe it is a Russian capture. It does have an "x" on the receiver but it doesn't look correct (very small). The firing pin take down ring and butt plate are in the white and they are black on RC's. I think the main indicator is the serial number on the bolt matches the serial on the receiver. I believe the odds of a RC having a matching bolt and receiver are pretty long.