.22 LR Pre-WWII "Mauser" Training Rifle

Good afternoon-
I'm looking for any advice anyone may have on sources for information (history, value, manuals, etc--anything) on the German Pre-WWII training rifles.

I have two that my dad brought back from WWII.
1: A .22 LR single-shot training rifle that is a clone of the K-98 Mauser.
2: A 4 mm (?) BB gun version that is slightly smaller and a bit more crude in construction.

(He had several K98 rifles, and a couple in sniper configuration, but those were long gone before I was born, much to my later dismay!)

I've googled around a bit, but not found much, so any quick steering towards websites/books/resources will be appreciated. I can add some photos over the weekend.

Your query is not precise enough. These things cover the spectrum from collector's delicacies to complicated firewood. We need the photos.

Patrick

Well in lieu of photos how about ALL the markings on both rifles? That should give us a good idea of just which trainers you have. Then what is the condition of each and are all the numbers matching?
Sarge

Sorry---been all over the map lately, and kind of forgot about this............

The markings on the .22 are:

KAL .22 LANG FUR BUCHSEN
231551
KK Wehrsportgeweher
GUSTLOFF-WERKE
Waffenwerk SHI

Pix located here:
Mauser Trainer - a set on Flickr

I'm really looking for any information on these--I have ZERO intention to sell, but would like to know as much as possible.

Tanks to all!!!

A nice one that you have! Over here they are not so high in value, but they are good and rare rifles and they are fun to shoot. I´ve seen some at Rock Island Auction going for $2000.
This Link is in french but with the translations tool from Google you can read it. It is a interesting site.
Armes d'entrainements

Thank you!!
As of 1945, my dad had the BB gun version, this .22 and a twin, a couple of "regular" K98s, and at least 2 different sniper versions of the K98--THAT would have made quite the collection!! Over the years, the K98s were traded or given away, he turned one of the .22s into a target/sporter that was given away. At least I still have this and the BB gun version............

In general, old 22s have very little value here, with the following exceptions:

The Enfield No. 8, as an outstanding performer and recognisable member of the extended Enfield family.
The pre-war Mauser "B" models with the action that looks like a 98 in miniature. These can aso be very good shooters.
Genuine K98k-lookalike KKW (Kleinkaliber Wehrsportgewehr) paramilitary trainers made by Mauser, Gustlhoff, Walther (maybe others). Your Gusthoff appears to be one of these (we have not yet seen a photo!).

However, there are a lot of very ordinary plinkers about that the sellers eagerly describe as "Wehrsportgewehr" in the hope of talking up the price, but unless they really have the K98k shaft style, with barrel bands, they are worth practically nothing.

And all 22s officially converted to trainers by sleeving down or rebarrelling full-bore service rifles (Enfield No.2 Mk IV etc, Nos. 7, 9) have great collector attraction. But not if done privately, at a later date - this does, of course, open up a certain gray area!

Patrick
:wave:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Patrick Chadwick

(we have not yet seen a photo!).

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10 photos posted yesterday as noted in my post above:
Mauser Trainer - a set on Flickr

I did manage to find a manual (translated, a reproduction, but still somewhat useful) a few months ago. Love the rifle--it is a tack driver.

Dave,

let those rifles be a part of your collection. They may have not the value that a No.4MK.I*"T" has, no they have a much higher value. They always remembers you to your Father! And be sure they will be high in value some day. You only need to wait and give them a good apply of oil and some rounds at the range!!!

Have fun with them!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dave-In-Maine

10 photos posted yesterday as noted in my post above: Mauser Trainer - a set on Flickr I did manage to find a manual (translated, a reproduction, but still somewhat useful) a few months ago. Love the rifle--it is a tack driver.

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OK, got them now! As we used to say in the lab - if swearing and kicking it doesn't help, try reading the instructions:o And it looks good ... so far

But we still do not have any complete photos. Sorry to be picky, but an overall view is required, plus a clear shot of whatever is written on the left side of the receiver and/or barrel.

Patrick
:wave: