Need help identifying my Mod k98 1944

[kransburg]

Hello, I have a Mod k98 I picked up in Montana in 1979 from a gun shop and I've decided to sell it. I actually hunted with it once. I've researched it a bit before I found this great site, and I'll try to describe as accurately as possible. It has a laminated stock, matching numbers and Preduzece 44 on the side, basically 'Factory 44' from Yugoslavia. There are several Waffenamts stamped around the rifle. The top of the barrel unfortunately is sanded off so I can't see any details. The rifle butt is inscribed with '1.TRZ'. '1944' is stamped on the upper ring. There is rust on the butt plate. Everything seems intact except for there is no cleaning rod. I also have the bayonet I bought with it, which is inscribed '490' over an 'F'. I guess what I'm confused about is that a K98 with matching numbers is very desirable, but it was modified in Yugoslavia, which I've found is less popular. I've compared this with other Yugoslav captures and mine appears to be much less reworked. Any more info, or if I made an error, would be great to hear. And since I want to sell it, a ballpark idea of its value if anyone might know. I've enclosed detailed photos. Thanks in advance!

Information

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[m4a3sherman]

Well, you are pretty close in your estimations of the rifle. It is indeed a Yugoslav re-worked Kar98k. The numbers on it do match but are not of German stamping- probably from the Yugos. The receiver ring would have been "sanitized" during the rework and so all of the markings being gone is common place. As for who made it originally... that is a bit more tricky. I wish I could tell you more about it, but you seem to have it mostly sown up... I would have to guess for value... somewhere in the $300 range, but that is my humble opinion and there might be something I missed to add more. For that, I would let some more "senior" members check out this thread. Good luck!

[kransburg]

Thanks for that blazing fast response, I really appreciate it.

[m4a3sherman]

No problem- for value and to find others like yours, you might do a search on gunbroker- I find its the most accurate reflection for how much something "worth" since it is only worth what someone will pay. Additionally, auction sites like gunbroker and auctionarms tend to express any changes in an economy; for example, a slow one like the current climate. People are selling now more than buying so returns on many of these rifles are low for a seller but great if you are able to buy and invest in firearms since many will be cheaper.

[kransburg]

I was definitely going to look into Gunbroker to sell and I have tried to compare, but you never quite find your exact rifle. You are correct it is a buyers market and I may wait.

[m4a3sherman]

AND that is a superb looking rifle. It might not be a German 98k in the strictest terms but it is still a great rifle. The ammo is still fairly plentiful and new, non-corrosive stuff is not that expensive at all at around $15 for 20rnds. I have two Kar98ks of German manufacture and have honestly considered picking up a Yugoslav 98k in the future (I am a sucker for all things Mauser). If you decide to keep the rifle, at least until the market gets a little better, you might pick up a good and rather inexpensive book: Serbian and Yugoslav Mauser Rifles by Branko Bogdanovic. It is available via Amazon and its about $20 or less. It has great information over all of the Yugoslav reworks and scratch-builds. Who knows, you might discover a fascination with Yugo rifles and start collecting; they are more or less the Mosin Nagants of the Mauser world; still fairly plentiful and relatively inexpensive to start collecting.

[kransburg]

Wow, I'll definitely look that up. A book on reworked Mausers! Never thought of looking - thanks again (and I do like Mausers too). I also have a 1941 Turkish Mauser I'll put on in the future.

[rich v]

mauser said it, in the $275/$300 range is what i've been seeing them at the gunshows, however yours looks to be pretty nice and with the bayonet i like it for $335