Norwegian K98 varnish

[albertacowboy]

In general, how would you describe the original varnish applied by the Norwegians to their refurbished K98 rifles? Is it thin and uniform over the stock, or thick and roughly applied? Is the stock disc in the butt covered over? Is varnish applied to the area of the sling slot in the butt?

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[Calif-Steve]

My stock had no varnish on it. By the way, what is your barrel condition? My Norwegian has a fair barrel. The rifle looks great, but bore was only fair.

[albertacowboy]

The bore and crown on this rifle are very minty, and all parts are matching except the rear sight graduated scale, which is still an early-war unit numbered on both sides. All furniture is milled, and the rifle is a 1942 Steyr.
What ammo do you shoot in your Norwegian K98?

[Calif-Steve]

Nothing special. USGI M2 ball. I really don't shoot it much as the bore just isn't that good. Can't tell if this rifle was an Army rifle or Militia rifle. I understand the Norwegian Militia had many more rifles then the rather small Army ever had. Also, the Army went over to the Garand as soon as they got them. Anyhow, this particular barrel was not well cared for. Don't shoot it much. It really looks good, too bad about the barrel.
I recall reading years ago that most of these Mausers were early war production. The troops sent there in 1940-41 stayed there along with their equipment. So most of the rifles were early war rifles. Also heard many Czech VZ-24's were there as well. So most of the Norwegian rifles were indeed keepers.