looking for tips on buying a k98

[alpaca andy]

Hi all.
I am looking into buying my first k98. I dont mind if they have been refurbished like the RC's all long as they have some WWII era markings on them. Im looking to have a nice looking, nice to shoot '98 not a number matching investment. Any hints on what areas i should inspect on it before putting down the cash?

Thanks
Andy

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Claven2]

The bore condition, evidence of bad pitting along the woodline before the reblue, and a stock that's not too beat up under all that shellac.

[ww2freak]

Like Claven said. Good bore, headspace, wood, and low amounts or no pitting.

[smellie]

Seems as if most of the rifles taken at Stalingrad were early rifles and had those nice walnut stocks. Later rifles mostly used the TEGO laminate stocks and were, for my money, prettier. The TEGO stock is heavier but is very near to indestructible.

That said, check out the RC early rifles very carefully. A friend of mine bought a couple of them, came home with an original J.P. Sauer & Sohne and a Gustloff, of all things! Both are regarded as unusual and more than a bit hard-to-get. Both were reputed to be Stalingrad rifles, had odd parts mismatching (evidence of quick field repairs) but otherwise were solid original rifles with little chickens and hooked crosses blazoned merrily about their exteriors. Both also had excellent bores.

Not too awfully bad for C$300 apiece, I would think.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

This is an old thread, but still relevant. Just follow Claven2's advice and look for good condition.

RC's aren't as easy to find now as they were a couple of years ago, but I still feel they're a bargain when you can find a good one. They aren't high priced like the all matching rifles, but they're still interesting, historical rifles and can make great shooters.

They almost have a collecting persona of their own now and are nothing to be ashamed of.