Is my mauser k98 matching or not?

[kar98k]

There is no x marking on the receiver but after reviewing the information you have told me, I believe that it is a Russian capture k98k. Thanks a lot. YOur knowledge has really helped me.

again, glad to help.

that star is more than likely a Soviet stamp. 2 of my RCs have diamonds with the number 3 in them on the stocks and those are Russian stamps

[ww2freak]

It is really interesting to learn about the history of these guns. I think that's why I enjoy them as much as I do. Your mausers sound pretty cool. I just started collecting these military surplus guns about a year ago and I never plan on turning back. There's always something you can learn when it comes to these things. Once again, I really greatly appreciate the help

[Sarge]

Occasionaly the RC X is on the bbl between the rear sight & the rec.
Also occasionaly there is no RC X. However the ser nr on the left side of the butt makes it an RC.
Sarge

[ww2freak]

Thanks for the info Sarge13! It's very much appreciated.

[madcratebuilder]

However the ser nr on the left side of the butt makes it an RC.
Sarge

Or Yugo. Most of the Yugo Mod98's well have a crest roll stamped and the plant number. A few well not have the crest or plant ID, just scrubbed with a few dirty birds on them, some matched, some not.

[Sarge]

Read the thread! His rifle does NOT match any of your criteria for a Yugo!
Sarge

[madcratebuilder]

Read the thread! His rifle does NOT match any of your criteria for a Yugo!
Sarge

I agree, my comment was the Yugo also has the serial number on the left side.

[OxfordAndy]

I don't know much about ax 41 but on my byf 41 the serial number is on the left side of the receiver ring. I thibnk this was the standard place to put them.

According to Richard D Law's book "Backbone of the Wehrmacht", the WaA for 1941 Erma rifles is WaA280 - WaA655 was the Mauser Oberndorf number up to 1942.

If you can get a copy (and I'd recommend it!) check out p.172.

As far as I know rifles with a serial number stamped into the left side of the stock are/tend to be RC?

On the "original" stocks I've seen any WaA/German stamps are on the right side of the stock in a line "aft" of the stock disc with the WaA and sometimes the arm designation letter (depending on year of manufacture), never a serial number.

On an ax41 there may be the serial number stamped into the bottom of the stock.

The butt plate is the other place where I'd expect a matching serial number...and possibly a sub-contractors ident/WaA....bpr41 is a common "supplier".

Anything that is not WaA280 is, IMHO probably not original to the rifle.

[ww2freak]

Thanks for the extra information you guys. I just might have to get a copy of that book OxfordAndy

[kar98k]

Thanks for the extra information you guys. I just might have to get a copy of that book OxfordAndy

even the updated version is old and there are a lot of mistakes in it but BBOTW is a good book for the Mauser 98k collector