K98 with swastikas stamped out.

[Badger]

Ok, so does that mean that a Mauser with a intact swastika is a non Russian capture or just one of a few that escaped the punch and hammer?

Hello Xmas_Asn ..

Here's some good reading for you ....

Check our Germany Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here) and pick any entry for a K98k Mauser ...

For example ...

1942 Code byf K98k (Karabiner 98) Rifle

It contains an extensive write-up about how to identify Russian captures and other post war re-works ....

Hope that helps ...

Regards,
Doug

[Xmas_Asn]

Ok well thank you for your advice. I have seen the bore. The bore looks good. No pits or darks spots. The damaged bolt sleeve looks fresh. I believe that it was caused during shipping, but thats just my opinion. Im really just would like to have a old Mauser to shoot with my with my Mosin Nagant, and Lee Endfield No 4 and No 1. I found it interesting that this one still had the swastikas. Thats what cough my eye to this 98.

The price is $335, is that a pretty go price for what it is or should I keep looking?

[Badger]

The price is $335, is that a pretty go price for what it is or should I keep looking?

I just viewed your pics for the first time ...

Just my opinion, but that old girl is a mess ...

If you're willing to spend $300-$400, you should be able to do a LOT better and in the long run, the piece you buy will not only be a nice shooter, but most likely will hold its value.

There must be a number of local guns shows in your area, or perhaps a Gun Trader type magazine. Be patient and find something that is far better than that concoction and then post some pics here to get the opinion of a number of experts.

Regards,
Doug

[Patrick Chadwick]

Ok well thank you for your advice.

I hope I did not irritate or depress you. But the hardest thing for someone looking for their first whatever-it-is, is to restrain the old hunter-gatherer urge to grab the first example that turns up. Heaven knows, I 've made that kind of mistake often enough myself. And still do.

You did however take a very wise precaution - to ask us maybe knowledgeable, but sometimes pessimistic folk, for our opinions. The advantage of experience is that, having fallen into a few potholes oneself, one can advise others as to where they are located.

Don't worry! You will find something a lot better. They are out there! And keep on asking! Some forum members have turned up gems that were only recognized as such when the pictures were posted on a forum.*



*Like the TSTV Mauser a couple of threads down in this forum.

[Xmas_Asn]

I hope I did not irritate or depress you.

Oh no, I didn't know alot about these rifles so I asked. Ya I wanted it but did I want the price for what I was buying. Im glad I got the info I needed and saved me from compulsive buying.

Thanks guy for everything.

[Aragorn243]

I picked up a RC last year that was in very good condition, cleaned up nice, had the markings intact and a near mint bore. Only thing missing was the front sight hood and the two retaining screws on the bottom. Was able to replace them for less than $15. It was a mixmaster but no rust and no broken parts. It did have the purple shellac on it which I removed and replaced with quite a few coats of BLO. My cost was $200, with repro sling and the missing $15 parts above I have maybe $230 in it.

[rich v]

Asn, $335 is way to much ..look him square in the eyes, put $225 in his hand, and give him a firm handshake and walk away with it.

[Xmas_Asn]

Ya, if it was a store I could do that with I would lol.

[onlycrimson]

I just bought an RC mixmaster today for 275, but the parts on it are in good condition. It has the swastika stampings, the front sight hood, the cleaning rod, a sling and the previous owner had removed the red finish so the stock looks decent. No doubt will be a fun gun to shoot, but certainly no fine collectors piece.

[reach147]

In my opinion that is a good price.

The RC's in my area are about $300 now. My bet is the other owner supplied the sight hood and cleaning rod after the fact. I haven't seen an RC with a sling in a while, was your's original or repro?

Original slings can be worth something too.

The elbow grease to remove the finish and clean it all up was worth something also :-)