Mauser sniper rifle

[Patrick Chadwick]

At this moment, the photos seem to confirm my first impression: this is a commercially made hunting rifle on a 98 system with a wartime-manufacture Zeiss "Zielvier" scope. If markings have been removed, this suggests a post-war conversion of a military rifle.

The trigger assembly shows the number 29. This would be the last two digits of the original number. Look for numbers in other positions - bolt body, bolt shroud, trigger guard etc. etc. A correct German rifle should have the full serial number on the barrel, receiver and bolt body. Since the scope mounting covers the markings on the barrel ring, the gunsmith should have remarked it in another location - I have seen one where the number had been restamped on the bottom of the barrel, and was only visible if the system was removed! Incorrect, but even in the land of DIN, practice does not always come up to theory!

Look everywhere, and note what you find.

Patrick

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[Patrick Chadwick]

A correct German rifle should have the full serial number on the barrel, receiver and bolt body.

Well. that point has been cleared. The conversion was not done by a gunsmith in Germany. The barrel and receiver ring are marked with the British nitro proof (BNP) and the caliber. The finish appears to show bluing over rust pits.

My guess at present: a beater 98 that was rebarreled to make use of the action. Scope looks good, for its age, and is in much better condition than the pitted action. So IMOH most definitely never a sniper, just a good scope fitted to a run-down 98 that was sporterized, and rebarreled by heaven knows who in the UK. If it shoots well, be happy and leave it as it is. Collector value of the rifle is nil. But the scope would be worth 3-4 hundred over here, if the optics are still good.

Patrick

[jerry10]

Hi Patric, my feelings the same, though I was told by the previous owner that the rifle had no proof marks until he had it rebarreled and refinished in ealy eighties. I am trying to remove the scope bases at the moment and refitting with weaver type mounts - the bases are soldered and screwed in place. I presume the bases will add to the second hand value of the scope?

[Patrick Chadwick]

I presume the bases will add to the second hand value of the scope?

Most definitely so!