Atlantic Firearms K98?

[Tacit]

Hello,
I recently became interested in surplus rifles and have just begun looking to get into them. Like many people, I've always wanted a K98, but I'm having a somewhat confusing time trying to find one. I did see these recently, but I don't know much about atlantic, and they didn't give a whole lot of info on these rifles. What do you veterans of milsurplus think? Also, is this a good price? I don't see many for sale. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

German K98 Mauser Rifle Refinished

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[Calif-Steve]

You should find nice Mausers at most big gunshows. Less then $550.00, as well.

[NRA]

Not really a "collector" more of a Mitchells type k98. I would also be concerned how they cant even spell some very simple words on the website.

[Aragorn243]

$550 is pretty high for a Russian Capture K98 which these probably are. Prices are rising pretty fast but you should still be able to get an RC in the $350 range if you're patient and go to the shows.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Attachment 35070As previously stated be patient. I had all but given up on obtining a K98 locally but scored a twofer of decient examples of RC K98s at about the price mentioned by Aragorn. They will do until a really nice bring back crosses my path. The craftsmanship on the early K98s seems to make the "mixmaster" lable an issue only in terms of collectability as the fit and finish on mine is on par with most milsurps in my small stable.

[Midmichigun]

Tacit,
I second these guys opinions... Keep your eyes peeled.

I would watch Pawnshops... gunshows... gunshops... private sales....

I would NOT purchase a Mitchelle's or Atlantic sponsored rifle. Much has been said about these types of rifles, with varying opinions, that doesn't need to be resaid here.

I would recommend watching the collector websites closely, and get to know what you are looking for and at... before laying down any hard coin.

One question you need to answer is if you are looking for a collector item, or a shooter.... RC's make great shooters... and I suspect eventually good collectors. Bringbacks with no import mark tend to be "worth more"... but you will always need to know what you are looking at....

Remember that condition and rarity always makes peoples heads spin!!!!

Good luck!!

[Patrick Chadwick]

I recently became interested in surplus rifles and have just begun looking to get into them. Like many people, I've always wanted a K98, but I'm having a somewhat confusing time trying to find one.

I apologize in advance for what is going to be a bit of a rant. But you have made the first, wise step in coming to this forum before leaping into what is, for collectors, a minefield full of bitsas, makeovers and out-and-out fakes. As far as fakery is concerned, the K98k is probably the worst choice for a first rifle, as the German passion for numbering everything and the collector's passion for having everything with matching numbers has led to a creat deal of creativity on the part of those who have got hold of a few stamps...

The very first thing you need to know about K98k rifles is that there is NO such thing as a "previously undiscovered cache" of mint "out-of-the-box" pre-1945 K98k rifles, and anyone who tries to suggest this is, IMOH, a seller to be avoided. Nevertheless, enough beginners are suckered (sorry, but that is how I see it) into buying what are basically force-matched bitsas at collector prices. Having had the advantage of growing up in a prosperous, successful economy that was indeed able to make and store brand-new rifles in quantity that were practically never used, and then disposed of on the surplus market, their ignorance of world history leads them to suppose that this was the same everywhere else.

But from 1944 on, everything in Germany that went bang was pressed into service. This was an economy that was rapidly reaching a state of collapse. It takes some degree of naivety to imagine that while the notorious "last-ditch" Volkssturm rifles were being produced and handed out to adolescents, arsenals were stashing away perfectly mint matching K98ks for the benefit of collectors nearly 70 years later.

I am appalled at the chuszpe with which, on the West side of the pond, replica stamps are openly sold whose only use can be to fake markings on rifle parts. It is noticeable that these miraculously matching mint Mausers do not seem to turn up here in Mauserland.

If you want a good-shooting K98, for heaven's (and your wallet's) sake buy an honest Yugo or Russian Capture. And buy "Backbone of the Wehrmacht" by Richard Law. Together they will be cheaper than buying a faked-up "collector's" K98k. Learn to shoot your Yugo or RC and read the book from end to end, several times over. And use every chance you get to handle good examples. You will gradually develop a feeling for what is plausible, and what is "iffy" or downright faked. You will have a good understanding of how to care for and get the best out of a K98k and be able to avoid the more blatant forgeries if, one day, you want to buy something more "collectable".

Good luck, and go carefully!


Patrick

[Tacit]

Thanks for all the good info, I was actually looking at a michell's the other day on gunbroker, since they're so clean, but after reading about them here and other places, I figured there was no way to tell what I was getting even if I just wanted a shooter . I think I might get a M48 from wideners for starters and just keep looking locally.

Again, thanks all!

[Patrick Chadwick]

A genuine pre-1945 K98k is likely to show clear signs of usage. Like the typical SMLE, these rifles were most definitely not safe queens, and most of them are uninspiring shooters as a result of heavy wear.

Having said which, today I found a 1942 K98k that has a very good bore, but looks awful on the outside. Collector value nil, but a potential shooter. Probably another instance of a rifle being hidden away in a damp corner and forgotten, like my M1871. So keep looking, and keep a firm grip on your wallet!

[Calif-Steve]

Weidners just post a small lot of Kar98k's. Give them a buzz, pretty decent folks to do business with.