98K restoration?

[ANDYZ28]

Several years ago I was given some WWII U.S. and German weapons to see if I could at least get the apart and made operational. This was done and returned to the owner. Much time has passed and the one rifle, a K98 I made no effort to repair. It has been my intention to attempt to restore it to nice wall hangar condition, as the bore is very badly rusted.

I do not know much about the WWII German arms, but I would really like to get this old rifle back to some sort of decent condition.

Here is what little bit I do know;
1) The rifle appears to have been in really nice condition when first acquired by the original owner (post war), but the bolt is mismatched.

2) It has surface rust and some pitting on much of the metal surfaces, but everything works.

3) If it had an upper hand guard, it is missing, along with the cleaning rod.

4) It seems that the serial number is only stamped on the barrel 9860 with a e stamped under it, and this same number is stamped on many other parts, except the bolt (9043). The receiver is stamped dot 1944 on top of the receiver ring, and Mod 98 on the left side. The metal finish appears to be blued on the barrel and receiver, with many of the other parts phosphate.

Not knowing much about this topic, is it worth the effort to rebarrel, etc. and shoot it? Is original handguard, cleaning rod, sling still available. I know it is silly, but what caliber is it?

It might be possible to save the barrel as my brother has resurrected a No1 Mk3 SMLE for me, I will wait and see about that.

I am an M1 and 1903 guy, but this is a whole new area for me. So I thought I would ask the experts.

Thanks, Andy

Information

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[kar98k]

pictures would help a lot, but:

it does need a hand guard.
the code "dot 1944" says it was made at Brno in Czechoslovakia in 1944.
that is the original barrel and, at that point, the receiver would not have the serial number on it
the bolt not matching sounds like it was a bolt mis match rifle. one that was picked up out of a surrender pile by a trophy seeking GI. the rifle would have been in one pile, bolt in another.
it should be (if it hasn't been altered) 7.92x57mm, AKA 8mm Mauser.
hand guards and cleaning rods are available. they can be found online at inexpensive prices. original german slings are kind of difficult to get ahold of.
the barrel might just need a REALLY good scrubbing. i'd hold off replacing it.

[Detmer]

I agree with Kar98k. I have one that came with a rusty,cruddy bore and with a little work it turned out to be a fine shooter.

[Midmichigun]

Ditto on the bore. Soak it and scrub it. Just remember to clean from the breech end.
I have had a few bores that looked like sewer pipes shoot rather well. So I would not let that hold things up.

[ANDYZ28]

My brother and brother-in-law worked on it pretty hard Thanksgiving Day, and did a fine job. We actually shot it later in the day. The bore looks pretty good following shooting and after the final cleaning. Now to find a good handguard and 12" cleaning rod. Then I should be all set. It sure does feel good to bring the old girl back to life!

Then the search for some surplus ammo..............

Thanks, Andy

[mtoms]

Here is one source for some of the parts you are looking for
https://www.libertytreecollectors.co...?idCategory=40

[Midmichigun]

These gents have good repop items, if you are looking for sling and rods...

K98 Mauser

[ANDYZ28]

Thanks for all the great info and advice on this interesting project.

I am told the BRNO K98 stocks might be difficult to color match a handguard to. I may take the stock to the local gun show and try my luck. I would also prefer to obtain an original 12" cleaning rod. I see that original slings, when they can be found.......are way out of my budget.

Thanks, to all

[WarPig1976]

Thanks for all the great info and advice on this interesting project.

I am told the BRNO K98 stocks might be difficult to color match a handguard to. I may take the stock to the local gun show and try my luck. I would also prefer to obtain an original 12" cleaning rod. I see that original slings, when they can be found.......are way out of my budget.

Thanks, to all

Nothing alcohol based stain can't rectify. I threw a Yugo sling on mine,,much cheaper.

[Midmichigun]

Remember that stain is your friend on matching wood up. I have "opened" up many stocks which were BLACK with age/ oil and grease, only to find WHITE wood. Same with amber or other colored stocks.