Gew 98, any ideas on this?

[rattletrap1970]

I'm not trying to pass this thing off as anything, all I asked is what is the deal with these numbers. I did not bubba this rifle. They don't appear to be buffed off or removed cause the numbers that ARE still there are very deep, if they selectively buffed off numbers that deep there would be discrepancies in depth all over the place. I included a photo of every number that exists on it. I am somewhat unfamiliar with Radom rifles. It's been in a pile of parts I've had for a long time and now that I have time I figured I'd maybe make something out of something that someone already butchered up. The only thing left is the barreled action, floorplate/trigger guard and trigger. It appears someone got rid of ALL the furniture and metal and sights. I was simply thinking of rebarreling it in 7mm08 (just cause I don't have one, but do have brass and dies). I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something that would ruin any karma I had left if I did something to it.

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[Patrick Chadwick]

all I asked is what is the deal with these numbers.

And I all asked for, for very good reason, was all the numbers you can find! In this case, the lack of a numbers can also be significant. On a properly inspected and accepted '98 there should be a number on the barrel, on the left side of the "root", with several inspector's stamps. The barrel number is fundamental to a German rifle, and was never omitted or erased. Unlike English practice (see the Lee Enfield forum), where the receiver is viewed as the fundamental item, in Germany it is the chambered barrel. So you can freely buy and sell receivers here, but not barrels.

The point of all this is, a) if the barrel never had a number, then it was never a rifle passed fit for use. b) If it had a number, but this has been erased, then Bubba has been at work.
Answer a) would support my "instruction model" hypothesis.

On the bolt shroud, there should also be the last two digits of the rifle number. They are stamped in a small size there where the rim of the shroud widens to join the boss that holds the axle of the safety lever. High left in your last photo, where I think I can see something, but cannot read it.

Another one: dismantle the bolt, and again you should find the last two digits stamped on the flat of the striker.

I included a photo of every number that exists on it.

I'm sure that you thought so, but as you can see, there ought to be some more. I appreciate that first of all one has to know where to look, which is why I have taken the trouble to write such a long post, so please look again.

[rattletrap1970]

I looked at the top of the receiver with a loupe and there appears to HAVE been something there. On the top of the receiver there were letters. all i can make out is there were two numbers maybe in the center, and below it from left to right what might be an R or D and on the far right what looks to be a G. On the barrel (right on the shoulder that touches the receiver) marked 7,9. There are no other marks on the barrel at all. There us a "U" inside the bolt release. That's really all there is.