Russian capture markings

[ricohman]

I have recently decided to add some K98's to my horde. I have a nice original dot 44 coming and I want to buy a shooter RC K98.
The RC seems to be good value but the markings are confusing to say the least. Some have the X stamps others do not. Some have electro pencil for match, and others just have mix matched parts with no attempt to force match.
Are there any real differences in quality of the rebuilds or is this the same as buying any other Russian milsurp? You take your chances in how it will shoot.

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[WarPig1976]

is this the same as buying any other Russianmilsurp? You take your chances in how it will shoot.

You take your chances friend. All the marking in reality are irrelevant on RC's. None of them where hand fitted they were slapped together by Commies during make work programs. One can only check for any major defects at the point of sale such as a heavily corroded bore, cracked or warped stock, rust "but only above the wood line" the condition of any crappy Shellac, etc.
It's not until you get it home and pull the action can you check for a bent barrel, barrel to barrel channel contact, action bedding, rust, etc. Then one has to decide what, if anything he's going to do about what may be found.
It's a crap shoot with Milsurps but the Commies play with loaded dice.

[ricohman]

You take your chances friend. All the marking in reality are irrelevant on RC's. None of them where hand fitted they were slapped together by Commies during make work programs. One can only check for any major defects at the point of sale such as a heavily corroded bore, cracked or warped stock, rust "but only above the wood line" the condition of any crappy Shellac, etc.
It's not until you get it home and pull the action can you check for a bent barrel, barrel to barrel channel contact, action bedding, rust, etc. Then one has to decide what, if anything he's going to do about what may be found.
It's a crap shoot with Milsurps but the Commies play with loaded dice.

I kinda figured that.
Makes me think that the ones for sale privately may fit your description and the owners just want to unload them. But then again, lots of guys would never do such a thing.
Roll the dice!

[mtoms]

In general I think you will find most RCs serviceable-I believe the Russians discarded those on poor condition.

[WarPig1976]

In general I think you will find most RCs serviceable

Most definitely serviceable.

[Salt Flat]

Yes I agree with the others. Also best to be able to examine it in person. I picked up a pretty good RC code 237 1940 back when they first became available. What I really like is that all the markings and waffenampts are present. Not matching of course but still an interesting representative piece with history. I feel like I have been transported to the Eastern front when I shoot or handle it.

[Aragorn243]

The Russians got rid of anything that wasn't decent so originally, all RC's should be in good shape. But, who knows where it went after it was rebuilt. Vietnamese bring backs could be rough shape.