While I would now never think of butchering a nice military rifle, when I was in my middle teens in the mid 1950s, I truly lusted for an 03 sporter with a Bishop or Fajan stock, a good aftermarket trigger, a Griffin & Howe or Jaeger mount and a decent scope. My lean finances at the time couldn't finance an 03 (about $40.00 then) and I ended up with a nice Mauser k98 action someone gave my Dad, a cheap aftermarket barrel ($15.00) and a $7.00 no-name stock. A Redfield receiver sight had to do for a while and a cheap scope came later. I think I had a total of $35.00 in it, without the scope.

Recently at an estate auction in Ft. Littleton, PA, I found the rifle I wanted to build back then (see PIC). At $250.00 out the door, I could finally afford it!


I'm guessing $250.00 in 2009 money is somewhere about $25.00-$35.00 in 1955 dollars. What goes arond comes around.

I recently acquired a 1917 dated DWM Gewehr 98 which has been butchered beyond all hope of restoration ($130.00 at another auction).


It has turned out to be an exceptionally accurate 8mm and is currently a sporter project which I really never envisioned. Just for fun!