about Mitchells Mausers

[bearhunter]

OK Sarge, I offer sincere apologies. I haven't cut up any for at least 30 years myself. There were so many chopped ones around, there wasn't any need to. There was also a long spell when original milsurps were a lot less valuable than a "sporterised" version.
Many companies around the world turned the milsurps into fine sporters. Like it or not, everyone doesn't like milsurps. I know, sacrilege, but it's true.
Many of those old rifles are starting to show up at gunshows again. Everything from barely touched and restorable to butchered beyond repair and are only a source of parts.
I just picked up such a mauser last weekend at a local show for $50. It is a GEW98 that had the receiver softened so it could be engraved and the trigger guard ground to paper thin proportions. The stock is a piece of plain beech. It does have some nice features though, a set trigger, express sights and an after market barrel chambered in 8x57. I checked out the lug recesses for set back but they look good and the rifle is well used so it should be OK. I have a chance of getting a "Brinnel Hardness Tester" from a plant closure as a freebie, so one way or another it will be tested properly.
I also picked up a GEW98 bayonet by SIMPSONN in 99% condition with matching scabbard. Now, I need to find a suitable rifle to pair it up with. That won't come cheap.