42 code 1940 dated Mauser questions.

[Light Infantry]

I picked up a bubba'd 42 code, 1940 dated Mauser and have a few questions (to start anyhow!)

Looks like every metal part is matching. The barrel serial number corresponds to the receiver serial number but also has the following:

40Do463. This goes around the barrel and not across like the serial # does.

Does anyone know what this code means?

Also according to :

http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...-oberndorf.pdf

(Robert Jensen as edited by Peter Kuck in the KCN), they mention that the highest serial number goes up to a "gg" suffix for 1940. However mine has a "pp" suffix. Can someone explain?

Thanks for any help. Just got this one and am sure will find other itmes of interest.

Information

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[Calif-Steve]

This is the "barrel band". This tells you the barrel was made in 1940. Do463 either made the barrel or provided the steel for the barrel. Not certain which, perhaps someone else will jump in.

[Badger]

I added an "all correct" one of those to my collection a few months ago ...

1940 Code 42 K98k Mauser

I haven't got access to my K98k library, but I wouldn't worry too much about the serial number thing, as this type of information keeps changing.

As Steve said, 40 is barrel date ...

Almost have a complete Oberndorf collection from 1934 thru 1945...

Post pics !!!!!

Regards,
Badger

[dbarn]

I added an "all correct" one of those to my collection a few months ago ...

1940 Code 42 K98k Mauser

I haven't got access to my K98k library, but I wouldn't worry too much about the serial number thing, as this type of information keeps changing.

As Steve said, 40 is barrel date ...

Almost have a complete Oberndorf collection from 1934 thru 1945...

Post pics !!!!!

Regards,
Badger

Very nice. I would like to add a nice condition all matching K98 to my collection, but finding one that nice at a reasonable price is not an easy task! Thanks for sharing.

[Light Infantry]

I'll try to get pics ups this weekend. Unfortunately the stock is bubba'ed. Even worse is that the stock is matching.

I was surprised to find that even the screws for the trigger guard are serialed with the last two. All the rear sight parts are god as well. Noticed that the front blade is a "Marbles". What part of Germany was that company in?

[Light Infantry]

Here are some pics i got from the seller:





How can i make them bigger?

[Light Infantry]

So if I wanted to get a stock that was of the original type. what would I be looking for? What would make it as close to the original stock?

[Badger]

Just do a search of eBay for "k98 stock" and I think you'll find dozens of ads such as this typical one.

WW2, K98 Laminated Mauser stock #4 - eBay (item 120523084404 end time Feb-02-10 10:36:13 PST)

I believe there are also some companies who sell the direct as well...

Regards,
Badger

[Light Infantry]

So is the the correct stock for this rifle a laminated stock with a cupped buttplate and machined (vs stamped) barrel bands?

Would it be appropriate to get a serial numbered stock even though it doesnt match the rifle but matches itself and its bits and pieces. Or a non serialed stock (did they come that way then?).

Sorry for the lack of knowledge in this area.

[GUTS]

So is the the correct stock for this rifle a laminated stock with a cupped buttplate and machined (vs stamped) barrel bands?

Would it be appropriate to get a serial numbered stock even though it doesnt match the rifle but matches itself and its bits and pieces. Or a non serialed stock (did they come that way then?).

Sorry for the lack of knowledge in this area.

Your rifle is from 1940 so a laminate stock would be correct, the official order for laminate stocks was issued in 1937 although there are earlier examples. The waffenampts on the 42 code rifle changed in 1940 from "63" to "655". Some "no" letter rifles can be found with "63" proofs. A mixture of "63" and "655" proofs can be found on the same rifle until all of the "63" proof parts were used up. Flat buttplates were used until late 1940 when the cupped style was adopted to prevent the separation of the butt stock, also the sight hood was not used until late 1940. In 1941 the Mauser Oberdorf manufacturing code was changed form 42 to "BYF" and the reciever date was changed from a four-digit to a two-digit number. The 42 code 1940 rifle has a serial # range from 1660 to 5499gg. Luftwaffe marked 42 code rifles are reported but very rare. This one is mine, all matching except the bolt.