just got a M48A

[J Tal]

I just got a M 48. I was told it was a CZ but I'm not shur. How do you tell? It is all matching #'s on receiver, bolt, floor plate, and stock. In great shape inside and out. what is the symbol on top of the receiver? Looks kinda like wings holding a star over a fire. And how do you tell what year it's made in? Sorry I know nothing about this rifle so any info would be good. I'll get some pic's soon.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[metzgeri]

You'll like the Yugo M48. She's an honest representation of an old "workhorse" model mauser from the mid-20th century.

The Yugo M48 mauser is a product of the former Yugoslavia. There was no (former) Czechoslovakia involvement in the manufacture.

That symbol is referred to as the receiver crest. It's a symbol of the former Yugoslavia.

As for date, I don't think there is a way. Dates of production were between 1950 to 1965, as is told here, for the various models: M48 Mauser - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

metzgeri

[J Tal]

According to that link it is a M48B that is marked M48A. Only differince is a few more stamped parts. And it's made from '56 to '65

[Jim]

There is no reliable way to date (post WWII) Yugo rifles from serial numbers.

From the beginning the service weapons were produced with serial numbers without either preceding or succeeding letters. But the problem is that the weapons were not produced in continuity day after day starting from the number 1 up to the end of production of certain model. Everything depended on the available material at the plant and financial sources and the need of the army.
The rifles used to be produced in the batches in different quantities. After each break or pause a new batch started from the last serial number of the former one but with preceding letter denoting a continuation of production i.e. a new batch of the same model rifle. In addition, a decision to stop marking the batches makes the thing more complicated. So, practically the preceding letter means nothing as far as it concerns the serial number itself.
The same rule was applied to the export military Mausers. The serial number was given a Latin preceding letter according to the purchaser's request i.e. according to the terms of the contract.
Source: Branko Bogdanovic, author "Serbian & Yugoslav Mauser Rifles", Military Museum Belgrade researcher, and Zastava historian.

[madcratebuilder]

According to that link it is a M48B that is marked M48A. Only differince is a few more stamped parts. And it's made from '56 to '65

Most Yugo's marked M48A are in reality the M48B model. Many Yugo collectors have been looking for a true A model with the stamped floor plate and milled trigger guard. The 'B' model is a great rifle, most are in unissued condition or have seen little service.

[mike webb]

I notice the word "ZASTAVA" above and I was told by a Croatian friend this means flag in Serbo-Croat. Seems to me the Interarms Mauser sporters imported years ago were made in the same place. Good rifles!!

[madcratebuilder]

"ZASTAVA" refers to the Zastava Arms factory in Kragujevac

[Jim]

"ZASTAVA" refers to the Zastava Arms factory in Kragujevac

Correct and it was formerly (prior to 1953) known as Preduzece 44 and prior to Sept 1947 as 3AVOD 44. Early in 1953 Preduzece 44 was renamed Zavodi Crvena Zastava (Red Banner Works).
Crvena = red
Zastava= banner or "flag"

Mike Webb's friend is quite correct and knows whereof he speaks (as well he should!)