New Mauser Owner

[simsna]

I have recently started collecting WW2 milsurp weapons. I picked up a Mauser 98k today and was wondering if anyone could help me out with the history of the weapon based on the markings. I have done some research online and found various conflicted information. It is a russian capture, but it seems to be in excellent condition. Most RC's I have seen at gun shows are pretty beat up. The last picture really intrigues me because I had an identical "PI" symbol on a Mosin-Nagant I use to own. If any additional photos will help to identify the gun please just let me know. Also in the current market did I over pay at $650?

Information

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[kar98k]

code on receiver ring says it was made by Gustloff Werke in 1944. stock has been cleaned of shellac put on by the Soviets which explains why it's so nice. pics of the whole rifle would help, but it looks like a typical RC. how's the bore? if it's shootable, $650 is a little high but not too bad. it's hard to find RCs under $500 now. shoot it. enjoy it.

[simsna]

The bore looks good. The rifling looks just as good as my modern weapons. The bolt face seems to have minimal amount of rust or corrosion. The flash from the pics brought more imperfections then I can see with the naked eye. The guy I got it from had a huge selection and he said he has shot them all so its safe to shoot. I was looking for getting milsurp weapons that are safe to shoot, accurate, and still a part of history. I am fine with it not being museum quality, I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a piece that will sit in a safe year round.

[Aragorn243]

Peterson's still lists an excellent condition RC at $400 but admittedly, they seem to be going for a little more than that. $650 seems way too high for an RC, even today.

RC's are essentially rebuilt rifles so unless it's actually been used, they should nearly all be in excellent condition. The shellac does look pretty bad so yours being removed may make it appear to be in better condition.

[Midmichigun]

Simsa,
Like it... love it... shoot it!
While many look down on the RC aspect of it, the market will appreciate it as time goes on. I also figure that the RC is now part of its history... just as a US capture is part of many here in the US.
I don't see as many RC's as I used to... and prices are going up...

[Sarge]

Yes, prices on RCs have gone up in the past few years, BUT $650 is hi-way robbery!
There are a lot of places to buy RCs for $500 or less.
For example, I have several in Ex condition to sell in the $450 - $500 range.
Sarge