98k Mauser

[Marty T.]

Will tell you right up front that I know little or nothing about Mauser rifles so I am at the mercy of the collectors here. I have a decent group of M1's and I wanted a German rifle to go with them just for the sake of having one. Here is the question. I have a chance to buy a 98k with byf 44 marked receiver and mismatched parts. Finish is good and markings have not been peened. Drawback is that it is in a sporter stock. Priced at $250 out the door. I know that pics would help a great deal, but rifle is in the store so cannot get pics. Is this a good price and since I don't THINK it would take more than changing the stock to get it back in "wartime" condition, how much trouble would that be to change the stocks if I can find one? Thanks for any info.
Marty T.

[p246]

I just bought a Russian capture for 350 but it came with a bunch of ammo (milsurp Yugo) on stripper clips and 100 rds com. Once fired brass. I had looked at several b4 buying this one. The sported Russian captures here ran around $200.00. Most unmolested R.C's run around 275.00 to 300.00. If the bore is good and it was me I'd try and beat them down.

[Marty T.]

Would it be worth it if I can get them to roll at $200?

[dave]

As a collector it is not worth anything. Do you collect military or sporterized military? Its strickly a shooter/hunting rifle. Stocks for these are rather hard to find and not real cheap. You want a Mauser to 'go with your military collection' go to gun shows, plentty for sale there even if RC's. RC's are ligit military rifles.

[Marty T.]

Not many gun shows around here and by the time I spend the time and gas to hunt for one, would be better off to buy a stock. Just want it as an example anyway, not as anything spectacular. Not got the extra cash for anything really nice, bad as I would like to. So with that in mind, what is the popular opinion? Thanks for all input.

[dave]

Any sportered military will go for 200-300 so if thats what you want its a fair price. But you have to get a stock & handguard, probably an RC which will run maybe a hundred, altho I have not seen any for sale in long time.

[Marty T.]

Not necessarily what I want, it's more what I can afford now and can make some adjustments later as I get a little change to spend. Couple of kids kinda take away the "fun" money if you know what I mean. But just making sure not spending more than I should for what I'd be getting. Rifle is pretty nice for what it is and don't want to miss it if it's good.

[p246]

Try and move them to $200 and I wouldn't pop for anymore than 225.00

[Marty T.]

What are the chances that I would be able to sell the sporter stock on it now? Is there any demand for sporter stocks for these now? And while I'm asking questions and getting answers, have seen some ads for "large ring" stocks for Mauser rifles. What is that in reference to? Thanks again for your patience dealing with my fundamental questions on these.

[older than dirt]

Mauser sporter stocks bring some big $$ on E-bay if they are a good quality one & not a cut down mil. stock. Check them out.

[Marty T.]

Got them to go to $235 out the door, check and all. Now I just have to start trying to find an original stock to replace what's on it. AND some ammo. thanks again for input and if I have (when) any more ? will get back on here. So if any of you know where I might get a stock or if you have any, the rifle is byf 44 for correct, but I will settle for something close as long as it is military issue.

[p246]

Would love to see b4 and after pics if possible. Congrats on ur purchase. I'll check with a k98 collector I work with Monday and see if he has a stock that will work for u.

[dave]

What are the chances that I would be able to sell the sporter stock on it now? Is there any demand for sporter stocks for these now? And while I'm asking questions and getting answers, have seen some ads for "large ring" stocks for Mauser rifles. What is that in reference to? Thanks again for your patience dealing with my fundamental questions on these.

I am not an e-bay fan so seldom go there. Maybe people are sporterizing these guns again and stocks can be sold. But they have become so collectable I am not aware of that.
As for a 'large ring' stock you need one for a Kar.98k. Almost all military Mausers made since 1898 are large ring and there are many, many varities. Large ring is in reference to the diameter of the reciever ring, the part the barrel screws into.

[Marty T.]

I'll have to get the wife to post a pic. Got some ammo from a reloading friend that had come across a huge box of it. So now we're back to needing a stock. So you all keep an eye out for me and see if you can help me locate a decent one for this rifle. It just don't seem right to have one in a sporter stock even if they were on the "wrong" side.

[Marty T.]

Ok, here we go again. This rifle that I bought has a Fagen sporter stock on it. Is in really good shape, just one small scrap down next to the trigger. Anybody got any idea what this might be worth because I want to sell it to help finance a military stock. Thanks.

[dave]

Fagen sold stocks from 'you finish it' to fully finished, even some were that were "semi-inletted". Not particarly expensive and I think buyers to-day would be hard to find for one of these. I would guess maybe a hundred or less. You will also need lower band, upper band, band spring and bayonet lug. On a 44 date the bands should be stamped, however it will be a mix-master anyway, the milled type are much nicer. And do not forget a handguard (matched wood) and butt plate W/screws.

[Marty T.]

Dave, I mean this in a VERY complimentary way. You seem like a fellow that really knows his Mausers. I think it would be a great time just to be able to sit down and let you go on and on about all the different variations and models of these rifles. Thanks for all the info and I will try to learn more about them as time goes by. And for sure, as I have more questions, will get back here again.

[dave]

I have been collecting Mausers (mainly) since the 1950's. After a couple years decided to buy only 1898 models made by FN, Germany, Czech. and Yugo. I still learn about these models I have never heard of before, so I do not consider myself any kind of an 'expert'. Knowgeable perhaps. I have dozens of books and other reference material. I have also learned allot about collecting, anything, over the years.
I would be very happy to help where I can but there are many earlier Mauser models I know little about. First lesson on collecting--concetrate on one thing and learn that subject as much as possible. Some collect every Mauser they see, no matter the model or the country that manufactured it (and some are really junk!). They end up with a collection with no cohesion and no hope of coming close to completeing it. This is just my opinion, everone has there own, just as valid. I know one guy who collects only Mausers made for 'export' to other country's military. 'A plan', I guess you can call it. Now ask me about early Mossberg .22 rifles! Hehehe.
Sorry if this sounds like a lecture!