Questions for the group...Mauser K98

[Hooked Now]

A gent at my gun club is selling a WWII era sporterized Mauser K98 in 8mm. Bluing and finish are about what you'd think. Stock is fair. Ad mentions it has a 30# recoil spring. I know literally nothing about K98s. So questions are...where is the recoil spring on a bolt gun? And is this potentially worth purchase and refurb into maybe another caliber?

 

[skydiver386]

Most 98 Mauser rifles used a 22 pound striker or firing pin spring. The 30 pound spring is available for use in sub freezing temperatures or with hard primers. As long as the firing pin protrusion checks out ok, either spring is fine.

These can be great hunting rifles in their original caliber IF they are in good condition.

The major concern is the bore condition and headspace. Most of these rifles have seen extensive use, and have been exposed to corrosive ammunition. Check the bore if you can, especially the area just ahead of the chamber. Inspect the crown of the rifling at the muzzle.

Excessive Headspace is more difficult to check without proper gauges, but an easy way to explain it is when the 2 locking lugs on the bolt have been gradually pushed backwards into their seats in the receiver. It happens to all bolt action rifles over time, but sometimes becomes a problem about the 3,000 to 4,000 round mark.

Start with the bolt in its closed position, lift the bolt upward to unlock it, then push it back down to it's locked position SLOWLY. If you feel things are tight when the bolt handle is up, but feels significantly looser when it in the down, or locked position, this is a bad sign. If you can feel the bolt handle move backwards (towards the butt) just before it reaches it's closed position, the recoil lugs and their corresponding seats in the receiver are probably set back.

None of this is 100% precise, but it will give you some way to judge the condition of the rifle without a full gunsmith inspection.

In my opinion, if the rifle is in good shape and can be purchased for $600 or less, I'd consider it. If it needs a rebuild, or you want another caliber, I'd pass. Unless you do the work yourself, you'll end up spending more than many new rifles would cost.

 

[Hooked Now]

One of the many reasons I love this group. @skydiver386 that's incrediby helpful. And simple enough for even me to understand. If the rifle sticks around a bit I'll give it a look. To be honest Im more interested in a 7x57 (please nobody offer to sell me one ! ) so this caliber doesn't do much for me exactly. It only made sense if it was a good project rifle. Sounds like it is only good at this price for this caliber (assuming it is mechanically good). Has kind of a cool swing away scope mount that let's you access the irons.

Thank you for that very helpful response and the time it took to write it. I've learned something.

 

[skydiver386]

Ahhh. The swing away scope mount might change things.

Thousands of these rifles were brought into the Country after the war and sporterized. If the work was done by a guy in his garage with a hand drill and a wood rasp, using a cheap Weaver adapter kit, pass.

On the other hand, some rifles were modified in Europe with sporter stocks, and very nice swing away scope mounts. A picture would be worth a thousand words.

 

[Hooked Now]

I can do you one better. He's got it on GB at a slightly higher price, but here are a few pics.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1094420582

Looks like a Pachmayr swing away. Not high end European I think.

 

[Uncontrolled_round_feed]

Easy pass given the metal condition

 

[RedTag]

Given the rough exterior condition of the metal, I would expect the bore is badly corroded. The stock doesn’t look bad but pictures rarely show cracks or warping. If you can get it for half that price, replace the stock with a new laminate, new barrel, drill/tap for modern scope mounts, plus a good cerakote on the action and barrel, it’d make a kick a__ .308

 

[Hooked Now]

That seems like a lot of refurb for a .308. I've got one already that eats everything and is more accurate than I am. Now if we were talking about a .243...well then, different balkgame!

I think I'll stick all of this knowledge in my head for the next time I run across an old rifle and am thinking of getting it. This has all been helpful and I appreciate all of your input. Enjoy your Sunday!

 

[mdwest]

Definitely too much for that particular rifle. It should be priced a little closer to $400 in my opinion in its current condition.

 

[Hooked Now]

If it matters to anybody in the great state of Georgia, he's offering it for less on the gun club website and he's got it as Take a Shot on GB. I think that means "offer me something".