So I picked up a new rifle.... And some questions

[Justin2200]

But it's 71 years old. And I'm having trouble identifying exactly where it came from. A first glance over indicates of course that it is a k98. But there are NO markings at all on the wide part of the receiver where you would commonly see marks. The bolt is a mismatch, which I'm okay with. I bought this rifle primarily to learn on. I'm sure there is someone here far more experienced with the Mauser than I, and I would love your input. Perhaps the stock was changed too, as it did not have that trademark tool for removing the firing pin, nor a strap through cutout. I'll need to transfer the photos to my computer and down size them.

Two other interesting thoughts: This particular buttstock does not have the cutout for a turned down bolt handle. And I've also never seen a K98 with an upper hand guard that extends back beyond the rear sight. (Albeit I have limited experience with these things, but none of the ones I've seen photos of have the long upper handguard). The upper handguard was cracked, and when I took it off I found some nasty looking epoxy holding on a round metal clip that secured it to the barrel. I'm not sure if that was original either, I though they were slip fitted.

Before I picked up the rifle, I went out and bought a sight hood...and it turns out this particular rifle has a different style of front sight and won't take a hood. Not sure if this is some mish mash of a bunch of different parts, or if it's not actually a k98, or what. Just not sure. I don't know enough about them. I know that it will safely chamber and fire 7.92 x 57 cartridges (I belive in .323, though I have not actually slugged the barrel yet). Date codes indicated 1945.

[joe817]

I'm sure no expert on Mauser guns used during WWI or WWII, but that one pic of the full rifle looks like a Mauser Gewehr 98 (Not 98k) as it has a straight bolt. That's the rifle the Wehrmacht issued its troops as the main German battle rifle of WWI, since it does not have a turned down bolt. IIRC, all 98k's do have the turned down bolt with the cut out to accommodate the turned bolt. I believe the 98k was adopted for use in 1934 or 1935.

But you said it had a date code of 1945. Soooooo.....

Here is a link to Mauser 98k Proof Marks that may help you identify it. It has a lot of good stuff in it:

http://mauser98k.internetdsl.pl/gbkomen.html

Wikipedia has a pretty good rundown on the 98k:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karabiner_98k


Good luck on identifying it!

[TexasRedMonkey]

It appears to be a Yugo m24.

Info on the M24

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M24_series

Hope this helps.

[Justin2200]

I had my suspicions that it might have come out of Yugoslavia, as it has none of the standard German markings on it. I've already cross referenced with all the information I can find on the German makes. Apart from the S S S stamped into the rear sight base plate. But from what I gather, that is an identifier for the steel company.

It's definitely something I need to do much more research on

[The Annoyed Man]

Where are you located? I ask because I've been trying to sell some milsurp Mauser ammo for a friend of mine wh is an overseas missionary, that should shoot just fine in your rifle: http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=84201.

Let me know if you're interested.

[Justin2200]

As far as ammunition, I'm very likely going to slug the bore and learn more about the rifle before I fire it, not to mention that this summer has been cruel to my wallet

But I live a stone's throw away from you

[The Annoyed Man]

As far as ammunition, I'm very likely going to slug the bore and learn more about the rifle before I fire it, not to mention that this summer has been cruel to my wallet

But I live a stone's throw away from you

Well let me know if you get interested.