Russian capture '98 Mausers
 

About the only vintage '98 Mausers around are the vast numbers captured during WWII and reworked by the Russians. Most that I have seen were rough inside and out, had more numbers than a bingo game and often showed battle damage and repairs. These guns were in storage for a half century before hitting the American market. Too bad Ivan did not spend more time cleaning these rifles. If you want a piece of history from WWII at a price that many can still afford, this may be your chance. All the best...
Gil

I'm always leery about the German mausers. If you get a good one, great and the 8x57 is as good as anything we have in N. America. However, many of these rifles saw service in 2 World Wars and are the worse for wear. I have one that I completely restored, and it looks tremendous, but doesn't shoot worth a hoot. If you've got a good one, treasure it by all means. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Cal
 

You make some valid points. It seems the better '98 Mausers are stashed away like silver coins. All the best...
Gil

Mauser
 

Get a YUGGO. Same thing only better.

It depends
 

The Yugoslav reworked '98 Mausers are usually well done and often have several numbers, but tend to be in better condition. I managed to get a few and really like them. The Yugoslav Models 48, 48A and 24/47 are very nice. I have a few of each and like them, too. However, they are '98 Mauser clones, not true '98s and the various parts generally will not interchange. I agree they are often found in excellent condition with matching numbers. If you want a very nice rifle at a decent price, get one of these Yugoslav rifles. All the best...
Gil

I picked up a 1939 K98 captured gun in excellent condition, one of the Russian reworks. The bolt does not match but everything else does. The swastikas have been punched out, I understand this was only done in the early days, too many were captured later to bother. My bore is bright but I have not shot targets with it to see how accurate it is.

I bought this gun from a dealer friend in England along with a 1928A1 Russian lend-lease gun, a '43 Ppsh41, 1916 Nagant and 1942 TT33. I was told last week that they have found a stash of K98 sniper rifles - excitement is building.

You did well
 

I have noticed that many of the reworked '98 Mausers often have stocks that were sanded and the buttplate may stick out like a lethal weapon. Seems Ivan needs hard currency and I expect it will be a while before the flow of Soviet arms into the market slows down. All the best...
Gil