[Blumax]

I have a modest collection (50+) of military firearms (from flint locks through percussion and into WWII) including several German pistols (C98's, Luger P08, P38, Styer-Hahn ) and a number of other military guns in rifle or hand gun form. I have Swiss, Russian Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, and American weapons, but alas, no German Mauser rifles. I know enough to stay away from Mitchel's Mausers and some other places. What I am looking for is a "nice" all matching K98 that is "reasonably" priced. I would love to have an all matching 1944 German manufactured rifle only because that is the year of my birth. If the quality of the manufacturing during this late stage of the war is not the best idea, than I would appreciate any suggestions. Can anyone give me a "push" in the right direction? Any books or research info would be appreciated. Any vendors that anyone can recommend. I have some health issues so I'm not really looking as much for a shooter as I am for a quality display weapon. Thanks for all of your help and ideas!

Blu Max

 

[Beswick]

I think there were still some nice rifles produced in 1944. I've got a BYF 44 E block thats got near commercial bluing and is built very well. I've also got another BYF 44 L block that I use as a shooter, and it shoots great. Gunbroker gets some nice 44 k98s sometimes......another member might have a 44 k98 as well...you never know.

 

[mjohansson2]

Well, early to mid-1944 would be fine, even some later '44 the quality is still better then some other countries. Gunbroaker and auction arms are two good places to start as you can see pictures for the guns. Does code or who made the arm matter to you? There were a lot of manufacturs in '44. Gun shows are becoming a pain to go to and around here I have not seen any good ones at all just RC mausers. You should be able to find a bolt mm '44 for say $600 or maybe a little less if it is a common code say BYF.

 

[solman]

don't wanna mention names, but several senior members of this board have often put up some NICE matching or bolt mismatch for 'reasonable' prices.

 

[Kursk]

czech rifles in '44 were still pretty nice too. dou and dot codes that is.
reference material? contact bruce98k or mrfarb, both members on the boards here and both moderators. they just put out an excellent late war 98k book that you would probably just love.

 

[milsurp_collector]

What I am looking for is a "nice" all matching K98 that is "reasonably" priced.

Aren't we all.

What you are looking for (matching and reasonably priced) is highly sought-after and scarce, so there are no vendors who have a large inventory to choose from. This is the only vendor who might have what you are looking for http://www.simpsonltd.com/product_i...=9427&osCsid=ea951cbdb194681d9c54c0ee3e1d3d9a

Most matching rifles for sale are being sold by individuals, so you will have to check the Trader here http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?75-The-Trader-WTS-and-WTT-listing-board , auction sites like Gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com, and your local gun stores and pawn shops. Instead of an all-matching rifle you might want to start out with a mostly-matching rifle as they are more available and less expensive than an all-matching rifle. Also, a mostly-matching rifle is less likely to be faked. If you search through this forum you will find sad tales of members who bought "all-matching" rifles only to find that they had been faked-up with restamped "matching" numbers. If you are just starting out, it's safer to go with a bolt mismatch or other mostly matching rifle. If you come across an all-matching rifle you want to buy, post close-up pictures of the numbers and other markings so it can be evaluated for authenticity before you spend your hard-earned money.

 

[Bill In Indiana]

Good advice from Milsurp_Collector. The only thing I would ad is that if you are looking to the rifle as an investment, buy the best rifle you can find, and one that is matching. Top quality will always gain in value at a faster rate than those with a few problems.

 

[milsurp_collector]

Thanks Bill.

Any books or research info would be appreciated.

I overlooked this question. This is the book to get, especially since you are interested in 1944 K98k's http://kriegsmodell.com/

Buy that book first. Second book to buy is Backbone of the Wehrmacht.

 

[Blumax]

Thanks to all of you who have responded. The information is greatly appreciated and when I get the right K98 I will post some pictures. Thanks again to all of you!