Potential Mauser Purchase 41 BnZ

1645 Views 20 Replies 12 Participants Last post by Maximus Slade, Apr 12, 2014

Generator411

Discussion Starter · Apr 9, 2014

Hi there guys,

New member here looking at buying my first 98k. I have stumbled across seemingly a great find with a matching bolt/trigger/bottom plate serial 1941 bnz steyer model. The serials on all other parts are not matching but the bolt and center workings all match.

It is in seemingly great condition with the eagles still in tact, not X'd like an RC. No shellacking and the wood is still very satin/matte and more of a yellow tone. As it is at the Local Gander mountain im not sure i can take pics but have a serial of 5190 and BNZ 1941 markings. Not sure if its just a great bolt with tons of reworking or a great find with SOME matching. its also going for 700 which seems way high but its in great shape and comes with a case. Seems worthy of talking down but checking with the pros

I'll try to maybe get some pics today of it.

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

runner

· #2 · Apr 9, 2014

Not possible to give an originality or value estimate without pictures. But assuming the matching numbers you did see are correct, it sounds like a restored sporter. That would explain the matching numbers on the bolt, receiver, trigger guard, floor plate, but mismatched bands and stock. The stock should be numbered underneath behind the pistol grip, and have inspection markings on the right side of the butt behind the bolt takedown washer.

Others will give their opinion, but "if" it is a restored sporter, I think $700. is too high. Save your money for a nice bolt only mismatch.

good luck, runner

Generator411

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 10, 2014

It is definitely not sporterized. All the wood has the original shape to it but ill try and get pics tonight if they will let me.

and why would someone sporterize a 41 BnZ Steyer?! crazyness. Any good leads on where to get a great mauser in the Dallas FW area? Im starting my hunt but dont want to....Jump the gun

on this find.

Gen.VonKraut

· #4 · Apr 10, 2014

Generator411 said:
It is definitely not sporterized. All the wood has the original shape to it but ill try and get pics tonight if they will let me.

and why would someone sporterize a 41 BnZ Steyer?! crazyness. Any good leads on where to get a great mauser in the Dallas FW area? Im starting my hunt but dont want to....Jump the gun on this find.

He is saying someone may have restored this rifle to the configuration that it's in presently by replacing the stock and barrel bands if it was sporterized.

We will never understand Bubba.

Generator411

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 10, 2014

8

So here are some Pics..Had to sneak in as many as I could while they let me. Something that worried me was i saw on the tag .308 which made me wonder if they messed with the caliber. The store manager attempted to drop a .306 shell in and it "sort of" fit and he suggested it be taken to a gunsmith to be sure and that he'd look into it further.

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Spaxspore

· #6 · Apr 10, 2014

blue looks good, its 8mm. Stock, I can't tell but looks sanitized but not 100% sure. Any markings on the stock? Below the wrist?

Generator411

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 10, 2014

There was faint numbering but had to quit taking pictures. I think all that matches are the center inner workings. The butt place appears to be authentic with BRG stamps as well, but not matching serials on the muzzle or elsewhere. There are some definite proofing stamps all over the center/bolt.

I see the 218 on the rifle which suggests 8mm but i still wonder after talking to the guy and dropping a 306 in there. Would hate to buy a re worked rifle.

Spaxspore

· #8 · Apr 10, 2014

usually if its reworked / rechamber it will be marked like so -

On the barrel ring is it marked 79?

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Generator411

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 10, 2014

Like the above picture, no it is not. It has a 218 on the 6th picture i posted which suggests 8mm model but if someone reworked it, would they note it anywhere? Ill need to go up there and look at it again lol.

Honestly i just want a really nice mauser with a great back story and markings and as much match as possible. This one "looks great" for what it is as my first. The RC's they have are complete crap.

Spaxspore

· #10 · Apr 10, 2014

German rework would be 02 and in 8 mm

Sent from my own personal Sputnik

Generator411

Discussion Starter · #11 · Apr 10, 2014

So what do you think? Want some better pictures? I see lots of markings all over the gun as proofs and inspection. Want more detailed shots of each bit to really deduce if its worth it?

lornedavis

· #12 · Apr 10, 2014

Generator411 said:
It is definitely not sporterized. All the wood has the original shape to it but ill try and get pics tonight if they will let me. why would anyone sporterize---?

He did not say it was sportered, said it had been and now restored to military. I agree with that. As to "why" back when these cost 35-40 bucks at any gun store many, many people did just that! I have about 25 K98k's in my collection and except for a couple more recent purchases the most expensive was 60 dollars, very hi at the time but worth it.
You asked for advise and got it, and I concur, too much money. Gander Mountain has a rep for hi-prices. A matched rifle with m/m bolt is likly to be a bring-back, always worth more!

From the number on the butt plate I would say stock came off a German/Norweign surrender rifle. These were being sold here with matched metal some time back, just the stocks I mean.

Generator411

Discussion Starter · #13 · Apr 11, 2014

Well not sure when guns like this were 50 bucks but this one seems to be in great shape bolt wise, just not matching serials except for the center workings. But plate has interesting origins as well as the Bolt, Steyer.

Their $399 models are in pretty bad condition by comparison and have no markings of any sort other than Yugo/Czech. Looked at all 6. Any place you'd suggest going for a real good find and what are your thoughts on this guy besides price? Pretty much a bunch of interesting parts seemingly brought together. I need to look at the wood on it again for markings. They were faint.

mwt

· #14 · Apr 11, 2014

Post a want to buy k98k bolt mismatch on k98 and gun boards traders. Great, honest, and often generous collectors who often go the extra mile to help new collectors (which I am also) get started in the hobby.

hansellhd2

· #15 · Apr 11, 2014

At some point the stock was heavily sanded, butt-plate is Norwegian.

HDH.

lornedavis

· #16 · Apr 11, 2014

Generator411 said:
Well not sure when guns like this were 50 bucks but this one seems to be in great shape bolt wise, just not matching serials except for the center workings. But plate has interesting origins as well as the Bolt, Steyer.

Their $399 models are in pretty bad condition by comparison and have no markings of any sort other than Yugo/Czech. Looked at all 6. Any place you'd suggest going for a real good find and what are your thoughts on this guy besides price? Pretty much a bunch of interesting parts seemingly brought together. I need to look at the wood on it again for markings. They were faint.

You had better do some research before you buy a rifle, its obvious you know nothing about them! The 218 has nothing to do with caliber but is part of the sub contractor barrel code. The brg (Steyr is bnz) on butt plate is the subcontractors code, very common on many K98k's. The serial number is Norwegiann, Germans did not number butt plates. K98k's sold for 30-35 bucks back in the late 50's and 60's when vets decided they had been in the closet long enough and traded for a real sporter or just wanted a few bucks.
This is a reworked rifle, except it was done by a collector here in the US! Not by a offical Gov. (of some country) arsenal.
You seem determinded to buy it despite what is said here, so have at it! But 700 is Waaaay too much, it is not a collectable, just a shooter, 300 tops!

scandiknivars

· #17 · Apr 12, 2014

STOP, As a new collector I recommend that you go to ebay and buy the cheapest copy on a "Buy It Now" auction of Robert W.D. Ball's book MAUSER MILITARY RIFLES of the WORLD. It doesn't matter at this point what edition because you need to spend the next 30 days reading it and looking at the pictures to gain knowledge of what's out there and how to recognize it. VERY IMPORTANT...Keep your hands OFF of your wallet during this time & refrain from going to any place that might sell a gun. In a month go to gunbroker and register so you can check past auctions. Type in Mauser and see what actually sold & for how much. Don't look at the current auctions unless you just have to & then only pick out those Mauser that are don't have a reserve and do have bids. Watch those. Come back to this forum and do a search on a specific type of Mauser and read...read...read. Once you think you know enough to buy without paying next centuries price for this centuries junk get your feet wet.
Dan in Texas

Milsurp2.0

· #18 · Apr 12, 2014

Its a restored sporter bnz in a bnz Norwegified stock. Too bad it was drilled and tapped. Also it's not out of the realm that it could be rechambered to 8mm06. If its been modified for a peep sight it could just as well been rechambered.

TP

· #19 · Apr 12, 2014

A heavily reworked rifle, the price is much too high.

As far as caliber, who knows, the managers suggestion to have it checked for caliber by a gunsmith is silly. Gander Mountain has plenty of access to gunsmiths and is foolish to sell a rifle that may or may not be of the caliber they and a buyer think it might be. Best they know what they are selling.

tahoe2

· #20 · Apr 12, 2014

As others have stated, I would step way back from that one, and start researching before plunking down that kind of money. You should be able to find a decent 98 for half that price.
Patience is key and the more you see and handle, the easier it will be when the right one, sits in your hands. I think most of us have made that "it looks to good to be true" mistake.

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