my first gun, k98

[SlithMan]

Hey guys, I just bought my first gun yesterday. Supposedly a russian capture, heres the description it had.

"K98 8mm Dated 1938 with a S/237 mfg. code on front of receiver. The gun is in fine condition and the stock number matches the serial number of 4629. The underneath of the barrel front has an import mark designating it came from Germany. It appears that this was refurbished and the bolt and trigger grouping was machine stenciled with #4629 over prior numbers. The bore is excellent as is the metal bluing and wood. The Nazi emblems on the original Third Reich acceptance stamps have been punched out, de-Nazifying the gun for re-use after the war. I believe this particular rifle may have been one used by the Russians or East Germans as it was their practice to punch out the swastika. Still a collectible, a definite piece of the historic puzzle, a fine shooter or excellent for re-enactment"

I just ordered surplus ammo and a cleaning kit for it, any tips for shooting/cleaning? My parents have decent sized farm so I have a lot of space. The only thing ive shot is a .22 before this thing wont blow me away right? Also the finish on the stock seems a little weird compared to the other Mausers I've seen on the internet it seems thick and shiny, and gives the look as if the stock was plastic, is that normal?. Someone told me to strip it off?

Anyways im really happy to own a piece of history, Im looking at it wondering who else held it and where its been and stuff, crazy to think about.

[SlithMan]

[C.O.Sargent]

You have a nice bit of history, keep it clean after every shoot and you will have years of enjoyment ahead of you,congrats on a nice purchase.

[FestungSpanien]

nice shooter

[relichelmet]

These Russian Recaptures are fun and great to shoot if the barrel is good, what kind of surplus ammo did you buy? Not bad for your first gun ,congratulations

[MauserKar98k]

Very good choice for a first gun! Shooting one of these will definitely be a different experience from shooting a .22, 8mms have a healthy kick to them, but it's probably nothing that you wouldn't be able to handle.

In regards to the stock, it was probably shellacked by the Russians during the rearsenaling process. It's pretty much up to you if you would want to take it off or not.

[SlithMan]

Thanks guys! In response to what ammo, I got 100 rounds of Romanian 8mm on stripper clips off of ammunition to go, should be here soon ill let you know how the first shoot goes. As for the finish , I haven't decided what do yet, one part of me wants to keep it in its original historical state and the other part wants to see whats under the shellac. guess ill decide after the shoot.

[History]

Nice rifle! I wouldnt do anything to it. It is a Russian captured K98 and that is its history now. I have one myself that I put in a correct stock but I kept everything that came with it in its Russian capture condition. One day these will be sought after when the originals dry up . Again neat rifle.

[juoneen]

Did the russians deface the swa's....it appears like they are peened with something like a punch..or is that an optical illusion.

[ChrisCook]

K98

Nice Russian Capture, here's some advice on shooting it....they have a fair "kick" to them, but not too bad.

Surplus Ammo is OK to shoot in a Mauser, but be advised that most of it is corrosive. After shooting there are specific steps to take to clean the bore and face of the bolt. Rather than being specific do a search here, on some gun forums, or on google for "Corrosive Ammo" to view a range of ideas on the topic. Regular cleaning is not adequate to remove and neutralize the corrosive salts. No biggie, just a little extra work.....if you don't do it you will pit out/frost the bore.... Chris....

[robcox1]

Nice rifle. A 98K was the first high-powered rifle I had ever shot and I didn't know enough to have a firm cheek-weld to the buttstock. It drew blood! Not trying to scare you or anything, just make sure you have the butt pressed firmly into your shoulder and your cheek firmly against the stock or the recoil will give you a nasty surprise.

[SlithMan]

drew blood? yikes, ill remember the cheek thing I never even thought of that.


In response to juno, I was told the eagles were dinged out and that x marked into it to de-Nazify the gun by the russians after capture.

and yeah i've decided not to mess with the stock or anything, If I find a dark walnut stock ill get it plop the metal in it. thanks again guys

[Chris D.]

Nice gun you got there friend! Ive never drawn blood but if you dont hold it right you can end up with a bruised cheek for sure.
You are correct about the russians pinging out the swastikas but this didnt always happen. I have an RC with ALL the swastikas intact and no X marks at all, just that horrible electro penciling!

Just out of curiosity, is there any remnants of a WaAmt on the stock behind the bolt takedown disk?

[SlithMan]

Thanks lord, I don't see anything on the stock in that area but it has a pretty thick shellac job on it, I also have not cleaned the wood or anything yet. I heard they can show up after stripping the stock but I think I'm going to keep it in as is condition.

[Zephyrmec]

You can use denatured alcohol and steel wool to remove that nasty Russian red shellac, you may see other marks under there, but it's not critical on a shooter. You may be surprised at how decent the wood is underneath with just a little bit of gentle work. A light rubdown with linseed oil, and then some wax and hand rubbing with a soft rag will bring out the beauty without causing any problems.