K98 up for review

[ALJEFF]

I'm not sure that I understand the question.

The ZF41 scope was a low power (around 1.5X I think) long eye relief mounting set up that was designed for mass production and easy factory manufacturing. It was adopted to provide some enhanced optic capability to the better shots in combat units on a wider scale than was available from true snipers, who were generally in short supply.

I think that their success was somewhat of a mixed bag....with the overall performance being a disappointment. Some shooters could hit some targets some of the time with it, but it did not prove to be a weapon that made every shooter a sniper.

[Barry Bass]

The Zf41 is the easiest of the German "snipers" to be faked.....Having said that, you would be better off paying a little more for an unmolested original.....They're out there, but as already stated, they won't go for $1750.....Bodes

There seems to be a magic word about "sniper" and another is "SS"

Both seem to attract attention and victims of scammers. This rifle shmells. A true all matching sniper would go for $5-6k.

[phild]

There seems to be a magic word about "sniper" and another is "SS"

Both seem to attract attention and victims of scammers. This rifle shmells. A true all matching sniper would go for $5-6k.

They are highly sought after because of the highy historical role that military snipers served in that conflict. That context and the relative rarity of real ones has meant that demand has greatly outstriped the available surviving examples. The high prices (as with most SS items as you mentioned) is what is attracting the scammers.

IMO an all matching and all original correct 4X k98k fitted sniper would sell between 12k and 20k depending on the mount type and a few other factors. Some have in fact sold for much more than the top of the range that I gave...very rare configs.

Given the current prices of FJ and SS helmets and a number of other 3rd Reich items, I think that it is almost the crime of stealing to buy an orginal k98k 4x sniper for 12-15K!!

[n467us]

Anytime a seller offers no return, that should be a clue to a problem

[Matt Weber]

I agree with almost all of the above statemtents. The ZF41 is not a "true" sniper rifle. It was intended as a "sharpshooter" weapon instead. Basically they German army planned to have these on at least 10% of the rifles issued, but of course that never happened.

Now, I have another question for ZF41 experts out there.
I just saw a vet bring back ZF41 rifle. It was all matching (except bolt, but bolt did match itself!), it had a correct ZF41 rail on it, that matched the rifle as well. Rifle was an "ar 42" which is correct for a Mauser Borsigwalde 1942 assembly. Condition was very good on this rifle. 90% finish, and wood was decent as well. NO scope or mount though with it.

What would you estimate the value of this rifle?

Thanks,
Matt