Help with K-98 ar 41

[J.G.C.]

I've got an opportunity to pick up a vet bring back K-98 ar with a 41 date. This gun is all matching with the original sling, only problem is that its had a coat of varnish applied to the stock. I need to know if the finish kills the value, and what an approximate value would be? I appreciate any help in this matter. Thanks Jon

[Gimpy117]

it would lower it. but i would bet you can strip it off

[Johnny Peppers]

Don't use one of the commercial paint strippers, as it will remove everything down to the bare wood. If the stock was not sanded prior to the varnish, it should still have some of the original stain. Lacquer thinner works very slowly and will remove the top layer without harming the original color.
Refinish with very very thin coats of boiled linseed oil and turpentine mixed 50/50. Don't apply enough that it starts to gloss, or you are back where you started.

[J.G.C.]

Thanks for all the information so far. The asking price for this rifle is $700, is this a good price considering the stock in its present condition? Thanks again, Jon

[Col.Klink]

As long as the stock isn't sanded horribly under the varnish, I think $700 is a fair price.

[DennyB]

If I recall, the last AR-41 I saw was extensively serial numbered, even the cleaning rod if memory serves me correctly. That should be a fairly rare code so $700 for an all matching sounds pretty good to me.

[John Macrini]

Varnished? Wait a minute........ Are any of the serial numbers electro-penciled or are they all stamped? Is there an X on the receiver? I'm hoping for you that someone is not trying to push a RC on you for 700. For that price any code all matching k98 is great...... Varnished or not.

[J.G.C.]

Varnished? Wait a minute........ Are any of the serial numbers electro-penciled or are they all stamped? Is there an X on the receiver? I'm hoping for you that someone is not trying to push a RC on you for 700. For that price any code all matching k98 is great...... Varnished or not.

Thanks for your concern John, but this is directly from the family of the vet who has been a friend for over 40 years. I assure you it is not a Russian capture rifle, and because of the friendship with the vets family I want to be sure they receive what the gun is actually worth. Their wanting $700, but if its worth a $1000 I want to give them that, I don't want to mess with our friendship over the price of a gun. Since I'm not a gun collector I thought I'd ask for help from the forum members. Thanks to all that have commented, Jon

[John Macrini]

OK.... good deal, sorry about that you never know though, just trying to help. I know of at least one collector that was fooled by the seller into buying a RC as all matching, and original, but he was a novice....

If the AR41 is all matching, and the only thing wrong is truly the varnish, then I would pounce on that for 700$ that is a really good price for a very desireable rifle. Personally if i ran across the same rifle up for sale (also keep in mind I havent actually seen the condition) but if it was nice I would pay up to 1200$. On GB an all matching AR41 would go for a lot more than 700$!

[J.G.C.]

OK.... good deal, sorry about that you never know though, just trying to help. I know of at least one collector that was fooled by the seller into buying a RC as all matching, and original, but he was a novice....

If the AR41 is all matching, and the only thing wrong is truly the varnish, then I would pounce on that for 700$ that is a really good price for a very desireable rifle. Personally if i ran across the same rifle up for sale (also keep in mind I havent actually seen the condition) but if it was nice I would pay up to 1200$. On GB an all matching AR41 would go for a lot more than 700$!

Thanks John, you've been a great help, I appreciate you taking the time to help me out. Jon

[Bob in OH]

.... Since I'm not a gun collector I thought I'd ask for help from the forum members. Thanks to all that have commented, Jon

IMO, just pay the friend what he's asking. Since you are not "a collector" I think it somwhat dangerous to assume its a 1K (or more rifle). The devil is really in the details with these rifles.

Buy the rifle if you want, then pop a few pics and if it's worth more than you can go to plan-B. (dinner out or more cash for the seller). This might be better than paying 1K and then finding out it's really a $500 rifle.

[Col.Klink]

Also, another danger of offering folks more than they are asking is that they will then withdraw the item, thinking it must be worth a LOT. I've seen this happen before, and heard of it many times as well, even between friends. Anyhow, good luck with it, and be sure and post pics of it when you get it!

[pitts duncan]

i'm with bob

great idea bob. sounds like something i'd do or at least think about doing . i got an ar 41 . borginswalde i think? all numbers match duffle cut and front band was missing. i restored with as close to correct parts as i could find, but made sure to keep the original duffle stock. what a great gun . i paid 80 for the gun , spent 600 plus on parts and tools to restore so yes i'd say 700 an excellent buy.

[SINGLE CLAW]

A nice Correct All Matching AR 41 ZF41 is well worth Over $1000 USD more like $2500 and if it has Scope & Mount and Can Well Closer to $4000 to $4500 . Does the Varnish Hurt the Value a Touch I would say but many times it can be removed without much trouble . As far as adding Something to the Wood after Removed be Very Careful what is used . As far as cleaning if Varnish is thin Brake Cleaner can be used . Small Areas at a time . Best Regards

[Johnny Peppers]

A nice Correct All Matching AR 41 ZF41 is well worth Over $1000 USD more like $2500 and if it has Scope & Mount and Can Well Closer to $4000 to $4500 . Does the Varnish Hurt the Value a Touch I would say but many times it can be removed without much trouble . As far as adding Something to the Wood after Removed be Very Careful what is used . As far as cleaning if Varnish is thin Brake Cleaner can be used . Small Areas at a time . Best Regards

When did it become a ZF41?
Brake cleaner is a great degreaser, but not for varnish removal.