Grandpa's K98

[Matt Vann]

None taken... A free gun is a free gun. Since it was passed on to us, it will stay in the family. I'll do what I can to clean it up make it as original as possible and take it with me to the range every once in a while.

My 5 digit, British lend/lease, matching M1 Garand (1 TE/ME), more than makes up for having a "klunker" 98K.

[graf]

What about Steyr (?) 1942 & 43 they serialed externally (they even used solid stocks occasionally?) or Gustloff in 41/42 which also sported serials externally, in my experience sometime in 42 Gustloff started to discontinue such serialing (I have seen examples well into the c range with externally serialed stocks, could of course be much later)- and started it epic use of subcontractor parts... which it's famous for later on.

Regarding collecting experience being helpful on id'ing the subject rifle (as a m/m) if the stock were replaced with a proper mid war Gustloff stock- I don't see how? ("Collecting experience" or not) as it would sport proper proofing & no serial externally, just like any other 43 Gustloff.


[QUOTE=bodes]

Graf, I was well aware of what your point was...I just just reiterating the notion that the stocks by this period had discontinued serial #'s externally...This was done LONG before 1943....And yes I do agree that physically would not matter if stock mis-matched numerically internally....For a wallhanger, most people won't know....Those who have some collecting experience will know right off hand that stock isn't right IF not waffen proofed and stamped "C" in the toe of the stock(something correct for a bcd43)....Just my 2 cents ....Bodes

[AndyB]

Hello, the bayo is a yugo Vz.24 long bayonet or belgian export bayonet, M24/30, so maybe the rifle was a yugo postwar rework? best regards?Andy

[Zamex]

Nice rifle! I wish I would have at least such one at home

[bodes]

Matt, It's a shame somebody semi-sporterized this Gustloff Werke(bcd) rifle....IMO, the stock isn't the only problem with this rifle....Appears to be slightly rusty on the metal parts....Hopefully that will clean up with gun oil and #0000 steel wool lightly buffed....The stock not only has the sling opening wood puttied in but also the bolt takedown disk....A run of the mill, early-mid-war K98k stock will work (One w/cupped buttplate & takedown disc configuration)....Those can be found occasionally on eBay, Auction Arms, GunBroker, Sarco, etc....An original bcd stock should have a "C" on the toe(between pistol grip and buttplate) and will probably be tough to find a perfect match...Good Luck...Bodes

Graf, whose misunderstanding whom....If you go back and read my initial reply, you'll see I stated a run of the mill K98k stock will work....(w/cupped buttplate & takedown disk) That falls into a pretty wide area of manufacturers....Point being stock will NEVER be correct any how, place ANY correct type stock first....IF you wanna try to find a Gustloff midwar stock, I believe you'll have a longer, harder time finding one....For what this rifle is, a standard midwar stock will suffice....IF we were dealing with let's say an ac45 K43, and you wanted to replace the stock, another period made ac45 stock will work and nobody will be the wiser....Bodes

[Matt Vann]

I had no luck locating one by manufacturer. I did locate an unmarked walnut stock. I haven't seen it yet, but I'll have the option to return it if I don't like it. Laminated stocks were all marked, most with post-war stamps.

[nellyp51]

Nice rifle well done, and what a piece of family history.

[Matt Vann]

Restoration is going well. The surface rust is coming off without a problem. The finish on the magazine plate, trigger guard and front sight band is somewhat browned, but not pitted. It appears that the expert who varnished the stock didn't want to waste any time by removing metal.

The bore looks incredible. I loaned my calipers to a friend so I can't brag on it just yet.

Thanks for all of your help with the information. Where did you guys learn this stuff anyway? Any book titles you recommend?

One more question for all you gurus on the mountaintop: What is a seabag/duffel bag cut? What were the regs on bringing souvenier guns home?

[bodes]

One more question for all you gurus on the mountaintop: What is a seabag/duffel bag cut? What were the regs on bringing souvenier guns home?[/QUOTE]

Matt, A "duffle" cut is simply a stock shortened to be placed inside a "dufflebag"...Just a term used for a GI to "sneak" home a weapon/souvenir....As for regulations, I believe this type of thing was highly discouraged during fighting....I believe the higher ups deemed it as taking unnecessary risks and something it's troops didn't need...Although discouraged, their wasn't much they could do about it....I believe after the war, when "occupation" forces took over, higher ups didn't care...They even encouraged any dangerous ordnance to be deactivated before sending home...Bodes