K98 question?

[Johnny S]

I just bought a K98 a couple of weeks back .What size caliber bullet does the K98 use,I'am new to rifle's .The marking on the top in front of the chamber is 7.91. It does not look to be reborded IMO.Thanks for any help............Johnny S

[Steve in Florida]

8mm (or 7.92mm)

I believe the Germans marked the actual bore size on the barrel. I've seen 7,9 7,91 7,92

[Matt Weber]

Steve is correct, You can see a variety of numbers for the bore on the top of the reciever.

The actual caliber of the K98 is 7.92X57JS. It is sometimes known as "7.92X57", "7.92Mauser", "8mm Mauser", or "German 8mm".
If you buy surplus ammo, it will usually be labeled 7.92X57. If you go to Fleet Farm or WalMart to buy ammo, it will be called "8mm Mauser".

Matt

[Johnny S]

wallmart ammo

Thanks Guys,do you recomend buying Mauser ammo from wallmart???

[Steve in Florida]

I personally don't recommend shooting any

WWII German rifles (especially the later ones). In many cases, they were made by people who did not wish to be making them (forced/slave labour, etc). The declining quality of materials as the war pressed on is an issue. Headspace could be bad, etc. That's just me.

[Matt Weber]

I could not disagree with Steve more!
Sure you can have the headspace checked to make sure it is safe, but have you ever seen one bad? I haven't!

I personally feel that the K98 is by far the safest bolt action design in history. The only difference between an early war or pre-war model and a late 1945 K98 is the machining marks and the finish of both the parts and the wood. That is all. I still shoot my "byf45", and it shoots great! I had a K98 once that the bore was totally gone! I mean you couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it! But you know what? It still fired, and fired well, just wasn't accurate at all!
I would feel much safer shooting a 1945 dated K98 than say a 1945 dated M1 carbine.

True story! A GI told me once that he saw a GI slam the door of a jeep and his M1 carbine was stuck in it. It bent the barrel by about 25 degrees! Try to do that with a German rifle! You can't!

Matt

Hello

I have a 1940 dated, matching K98, code 243 ( Mauser Werke A.G., Berlin-Borsigwalde). He´s also stamped with 7,91. I will post some detailed pictures when my membership-account is activated ( question of days). You can already see a picture at my site.

Jan From Flanders Fields

http://www.militaria.0catch.com/soldat1.htm

[Johnny S]

1938 K98

I won't take it out to the firing range until it has been checked by a gunsmith. As I said I'm new to rifles so I won't take any chances.Also it will give me a feeling of security to have a working rifle around the house in this day and age.Thanks Guys!

[Matt Weber]

Sounds good Johnny! I'm sure it will be good. Enjoy shooting it! They are great rifles! I shoot every one of mine, including the G33/40!

Matt