My first Mauser ever! 1940 AX K98k with Matching Numbers

Hello folks!


I am fairly new to collecting as I only just recently acquired my LTC. But I am a huge C&R fan and a history buff. Especially WW2 history. Always have been since I was a very little kid fascinated with the history involving World War 2. I just am bewildered by the moments of valor and sacrafice so many of these brave men made. The brotherhood and determination they shared and the unity and heroism they achieved. It brings a tear to my eye to hold these relics of war and the tools used by the bravest and greatest generation of men to ever live.



The other day I went to my local gun store. I do as I always do and ask the fella if they had any world war 2 bolt actions or anything WW2 for sale. At first he said no. But then he found one that they had just gotten in. And it was a K98 Mauser. I didn't know much about the proof markings, but I noticed it had all matching numbers. And no matter what WW2 bolt action you hand me. I want it!


I paid 300 for the rifle. And I am absolutely in love with it.



It is an AX 1940. Which I believe might be one of the rarer ones. And it has all matching 7855 numbers. I think the only part that might have been replaced is the bolt but i'm not sure. The stock is in fantastic shape.


The Rifle was unfortunately sporterized. I have been debating weather or not to go through the process of hunting down a non molested stock. But I really love the way it feels and shoots.




















Here are some of my groupings from 25 yards. Keep in mind that I suck lol





I was wondering if anyone could teach me what the proof markings mean. I believe it says 280 underneath a eagle with a nazi symbol. It is very neat. The rifle also needs a butt plate. But those are fairly cheap.



Thanks for sharing any info. Have a great weekend!


P.S I was reccomended to these forums by Ultimate Shield. Thanks again sir

The ax code is less common for sure, and the E/280 are inspection marks placed there to signify proper manufacturer or proper assembly/ sub-assembly.

Forward of the rear sight would (originally) be a "lip" to catch the hand guard. This lip is often ground off when sported. Without that lip, a restore is tough. Is the lip still present?

Sounds like the bolt is mismatched... so the rifle, sadly, is not all matched. Take a pics of the bolt serial on the bolt flat, and someone can help tell you who made it. Also, the original bands & hand guard & butt plate are lost, and all were numbered too.

Cool rifle at a nice price. And that Garand looks good also. Congrats!

Too bad it was turned into a sporter but many were years back. For $300 you did well and have a great range gun and shooter. Check numbers on bolt for sure. Glad you found it and thanks for sharing

Bob,
I blew the picture up and the lip is still there.

I may have a flat plate e/280 stock set if you end up looking for one.

If you want a project you could restore it. These guys can help you find the best parts.

mowzerluvr said:

I may have a flat plate e/280 stock set if you end up looking for one.

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Sadly this is as good as you'll ever get. As was pointed out ALL parts lost or destroyed in the sporting process were numbered or worse numbered AND suffixed to that rifle. A proper era stock set from the same manufacturer will give you the 'best' original look and at $300 in so far you won't be in bad shape financially even if it is a bolt m/m.

If you show the bolt top and bottom flat we can get that sorted too. Thanks.

MassachussettsM1 said:

..Here are some of my groupings from 25 yards. Keep in mind that I suck lol

Click to expand...

Lol. They ARE all kill shots, however at that range you're battling a dude packing a P.38.