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Good start for "shooter" grade K98?

Warpig602

Member
Considering this rifle as the foundation for putting together a shooter grade K98< im a novice when it comes to K98's but my research and reading here has lead me to beleive there are many things incorrect about this rifle aside from thje obvious stock.

The lack of serial numbers primarily. I asked the selelr for a picture of any numbers ort stamps found on the action/bolt etc. They apper to be abssnt on the safetyy, bolt handle and from the pictures, floor plate and trigger guard. The rear sight does not have the meters/numbers on the reverse side which may or may not be correct for this year but I thought it should have them.

My plan was to source stock and wahtever misc parts would be necessary to have the correct "look". Any thoughts on taking on this undertaking, more importantly, how much should I invest in this rilfe to begin with?

https://i.ibb.co/cJNknXW/thumbnail-IMG-1467.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/0c0CpVN/thumbnail-IMG-1468.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/x5zGzTV/thumbnail-IMG-1469.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/cc61Jks/thumbnail-IMG-1470.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/V2pDK8m/thumbnail-IMG-1471.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/sybzcCG/thumbnail-IMG-1472.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/y0M7rwz/thumbnail-IMG-1473.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/xjmDT3w/thumbnail-IMG-1474.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/VQ0yy4v/thumbnail-IMG-1475.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/8dFDqLW/thumbnail-IMG-1476.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/b3pbZNM/thumbnail-IMG-1478.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/THQyqSL/thumbnail-IMG-1477.jpg
 
Considering this rifle as the foundation for putting together a shooter grade K98< im a novice when it comes to K98's but my research and reading here has lead me to beleive there are many things incorrect about this rifle aside from thje obvious stock.

The lack of serial numbers primarily. I asked the selelr for a picture of any numbers ort stamps found on the action/bolt etc. They apper to be abssnt on the safetyy, bolt handle and from the pictures, floor plate and trigger guard. The rear sight does not have the meters/numbers on the reverse side which may or may not be correct for this year but I thought it should have them.

My plan was to source stock and wahtever misc parts would be necessary to have the correct "look". Any thoughts on taking on this undertaking, more importantly, how much should I invest in this rilfe to begin with?

https://i.ibb.co/cJNknXW/thumbnail-IMG-1467.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/0c0CpVN/thumbnail-IMG-1468.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/x5zGzTV/thumbnail-IMG-1469.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/cc61Jks/thumbnail-IMG-1470.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/V2pDK8m/thumbnail-IMG-1471.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/sybzcCG/thumbnail-IMG-1472.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/y0M7rwz/thumbnail-IMG-1473.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/xjmDT3w/thumbnail-IMG-1474.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/VQ0yy4v/thumbnail-IMG-1475.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/8dFDqLW/thumbnail-IMG-1476.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/b3pbZNM/thumbnail-IMG-1478.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/THQyqSL/thumbnail-IMG-1477.jpg

I wouldn't pay more than $400 for that rifle and remember that you are going to put more into it than the value you will most likely ever get out of it. With that said, you can build a very good shooter with it from the photos that you posted. You can find a Yugo or Russian capture stock and go from there. The amount of money that you put into it will be decided on your budget and how nice you want it to look. You aren't going to get too many replies on what to do to a shooter grade on a collector web page. Update this thread on your progress and good luck with your build.
 
thanks, I beleive the seller is at 500.00 as of now.

I was mainly jsut curious of my initial thoughts were correct in that a lot of the parts are incorrect as it stands and if I would be doing the rifle a disservice in making further modifications to it.

My thought was I could get it back to at least looking correct or even representative for about 250.00. Since I'm not tied to having to find specific original parts, I figured it's doable for fairly cheap.
 
I wouldn't bother with that one, you'll lose money in the end and you will not be satisfied as you learn more about them. For a bit more, there are much better examples. Good luck.
 
This is a collectors forum, having said that these guys will most likely steer you clear of things like this which is in their right, and an opinion based upon many years of experience. But, I’m gonna play the “nice guy” part here and say if it’s something you want to re-militarize, then do it up! Besides the stock it’ll be a cake walk. It’s your rifle to do with what you want, so take the time to research and find the pieces you need. Lots available out there to do the job right. This is at the end of the day, a labor of love for these rifles, whether or not they’ve been sporterized.
 
Super helpful

Okay, let me try again.... Here are some (previous) options ($350 - $1150) for a better starting point from GB.... I almost bought the last example.

$365 option: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/879267232

$500 option: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/877956967

$800 option: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/878747577

$900 Option: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/877776374

$930 option: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/878288510

$995 Option: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/877431974

$1030 Option: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/878024144

$1150 option: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/876758893
 
I understand their hesitancy to recommend returning it. Im not in it for the money, and since it will primarily be shot by my 13 and 10 year old, they arent going to care if the numbers match or are period correct.

The more I think about it, this is probably a food candidate for repro sniper. I don't think I'd feel as bad drilling on this for the mount.


This is a collectors forum, having said that these guys will most likely steer you clear of things like this which is in their right, and an opinion based upon many years of experience. But, I’m gonna play the “nice guy” part here and say if it’s something you want to re-militarize, then do it up! Besides the stock it’ll be a cake walk. It’s your rifle to do with what you want, so take the time to research and find the pieces you need. Lots available out there to do the job right. This is at the end of the day, a labor of love for these rifles, whether or not they’ve been sporterized.
 
Super helpful

The pictured rifle you posted has been in Bubbas hands and boy did he have fun. I don't think even I could figure out how to make a Russian capture worse. Not a single part on that rifle is worth anything. Paying for a stock, would be just like lighting money on fire. For around $200 (~700) more you can get a Russian Capture, at least it would have a k98 stock already and you wouldn't have to worry about your 10 or 13 year olds beating it up. Plus over the years they have been increasing in price. IMHO it's about a $200 rifle and I'd really really have to think hard about dropping $200 on it.

Your lucky--if you haven't purchased it yet--most people come on here and ask about a rifle they just purchased only to learn it's a total turd. With people just getting into k98s, it can be a minefield. A lot of rifles on FakeBroker are seller humped rifles that have parts faked or altered to make the rifle seem legit which they top off in their description about how important a piece it is. There is so many little variations between manufactures and years that it takes a long time to be "knowledgeable" about k98s.

Having said that, which rifle you should get is up to you. Is this going to be a shooter... a collector piece.. a safe queen? Take a little time sit back read the forum, ask questions (these guys like showing off how much they know). And when your ready, post a Want to Buy ad in the forum trader section. You'll get an honest rifle at a better price than you ever will on Fake Broker. IMHO, if your going to just shoot it every day, then get an RC. If you want a rifle you will appreciate and still can shoot, get a bolt mismatch they most often are "honest" rifles and they will hold their value--a really good starting point if your going to get into collecting k98s.

We aren't trying to rag on you but rather help. So many new collectors to k98s are getting ripped off after which turns them off to starting a k98 collection when they find out they've been robbed. I didn't know anything when I joined, and I still hardly know anything. But, even if you only make 10 posts, these guys are willing to help if you let them. There isn't a more knowledgeable group of guys that know more than the members on this forum and are more than willing to help you with starting collecting or just makin your first k98 purchase.
 
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Thanks Bob, can you tell me what about the rifle in the 350.00 auction would it make it better a better starting point? Price alone?

It seems they both lack matching or even period correct parts?
 
The pictured rifle you posted has been in Bubbas hands and boy did he have fun. I don't think even I could figure out how to make a Russian capture worse. Not a single part on that rifle is worth anything. Paying for a stock, would be just like lighting money on fire. For around $200 (~700) more you can get a Russian Capture, at least it would have a k98 stock already and you wouldn't have to worry about your 10 or 13 year olds beating it up. Plus over the years they have been increasing in price. IMHO it's about a $200 rifle and I'd really really have to think hard about dropping $200 on it.

Your lucky--if you haven't purchased it yet--most people come on here and ask about a rifle they just purchased only to learn it's a total turd. With people just getting into k98s, it can be a minefield. A lot of rifles on FakeBroker are seller humped rifles that have parts faked or altered to make the rifle seem legit which they top off in their description about how important a piece it is. There is so many little variations between manufactures and years that it takes a long time to be "knowledgeable" about k98s.

Having said that, which rifle you should get is up to you. Is this going to be a shooter... a collector piece.. a safe queen? Take a little time sit back read the forum, ask questions (these guys like showing off how much they know). And when your ready, post a Want to Buy ad in the forum trader section. You'll get an honest rifle at a better price than you ever will on Fake Broker. IMHO, if your going to just shoot it every day, then get an RC. If you want a rifle you will appreciate and still can shoot, get a bolt mismatch they most often are "honest" rifles and they will hold their value--a really good starting point if your going to get into collecting k98s.

We aren't trying to rag on you but rather help. So many new collectors to k98s are getting ripped off after which turns them off to starting a k98 collection when they find out they've been robbed. I didn't know anything when I joined, and I still hardly know anything. But, even if you only make 10 posts, these guys are willing to help if you let them. There isn't a more knowledgeable group of guys that know more than the members on this forum and are more than willing to help you with starting collecting or just making your first k98 purchase.

I get it, im on a bunch of other forums and know how they generally operate. I jsut figurted it was worth more than 10.00 :)

The RC 98s dont bother me, but, I think if Im going to do that, I might as well just get a mismatch. The reall problem is that I clearly dont knwo waht Im what im looking at when K98's pop up on other forums or GB. By the time one is able to inquire to a knowledge base such as this one, the deal is gone or the rifle has sold.

Im not really looking to collect a bunch of K98's, probably jsut one for now......lots of other milsuprs I need to round at the moment.

I suppose if im going to spend 700, I might as well spend 900-1k and get something that will at least maintian its value, if not slowly increase.

I ppreciate all thje comment and I dont fell ilike anyone is ragging, Im sure questions like this pop up every day and people sjtu want to give the quick and dirty answers but Im not trying to justify a purchase or convince myself either. Im genuinley easger to learn about what makes a rifle woth 400 or 600 vs 1k or 2k. So rest assured your replies arent falling on deaf ears and your time is not wasted.
 
To me, moving up to the $1036.00 gun would be a significant upgrade, even with the metal condition/finish issue, versus the lowest priced gun in the list of auctions.

The reason is authenticity! The 1036 dollar gun is a lot more original, and to ME with my tastes that gun has more “value” then the lower priced choices. But if you’re not after originality then this approach makes less sense. But if you are looking to restore a rifle, you’ve got to start with one that has enough RIGHT that it doesn’t make the job impossible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You being here asking these questions shows your off to a good start. I would highly recommend checking out the picture reference section area to compare rifles your looking at and buy the books one day. Learning and having all that knowledge under your belt is the biggest key to buying a good unmessed with K98k rifle. But also getting to know others in the collecting community is another big plus. Making friends in this hobby is a great and wonderful thing. Not only does that get you more a chance to buy a 100% original rifle and not buy those huge dealer fees. But you help each other out and everyone gets rewarded in the end not only by friendships but good rifles.

I had a friend here that found a very rare Gew 98 that I had been searching for years and he was willing buy the rifle for me. Not many folks will do that.
 
I understand their hesitancy to recommend returning it. Im not in it for the money, and since it will primarily be shot by my 13 and 10 year old, they arent going to care if the numbers match or are period correct.

The more I think about it, this is probably a food candidate for repro sniper. I don't think I'd feel as bad drilling on this for the mount.

I wouldn’t recommend it, for two reasons. One, repro snipers are great if they’re done right. However, in my experience, a lot of gunsmiths just don’t do the job right. That, and repro snipers are an absolute money pit. Not worth the hassle in my opinion and this is too nice of a specimen to sacrifice. Number two, my recommendation is that learning on iron sights will get your kids a lot further in terms of marksmanship. It’s a win win to restore it as-is and leave it at that.

A big plus, you’ll get hooked on collecting if you hang out here for more than a “coffee break”, a saying a wise man once told me. You’ll have your collectible rifles and this will be a great shooter. That’s a triple win argument against making it a sniper IMO.
 
I get it, im on a bunch of other forums and know how they generally operate. I jsut figurted it was worth more than 10.00 :)

The RC 98s dont bother me, but, I think if Im going to do that, I might as well just get a mismatch. The reall problem is that I clearly dont knwo waht Im what im looking at when K98's pop up on other forums or GB. By the time one is able to inquire to a knowledge base such as this one, the deal is gone or the rifle has sold.

Im not really looking to collect a bunch of K98's, probably jsut one for now......lots of other milsuprs I need to round at the moment.

I suppose if im going to spend 700, I might as well spend 900-1k and get something that will at least maintian its value, if not slowly increase.

I ppreciate all thje comment and I dont fell ilike anyone is ragging, Im sure questions like this pop up every day and people sjtu want to give the quick and dirty answers but Im not trying to justify a purchase or convince myself either. Im genuinley easger to learn about what makes a rifle woth 400 or 600 vs 1k or 2k. So rest assured your replies arent falling on deaf ears and your time is not wasted.

+1 You get it exactly.

Also, if you decide to get a RC, some people like just collecting codes (makers on top of receiver) which and scarcer rifles really don't increase the cost much, if at all. Some people do it others don't, its what ever floats your boat as they say.

Having hung around here I've turned into these guys, where I'm picky about what I get. When I first joined I wasn't that way... but these guys are awesome and I eventually saw their wisdom. Since I don't have the money to drop on a code I'd like, I got into collecting trainers (.22 rifles). IMHO, I have more fun shooting those than k98 8mms... You can really find some deals, a Waffenstadt in NJ just went for $325.. They auctioneer had no clue what he had... I was looking at it, but forgot about the auction, still kicking myself. It was worth at least triple that. As a matter of fact, we have a sub-forum on trainers, someone just posted a beautiful example of a Waffenstadt. It's ridiculous just how good the bolt, accuracy and how crisp the trigger is especially when you consider these were just trainers and you'd think a bunch of HJs would beat the heck out of them, so why make them so good? Then there is the bluing, if you get a good one the bluing reminds me of my royal blue Colt Pythons. They can have many different political markings on them which adds to the collectability. Every time I go to the range, everyone comes over and looks at my trainer (they didn't do that with my k98s) and when I let them shoot them ever one of them comments on the trigger. Maybe a .22 would be better for 10 and 13 year olds, the 8mm kicks pretty hard but that's up to you.


Whatever route you decide post a WTB ad in the trader forums and someone will respond. You'll know exactly what you are getting, no one here rips other members off. Warning, if you stick around the forum you'll get addicted just like I did.
 
I wouldn’t recommend it, for two reasons. One, repro snipers are great if they’re done right. However, in my experience, a lot of gunsmiths just don’t do the job right. That, and repro snipers are an absolute money pit. Not worth the hassle in my opinion and this is too nice of a specimen to sacrifice. Number two, my recommendation is that learning on iron sights will get your kids a lot further in terms of marksmanship. It’s a win win to restore it as-is and leave it at that.

A big plus, you’ll get hooked on collecting if you hang out here for more than a “coffee break”, a saying a wise man once told me. You’ll have your collectible rifles and this will be a great shooter. That’s a triple win argument against making it a sniper IMO.

I figured this would be a good candidate as its already been messed with and I assume at its lowest point from a cost perspective. I watched a review on YouTube from a fairly popular channel who had a gunsmith turn a czech 98 into a sniper, im not sure of the cost but it looked well done. Even not being ,"authentic" its as close as ill ever get to owning one as my priorities in firearms are different. Im not stranger to spending large amounts on firearms, just that my preference this far has been for more modern hunting and tacrical firearns.

I get the purist mentality, I have soft spot for older Marlins and shudder at the thought of owning a Remlin. Im sure rhe feeling many have here when they see a hack job 98 or people buying RCs or worse. I also collected Sig Sauer pistols and still scoff at American made Sigs

As to he kids, they're good on irons, they've been shooting since they were probbaly 5. They can out shoot most of the random people at the range wusing a 20in AR with irons at 200m.
 
To me, moving up to the $1036.00 gun would be a significant upgrade, even with the metal condition/finish issue, versus the lowest priced gun in the list of auctions.

The reason is authenticity! The 1036 dollar gun is a lot more original, and to ME with my tastes that gun has more “value” then the lower priced choices. But if you’re not after originality then this approach makes less sense. But if you are looking to restore a rifle, you’ve got to start with one that has enough RIGHT that it doesn’t make the job impossible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree with this. This looks like the worst combo of mixed electro penciled RC parts without wood and bands and it’s Import scarred. A legitimate RC would be way better than this thing.

I prefer a non-RC for a shooter. I think you can find a better shooter In the right configuration For the same amount your going to dump in this Bubba Parts kit.
 

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