Inhereted 1912 98a restoral, need help/advice

[pdmayton]

Hello all, new to forum. Two years ago while serving in the military my grandfather left me a 1912 Mauser 98a with matching serial numbers. I love restoring things, and shooting but I have no experience restoring rifles and indeed have no idea what I'm doing. I have spent many hours using Rem Oil on everything (was afraid of taking apart the bolt carrier assembly). I spent an hour or two cleaning the bore with the standard copper brushes, oil, cleaning patches but it still looks dirty but no more carbon coming off (almost none anyway) but I don't think there is any pitting in the bore, just looks dirty. The stock has been broke at some point in it's life but it looks like it was repaired well with brass pins. There are dark spots on the metal but virtually no rust, I would like to clean this up but can't seem to do anything more to it (Nevr Dull?). I suspect the wood is dehydrated to based on how loose the barrel fits around the stock. Unfortunately the weapon is missing the stacking hook (which I can't find anywhere) and the retaining screws for the hand guard (Not a big deal and easily replaceable). Any advice is much appreciated.

[PrayingMantis]

Nice Kar, I like the serial number. Have you shot it yet? That's the best way to clear out a bore. As for the stock; have you taken it apart, is it matching? I use Formby's Lemon Oil treatment to hydrate stocks, seems to work and doesn't have any mal-effects. Looks like it might have been sanded though, if it's not matching I would look for a replacement.

[pdmayton]

Nice Kar, I like the serial number. Have you shot it yet? That's the best way to clear out a bore. As for the stock; have you taken it apart, is it matching? I use Formby's Lemon Oil treatment to hydrate stocks, seems to work and doesn't have any mal-effects. Looks like it might have been sanded though, if it's not matching I would look for a replacement.

Don't know the history of the rifle other than my grandfather owned it for at least the last 15-20 years but he could've owned it much, much longer. From the best that I can tell every single item on the rifle has matching serial number of 1911. It's just a shame that the stacking hook is MIA. I do know that some hooks were not stamped so I could still find a replacement and have a matching serial number rifle. I know the stock looks a bit rough but it has matching s/n as well. It seems to have been repaired very well as it seems very sturdy. Thanks for the tip on the oil, can you tell me your application technique. I have never done this before.

Have not shot it yet, I was afraid that perhaps someone re chambered it at some point or I would pick up the wrong ammo or the barrel wasn't clean enough. I am now pretty confident it is still 7.92, and I think I have the barrel clean enough to safely shoot, but I can only find 8 mm, don't know if its safe to shoot that round or not. Advice appreciated...

Daniel

[John Strunk]

1st, trust me I'm certainly not an expert on Kar 98a's. However, I just put back together a 1915 that was sported and obtained all of the parts. Your Rifle in totally different you have almost all of the parts & the #'s match.

I know, from your postings that you're missing the stacking hook. Do you have the stacking hook retainer? This is the metal part that fit's into a hole in the stock & the part that you plug the stacking rod into?? Actually, stacking hook's can be found, the stacking hook retainer on the other hand took me 18 months to find.

[pdmayton]

1st, trust me I'm certainly not an expert on Kar 98a's. However, I just put back together a 1915 that was sported and obtained all of the parts. Your Rifle in totally different you have almost all of the parts & the #'s match.

I know, from your postings that you're missing the stacking hook. Do you have the stacking hook retainer? This is the metal part that fit's into a hole in the stock & the part that you plug the stacking rod into?? Actually, stacking hook's can be found, the stacking hook retainer on the other hand took me 18 months to find.

Yes, I still have the stacking hook retainer in place. As a matter of fact, the stacking hook could still be at my grandmothers house, but it would be next to impossible to find. After my grandfathers passing she became a hoarder so the odds of me finding it are slim to none. Anyhow while looking for the stacking hook I actually came across a stacking hook retainer for sale, but no stacking hook. Guess that's just the kind of luck I have. If you know where I could find a stacking hook, please share because I'm just not finding one...just seem to find forum posts where someone where someone sold one.

Daniel

[John Strunk]

PM sent with requested info

[PrayingMantis]

Formby's Lemon Oil treatment is really easy to apply, just put some on a rag and wipe it over the stock, repeatedly. Once the stock is wet with it, let it set and dry. It's really easy to work with and has no negative effects.

7.92 is 8mm, or should I say 8mm is 7.92X57. So those rounds should be safe to shoot, but if you are concerned you could always take it to a gunsmith and have it checked.

[pdmayton]

Formby's Lemon Oil treatment is really easy to apply, just put some on a rag and wipe it over the stock, repeatedly. Once the stock is wet with it, let it set and dry. It's really easy to work with and has no negative effects.

7.92 is 8mm, or should I say 8mm is 7.92X57. So those rounds should be safe to shoot, but if you are concerned you could always take it to a gunsmith and have it checked.

I see, so all ammo marked as 8mm is really 8mm Mauser which is in actuality 7.92X57? There is no such thing as 8mm non-mauser rounds? Could someone point me towards some reliable milsurp at a great price? A link would be nice. I've found non-magnetic 50's yugo for $4 per 15 rds in limited quantitys. Anyone know of anything better?

[pdmayton]

PM sent with requested info

John, your lead was dead on I have a replacement stacking hook reserved, sending the MO tomorrow. It won't help for shooting but it will be complete which makes me a happy camper!

Daniel

[John Strunk]

Daniel

Six week's ago I finally found the last part of my K98a puzzle and the parts guy I was dealing with also mentioned having a hook. Truthfully, the parts guy did a great job, didn't screw me $ wise for the part and I told him I'd send people his way who might need something. So, your getting your part to finish your rifle and he's making a sale.

Please post pic's after you get your Hook

John