New Member from AL

Hello all! Joining y’all after realizing this is probably the best place to go based in the wealth of knowledge available here.

I don’t have any kar98s yet but have been looking for quite some time and would like to add one to the collection at some point, but of the ones I’ve seen no two have looked alike and I’m not confident I could effectively spot a fake.

I’ve lived in Germany for a few years and figured of all places that would be where I could find a real one. I found a few through a number of sources but end of the day went home empty handed because the cost of importing any of the rifles would be almost as much as the rifle itself. Some German friends said I’d have better luck stateside. And this far, it seems my best bet is going to be here.

I want to educate myself on how I can find the real deal and realistically narrow down what I’m looking for within the realm of possibility.

Looking forward to learning from y’all!

Get the books! And then reference the picture index when you find a rifle you are interested and ask questions

Heard great things about the books and I’ve considered it. However, I’m not looking to collect more than a single one of these rifles (or at least only one one at a time), so I’ve gone back and forth on that expense. The gun safe is only so big at the moment. Goal is to try and get it right the first time.

Yep get the books and then check the Trader Section here for a more honest example. Forum members here are truthful and know what they are talking about.

Depends on what your expectations are, if you’re trying to a find a nice matching example you’re gonna have to do a lot of research. If you just want a shooter then you don’t need the books. You think you only want one, but once you fall into the rabbit hole 1 turns to 5 real quick

Good morning from MO
Be sure to check out the picture reference section!

Welcome from Ga!
As others have said, watch the forum trader. All weapons for sale here are usually honestly described. If you find one elsewhere, do not post links to a live auction but PM a moderator and get their opinion before you spend.
I only wanted one of them too…. about 100 rifles ago.

if you decide to collect THESE rifles, the book are a smart investment.
So then, things to consider: prewar/mid/late war manufactured, ranging from all numbered parts walnut stock flat butt plate to almost no numbering, no inspection marks, welded stamped parts, laminated beech stock, cupped butt plate, a weapon where every part was made in 1 location, to an assembly operation of sub contractor-made parts, rifles made by German civilians vs made by prisoners/coerced workers. Are you more a collector or a shooter? if the latter, it wouldn’t hurt to start out w/a shooter, gives you something to play with & enjoy while you decide what your holy grail might be…….

So, I’m looking for a shooter. Not something I intend to heavily shoot and abuse, but a maybe 10-15 rounds through it in a year maximum. I’ve always been fascinated by WW2 German history since I was stationed over there and I’d like to acquire a rifle that’s legal in almost every state. This is my attempt to get two birds with one stone.

I’m not overly concerned with matching serial numbers, but prefer it to be largely made within Germany, preferably Mauser Oberndorf because I know some of the manufacturers outside their borders had some issues with sabotage and quality control. Prewar and wartime are good. Not particularly interested in a postwar. Really I want a piece that reminds me why we’re still over there, if that makes sense.