mauser1908
Senior Member
The location of that crack is a tale as old as time on beech stocked gew 98s. I think you made the right call in keeping it, that crack wouldn't bother me, if I knew it was there from the beginning. I would be curious to see if the seller makes it right by you. My Amberg 1918 has an identical crack, same with my VCS 1915. If you actively pursue imperial rifles you will find that few Gew 98s are problem free. Overall it's a wonderful rifle that I wouldn't have hesitated to buy.