Third Party Press

1943 Kar98k Help

TP1953

Member
Hello, I am looking to buy my first Kar98k, and I found this one that I like, and was recommended this place to ask questions. So could you all help me by telling me if anything looks “off” about it, and they want around $1,200 for it. Thank you.

This is their description:
"For sale is a K98k made by Mauser Borsigwalde in 1943. The rifle is in nice condition overall. The metal has a greyed finish with spots of some bluing visible. The stock has plenty of dings and nicks but no major breaks. There is a crack stemming from the trigger guard on the left side about 2 inches in length. The rifle has matching serial numbers visible throughout but the bolt has been re-numbered to match. The stock and handguard are matching internally. The bore is bright towards the beginning but gets darker towards the muzzle. The front sight hood is a reproduction."
 

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Welcome! Glad you took my advice. opinions and advice should be along shortly. Also let forum members here what you are looking for in a 98k. Someone may have something they are willing to sell that should make you pleased. Again honest folks here and I have gained much knowledge myself.
 
Rifle appears to be some kind of botched hump job or some odd post-war refurb. Maybe both.

Looks like someone tried to scrub out the firing proofs. The triggerguard numbering is bad, as is the bolt obviously. Plus the crack…

You can do much better for $1200.
 
Darn, well I guess I will have to keep on looking. I guess if anyone is selling I am in the market to buy.
 
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Be careful announcing that you are willing to spend money. There are scammers active on this forum. Check out any potential sellers thoroughly. Best bet is to be patient and buy from bona-fide forum members with credible reputation among members.
Better to be patient and get a nice piece than impatient and get separated from your money and no rifle.
 
Rifle appears to be some kind of botched hump job or some odd post-war refurb. Maybe both.

Looks like someone tried to scrub out the firing proofs. The triggerguard numbering is bad, as is the bolt obviously. Plus the crack…

You can do much better for $1200.

I entirely agree, merrily skip on by...
 
That’s why I love forums like these, the people have so much great information, and you don’t have to rely on your own intuition and can have a second opinion.
 
I know that feeling of wanting to get your first K98! Not too long ago I was on here everyday for about a month asking questions, reading threads, and talking to a lot of great people on here. As you learn more and more about these rifles, you’ll develop a taste of your own of what you want in a K98. Some people like early war K98s, some prefer later war years. Also, if numbers matching is a big preference for you, definitely 100% ask to see every piece of furniture and stamps. I am amazed to what length people will go to in order to fabricate history on these rifles. I dodged multiple bullets by coming to this forum and asking questions. Best of luck in finding the one you want!
 
Thank you everyone for the help, I will have to hunt around! And if I find anything or have any questions atleast I know where to ask! I would prefer a rifle that looks nice and shoots, that is really my preference at the moment, but I hope that as I learn more I can refine it. I don’t know if any of you guys could answer, or would like to, but do you know any good online shops? Ones that specialize in antique rifles? Or would you recommend just gun stores and shows?
 
Don't forget to check the trader section here often. Great vetted rifles come up for sale by members here all the time...some all matching, some bolt mismatched, some RC's, something for every budget/want...the best place to find a great 98k is right here...
 
Alright, do you think I I could find something nice for around 1,000-1,300? Or is that just not very realistic? The only Kar98ks I have ever held or seen have been double that.
 
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Alright, do you think I I could find something nice for around 1,000-1,300? Or is that just not very realistic? The only Kar98ks I have ever held or seen have been double that.
Expect a minimum of 2K for a matching example. From my experince so far looking at K98K's that are untouched 2K is a pretty good deal to not walk away from however some have sold recently that were in the 1500 range but that is not often maybe 2 times this year I've seen that price of a matching sold example.
 
But what about the original gun if this post? That one isn’t perfect, but seems to be not terrible. Is all the problems with them massive deal breakers, or do you think it would be a good starter?
 
But what about the original gun if this post? That one isn’t perfect, but seems to be not terrible. Is all the problems with them massive deal breakers, or do you think it would be a good starter?
Honestly if you’re looking for a good shooter, have a look at Russian captures. There’s interesting history to them and they don’t break the bank too bad. You can find some for $700-$1200. I saw one at auction the other day sell for $700.
 
No, I wouldn't consider for $1200...unless you get really lucky, you are never going to find a matching gun for $1300 any more, the $1k to $1300 price range puts you into RC territory, rescued sporter territory, maybe, maybe again getting very lucky bolt mismatch territory...but good guns in that price range pop up here often enough...
 
Okay, I got it now. But for future reference, could you tell me what is so bad about it? I guess to my untrained eye it kinda seems like minor flaws, not to insult any of you.
 

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