Getting the Itch to Restore

[SKSer45]

So long Story Short, I have a typical Russian Captured 98k Mauser. S/147 with the classic BBQ paint, EP numbers, and wrong stock. Thankfully, all the metal is correct and it's all milled with correct bands and such. She still a fun shooter regardless and she's my boom stick.

However, has anyone ever fuller restored their RC 98k back to Period Correct? If so what steps did you take? Felt like this would be a fun project and bring this mauser back to glory.

 

[swjXE]

Send some detailed photos and we'll see just what it would take to restore this thing.
What year S/147 is it?

 

[heavy_mech]

While I do agree with many that RC rifles are a part of history and can probably be appreciated for what they are many are not really nice. Peeling shellac and that shitty black metal finish really aren't a good look IMHO and often can be removed fairly easily. Just stay short of the Dandy Don Mitchell or Miltech pimp hand and you'll almost surely improve things.

 

[reich1900]

A few years ago I did the period correct thing to an RC that I had. I used a buffing wheel on my drill press to take of the Russian paint on the metal parts. I took my time and used a very light touch with a wax type compound that I had. It came out great and didn't harm the bluing at all. As for the stock I replaced it with one from Norway. Oh! and I filled in the EP with cold blue just so it wasn't so noticeable.

 

[M1903A3]

I have an RC barrel and receiver set that is a somewhat unique piece in the Steyr production story that the previous two owners and now me have gotten very close to what it looked like when made, but mind you it is still a total mismatch. Why?

It’s a labor of love I guess, and the desire to display more than just a barrel/receiver combo. It’s special and interesting and significant to ME, and to a couple others who know and understand just what it is, and I’ll never sell it. Full documentation of what it is will be handed down to my son with it, so that nobody can mistake what it really honestly is.

Beyond this, I probably would not refurb another R/C. I’ve personally got nothin against doing so, to each his own, but I’m more interested in the production and history of the evolution of the guns, and then their deployment in the field. R/C guns are indeed one legit end point for K98s, but I would probably just keep one as it is.


Sent from my top secret official Bunker of the Order of the Def’s Hed.

 

[M1903A3]

While I do agree with many that RC rifles are a part of history and can probably be appreciated for what they are many are not really nice. Peeling shellac and that shitty black metal finish really aren't a good look IMHO and often can be removed fairly easily. Just stay short of the Dandy Don Mitchell or Miltech pimp hand and you'll almost surely improve things.

Hahaha this made me laugh pretty hard!! Might have pulled a lung!! Yes indeed, the lowest bar is Mitchell/Miltech. If you create anything CLOSE to those, please don’t share it here. The backlash would be swift and brutal. Many good honest guns were ruined by those outfits.


Sent from my top secret official Bunker of the Order of the Def’s Hed.

 

[moconfed]

I have an RC barrel and receiver set that is a somewhat unique piece in the Steyr production story that the previous two owners and now me have gotten very close to what it looked like when made, but mind you it is still a total mismatch. Why?

It’s a labor of love I guess, and the desire to display more than just a barrel/receiver combo. It’s special and interesting and significant to ME, and to a couple others who know and understand just what it is, and I’ll never sell it. Full documentation of what it is will be handed down to my son with it, so that nobody can mistake what it really honestly is.

Beyond this, I probably would not refurb another R/C. I’ve personally got nothin against doing so, to each his own, but I’m more interested in the production and history of the evolution of the guns, and then their deployment in the field. R/C guns are indeed one legit end point for K98s, but I would probably just keep one as it is.


Sent from my top secret official Bunker of the Order of the Def’s Hed.

What is the rifle you have?

 

[M1903A3]

It is an SS Contract bnz43 with no final acceptance and no firing proof. It has three of the “Circled V7” markings on the receiver as well. It was imported into the USA as just a receiver and barrel combo. Mike Steves owned it originally, sold it to Jeff Diederich, who later sold it to me. Each of us put components on it to get it back to looking as original as possible but of course NOTHING on it matches!! After I bought the only loose SS Contract bolt anyone has ever seen from Mike recently it is about as close as one could ever get.

These “no final/no firing proof” rifles are very uncommon, and are probably only interesting to those deeply into Steyr production and SS Contract rifles. I have Mike and Paul (Loewe) to thank for my interest in these and in Steyr in general. Without them this wouldn’t be as well restored as it is.

Thus TO ME and to a few others this rifle is significant and worthy of SOME degree of thoughtful and honest restoration for display purposes. I’ll never fire it. It looks FANTASTIC. ...... but it’s still an R/C restoration with only the receiver and barrel matching!!


Sent from my top secret official Bunker of the Order of the Def’s Hed.

 

[swjXE]

It sounds super cool! Will we ever get a photo spread?

 

[SKSer45]

My bad fellas. Of course I got pics! And for the info, She's a 1937 build. So if my research is correct, she should have a walnut stock.

FYI: The previous owner did remove the Shelac off the Stock. So that was nice of them and I have been keeping up with the wood and conditioning it from time to time.

Photos are attached.

 

[mowzerluvr]

My bad fellas. Of course I got pics! And for the info, She's a 1937 build. So if my research is correct, she should have a walnut stock.

FYI: The previous owner did remove the Shelac off the Stock. So that was nice of them and I have been keeping up with the wood and conditioning it from time to time.

Photos are attached.

I have restore two 337/1939's to original marked stocks and parts. A labor of love for sure and depending on rarity could take 10 yrs to finish like mine. If you have a 37/147 I know of a nice matching stock set for a 38/147. Walnut version.

 

[SKSer45]

oh yeah? Got any photos of that. I'd be interested in taking a looksy. I don't think there is too much difference between a 37/147 and 38/147. Both are pre war, all milled and most have walnut stocks.

 

[mowzerluvr]

oh yeah? Got any photos of that. I'd be interested in taking a looksy. I don't think there is too much difference between a 37/147 and 38/147. Both are pre war, all milled and most have walnut stocks.

Send me a PM. It's in Norway but looks pretty good. I only have an overall photo of each side. All matching stock, hand guard and all metal. Can even get the entire trigger guard assembly w/screws, bolt stop and bolt guts, extractor and collar matching from the original rifle.

 

[agentcq]

Many people use to restore RC K98's about 10-15 years ago and on the old G43 Forum there was a parts swapping club. I was also guilty of 'restoring' or improving upon a few myself. Most people have now gotten out of the habit as an RC is a Legit historical variation that can never be fully restored - so why not leave as is?

Few methods to do this:

1. Stock - remove the shellac and oil or use a replacements stock (most often Norge). Antique paint remover and a sponge is often all you need (and gloves).
2. Metal on stock - remove the blue on stock parts that should be 'in the white'. Take Down Disc and butt plate. Vinegar works very well for this, rinse and oil parts heavily after.
3. Replace parts - replace none correct period bands, cleaning rods etc. for correct bands. Example find an 'H' type band for a 1937 rifle if it has a late stamped band.
4. Match parts - As per #3 but also find the correct Waffen Amt etc. for the rifle/year.
5. Polish the metal. Some people found different ways of polishing the metal that often give them a better appearance.

What not to do? Be a dick - aks welding serial numbers, filling and re-stamping to match, etc.

If you follow steps 1-4 you will have a better looking rifle for sure. Regards