KAR 98 Mauser

[Greyman]

So I've got this old mauser that was my great uncles. I have been reading a few different threads lately and it got me curious, so I got it out and looked it over again. Little history first My Dad gave it to me a long time ago at that time I reblued it with the cold blue kit from BC, refinished the stock, shot it a few times and basically forgot about it. FF to today. I found a book on Brownells just for the mauser and I think I'm going to buy it. but would like to here some suggestions on what I might do with it. IE: rebarrel, refinish/refurb the gun, modify? The gun already has a nice monte carlo stock on it, just needs to be refinished and a new recoil pad installed.

 

[jonbearman]

If it failed to fire ,is the safety flag pointing right or left?

 

[Greyman]

the FF in my thread is Fast Forward to today.

 

[jonbearman]

Here is what I would do since it already has been drilled for a scope. I would have it rebarreled with a nice brux heavy sporter in a nice caliber for hunting. Then have a timney trigger installed unless that has already been done, Have it reblued professionally and enjoy it. You might want to put a leonard brownell classic bolt handle on while you are at it.

 

[Greyman]

HA HA funny you mention the bolt handle, I cant stand the stock handle, mine however does not have the typical handle it is actually a nice smooth contoured one I'll post a pic.

 

[jonbearman]

That is a decent handle. Whoever did it knew what they were doing. Maybe a nice cerecoat job might be easier and cheaper. What is under the scope mount in the front, like who's crest is it?

 

[Greyman]

what would be some caliber options for the platform? right now its 8mm. First off is it a good platform to work from?

 

[Greyman]

I would have to take the mounts up to see as I don't recall it has been many years since I had it off. I will have to get back on that.

 

[jonbearman]

You could do a .243,.308,.260.etc. The mausers that were converted to a 30-06 would require a little modification of the port due to the length so I would stick with something simple so it would be plain fun. My choice would be .308 win.

 

[watercam]

Mine has been a 30-06, 9.3x62, and a 280 AI. And counting! No end to the fun one can have with that action. If you have any interest, in it's military sniper form one can compete with it in Vintage Military Sniper comps.

 

[Greyman]

MTM: wouldn't have a clue where to even start on something like that although it does sound intriguing. just looked down the barrel with a light and magnifying glass and run a brush down it, the barrel looks a little rough, if I can swing it I might let it tag along to the gun range this weekend and see where it shoots.

 

[Greyman]

Jonbearman: 243 AI might be fun.

 

[shortgrass]

Many if not most Mauser '98s, seen in this country, have fired too much corrosive ammo in the past. The corrosive ammo and time have turned the barrels into a "sewer pipe", full of pits and corrosion. Good ones are too valuable to sporterize. The 7.92 x 57mm (8mm Mauser) is a formidable round. If I was to re-barrel I'd not rule out the 7 x 57mm .

 

[KMart]

Other good options for that receiver would be 6mm Remington, 257 Roberts and the previously mentioned 7x57. Plus any Ackley version of those. Maybe 6.5x57 or a 6.5x55 Swede

 

[normmatzen]

I have a VZ24 that I have built my main hunting rifle on. It is light, sturdy and In 7X57 it will kill any North American game without beating my shoulder to a pulp!
I keep it zeroed at 300 yd and can place a kill shot to 400yd.

Good enough for me.

 

[joshb]

Hi, Grey. Good post! I see you're getting a lot of good feedback.i would think about my "abilities", and expectations, when setting up a gun. Do I reload? Do I shoot casually or compete? Will I use the gun for hunting or just target practice? Is the gun worth dumping a bunch of money into ? How do I like recoil? .308 ammo is fairly cheap and available just about every where. Recoil can be a bit stout for long shooting sessions, but it will take just about all American game at reasonable distances. Could be a good choice. I just got back from shooting my first 6.5-55 Swedish mausers. Recoil wasn't bad. I liked it. It's a darn good cartridge. Not too exotic. I have recently started shooting 22-250, and like it alot. Also not too exotic, and works on deer sized animals with good shot placement. I mostly target shoot. I reload. I have started moving towards " smaller" calibers cause I tend to shoot a lot. They use less powder and don't kick as much. I have a bunch of guns that are nice, good shooters for what they are. I don't expect them to perform like a good bench gun would. Some came from my father and grandfather. Those I don't mess with, for sentimental reasons. Since you brought the thought to mind, I pulled out an old K 98, I picked up a while ago and have never shot. I shot it, today. Recoil wasn't bad. That gun won't ever be changed, as it's a pristine "war bring back" with Nazi markings , and I'd be thrown off the planet if I screwed with it. Just trying to suggest some thoughts, josh.

 

[teele1]

front rifle on that rack is my .260 on a mauser

here is one in .308 i was in the process of building altho its a Turk.