Author Topic: K98k (Read 1733 times)

bruceg · « **on:** December 07, 2009, 05:58:52 AM »

My bother-in-law gave me a K98k that he brought home from Viet Nam. The rifle is in pretty good condition...even the bore. The bolt works A-Ok until a round is placed in the chamber. At that point the bolt will not seat and close. It's as if the bolt and cartridge are not making the correct connection. I'm brand new to this rifle so I'm trying to get some ideas as to where to start looking to identify the problem.

Thanks!

Avyctes · « **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2009, 06:37:45 AM »

I'd get it to a guns smith and have the head space checked.

Avyctes · « **Reply #2 on:** December 07, 2009, 06:42:07 AM »

Also, are you positive you are using the correct ammunition? If original, it should be using 7.92x57, otherwise known as 8mm Mauser. But there is always the possibility it could have been modified at some point. If it's been modified to a chambering with a shorter shoulder, that could be why it's not closing all the way. Hope you get it figured out, just be careful!

Regards,

Chris.

TribReady · « **Reply #3 on:** December 07, 2009, 07:18:18 AM »

For sure get it looked at. If from Vietnam, couldn't it be just about any cartridge? The Chinese used alot of mausers over the years in alot of different rounds. It could be a 8x57 Russian capture sold to the North Vietnamese, could have been converted to 7.62x54 maybe by someone, or it's a later 7.62x51NATO that somehow got to Vietnam??
It will be interesting to see if you find out what it is and if it was converted by anyone.

cam98k · « **Reply #4 on:** December 07, 2009, 10:29:51 AM »

After Placing Cartridge in Chamber Bolt Wont Close.
That is your Problem,Mausers are Fed from the Magazine.
You keep trying to close Bolt on Round in Chamber and
You Could end up with Broken Extractor.
Regards,Tony.

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #5 on:** December 07, 2009, 10:56:38 AM »

Does the bolt serial number match the receiver serial number? If not, it may have too little headspace, probably negative headspace. If the numbers match, cam98k is probably right.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #6 on:** December 07, 2009, 11:28:18 AM »

If you are putting the round in the chamber and then trying to close the bolt, then what Tony said!

The 98 extractor will NOT jump over the rim. It is designed so that the rim slides up between the bolt face and extractor as the bolt strips the round from the magazine...

I've heard this called ... uh... what was it now... $:-\$ hummmm ... controlled something or other I think it was...

cbxboy · « **Reply #7 on:** December 07, 2009, 05:57:17 PM »

No offense meant at all in my reply....but I have one of my FIRST ever public posts. I asked what "Mauser" I should buy. Quite awhile later I am STARTING to get an idea of just how many Mausers there are.

So no ill will here.....may I see a Pic of the Mauser? Could you type in all the markings and writing? What factory? (some say Arsenal) Describe all markings...what is typed under the front of the barrel next to the cleaning rod? Anything? Anythign typed ont he left or right side of receiver?

Even though I would consider myself up to speed (forgetting more everyday) for the most part I still make mistakes on Mausers. I am not certain of your rifle just yet

That being said I will offer no options on getting it to work...yet

bruceg · « **Reply #8 on:** December 08, 2009, 12:44:29 AM »

I very much appreciate all your feedback and comments. I'll try to answer as much as I can. 1. I'm not positive of the ammunition type. The documentation in 1962 from the Provost Marshall's office in Viet Nam says it is a "7.92". I guess that may or may not be correct if it had been rechambered. 2. I did not give thought to the idea that the round should be chambered from the magazine. I rather thought a round could be chambered and then have the bolt engage and lock over. I've not tried to force it or put too much pressure on the mechanism so I guess I did the right thing there! 3. No, the bolt serial number does not match the other serial numbers....it is certain the rifle was put together with "pieces parts". 4. I'll find what numbers and markings there are on the rifle. As I'm brand new to this rifle, the numbers and markings don't mean much to me at this point but I'm willing to learn. 5. I've taken the rifle to a local gun shop with a gunsmith that works on site. Better to have the thing checked out and pronounced "good-to-go" than do harm to myself or others. Thanks for all your help. I'll keep you posted as I learn more. Bruce

Mikey · « **Reply #9 on:** December 08, 2009, 01:38:53 AM »

Bruce: the K98 was often found in Vietnam. We had a rack full of K98s at our camp at Dak To. Mismatched bolts and actions rarely mean anything unless there is excessive headspace but you are going to have a gunsmith check that.

The 7.92 or 8mm the rifle is chambered for is common. There is lots of ammo available if the gunsmith determines the rifle to be sound.

Mauser rifles are designed to be chambered from the magazine - the bolt will not close on a round that was dropped or loaded individually into the chamber, it must be fed from tha magazine. HTH.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #10 on:** December 08, 2009, 08:09:53 AM »

Quote from: Mikey on December 08, 2009, 01:38:53 AM

our camp at Dak To.

I flew in and outa there a bunch in '66... Think I got pictures somewhere... $:-\$

bruceg · « **Reply #11 on:** December 08, 2009, 12:02:05 PM »

WOW! You guy

bruceg · « **Reply #12 on:** December 08, 2009, 12:15:11 PM »

WOW! You guys are AWESOME! The gunsmith checked out the rifle with your suggestions about feeding from the magazine....it worked perfectly with live rounds...fed them and ejected the with no problem. I can't thank you enough. I just hope I can return the favor sometime with the limited knowledge I have. As for the markings on the rifle, here is what I can determine: I see no markings on the underside of the barrel next to the cleaning rod. However, to the left of the bayonet mount there is an 07. On the left of the
reciever could be "M nd 98"....not sure about the "M" and the "n" could really be an "o". The "d" is clear. On top of the receiver is: ar There are also lots of eagles and swatsticas. 41

Avyctes · « **Reply #13 on:** December 09, 2009, 03:51:00 AM »

'ar 41' indicates your rifle should have been a 1941 manufacture by Mauser-Werke AG, Werk Borsigwalde, Berlin-Borsigwalde, Eichborndamm. A true Mauser, made by Mauser! Das ist prima!

WW2 German Rifle Ordnance codes:
http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/codes_rifle.html

All WW2 German codes:
http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/codes_full.html

gandog56 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 23, 2009, 03:44:44 PM »

And your brother in law GAVE you this?

You better be nice to him for Christmas!

bruceg · « **Reply #15 on:** December 28, 2009, 06:00:08 AM »

Yes, he's a pretty nice guy. He has a double barrel 20 ga made in Switzerland. I'm not even sure it has been fired, but I didn't have the $1,500 he said he would take for it.

mrussel · « **Reply #16 on:** June 02, 2010, 09:00:44 PM »

Quote from: bruceg on December 08, 2009, 12:15:11 PM

There are also lots of eagles and swatsticas. 41

Im not sure,but it could be German.

Thats a nice gift. Congrats.

moconfed · « **Reply #17 on:** June 05, 2010, 10:52:02 AM »

You guys are just about creeping me out.
First off, it's 'controlled feed', eliminating the chances of dropping a round in and closing the bolt.
If your bro-in-law brought it home from 'nam, I'd be asking him if he has any official document stating such, as it would raise it's value tremendously over your run-of-the-mill 'Russian Capture' K98.
If the document exists, I'd seriously consider parking the rifle and paper in the safe, and if need be, pick up another mauser for a shooter, as even the lowly RC K98 has come up in price, from $150 a few years ago to knocking on $400 as of late.

Avyctes · « **Reply #18 on:** June 07, 2010, 06:57:44 AM »

Moconfed, would you mind explaining why Vietnam capture papers would turn this k98 into a safe queen? I agree it would be worth more if it didn't have the Russian varnish finish and import marks, but I would think it had at least had something maintenance-wise done while during its tour in 'nam that would render it in different condition from the state one would expect from one that had been brought home after WW2 and stored w/out modifications or refinishing. I still think this k98 deserves to be shot. Not abused definitely, but I don't see anything in its history to render it a useless safe queen either. Also, I don't see anything creepy going on here. I don't think Bruce intends to destroy this collectible. Just my 2 cent worth.

Regards,

Chris.

moconfed · « **Reply #19 on:** August 11, 2010, 03:09:13 PM »

Well, as all RC k98k's are usually looked upon as parts rifles to the collector's crowd, they still arguably have a place in history, even as rearsenaled by the Russians.
If this rifle does indeed, have 'capture papers', it has an even higher value, as it was actually used in combat, unlike a large percentage of the RC 98's that have come into the US for the last decade or so.
As RC's are gradually coming up in value (around $400 currently, give or take), one such as the rifle in question should be , in my opinion, kept aside, and if a shooter is desired, there are PLENTY of other k98's around that would fill the bill easily.
One has to remember that the k98's selling now for $1000 and up (quickly, depending on year/code) were at one time running about $20 in hardware store barrels.
My thoughts on it.
Your rifle, though, do as you will.

gandog56 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 15, 2010, 12:48:36 AM »

To each his own, but I have no "safe queens". I don't buy it if I ain't going to shoot it.

But that's just me.

marine · « **Reply #21 on:** August 16, 2010, 07:04:29 AM »

I agree with gandog56. It would be almost rude to not shoot a gift like this. I doubt that shooting it and taking care of it would ruin the value of the rifle since it was obviously fired before.

moconfed · « **Reply #22 on:** August 31, 2010, 01:59:05 AM »

You guys are right- sorry. Was at walmart last weekend and spotted a NICE Bushnell that would really be an improvement on your rifle, too. One of those cool plastic stocks with a flashlight mounted on it would be even better!
Go for it!!!!