Possibly buying a Kar98a, what should I look for?

Good evening everyone, hope you’re all well,

I’m possibly looking at buying a Ka98a (1909 Erfurt manufacture), it comes with a non-functional trench magazine, a working reproduction trench magazine and a bayonet with letter of capture as well as a muzzle cover. My thoughts however are what I should look for on the rifle itself? When I bought my first milsurp I very quickly realised at the counter of the gunshop I had no clue of what I was looking at, I want to come in prepared for this rifle as I’ll be spending some money on it. Also would anyone know how I’d go about getting another magazine (the internal 5 rounder) for the rifle as well?

Apologies for any mistakes I have made, I’m new to the forum! Thank you all in advance!

Welcome;

Might I suggest you review some examples of Kar 98a in our reference section to get a feel for them?


When you say non-functional mag, was the spring removed?

If you can post some pictures and we can help you out that way as well!

chrisftk said:

Welcome;

Might I suggest you review some examples of Kar 98a in our reference section to get a feel for them?

Imperial Picture Reference Index- Rifles and Accessories

Modell 98 Gewehr 98 Amberg 1902 1278 https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/gewehr-98-amberg-1902-1278.56175/ 1903 7700 https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/amberg-1903.50699/ 1903 7865a https://www.k98kforum.com/showthread.php?9251-1903-Amberg-Gew-98 1903 5600b...

www.k98kforum.com

When you say non-functional mag, was the spring removed?

Click to expand...

No magazine spring or follower, so pretty much an empty box.

I’ll post a picture of the Advertisement as well

It looks like a nice rifle from the photo/ description. To answer your questions above, you can make a post in the trader here to see if anyone has a spare 5 round magazine or sometimes ebay is a great source for that. Usually what you should look for in any imperial rifle Gew 98, Kar 98a, Gew 88 etc. Is has it been sanded? This is a big factor regarding values in these rifles if it has 50% of the value is gone. If you aren't sure if it has or not a couple of ways I can tell are the cartouches fuzzy or blurry? This can give you a idea if it has or not. Or can you see fine scratches throughout? Most people don't go higher then 220 grit when sanding it seems like on gunstocks so the scratches are still apparent in good lighting. Another thing regarding imperial rifles are matching numbers, these rifles are well over 100 years old and have been depoted a time or two so finding a 100% matching rifle isn't very common unlike ww2 rifles so sometimes small parts like barrel bands or cleaning rods are mismatched so don't be discouraged in buying them! But more photos are definitely needed from the seller before a purchase is made, it looks good from the one photo but we don't want you to be hosed lol. Need photos of the stock, receiver, barrel bands, muzzle cover, bayonet, bolt etc. Especially the original magazine, I've seen people say they have a original and turns out to be a repro it's a good size difference in value!