Hello, new K98 owner here!

[Dippyeggs]

I just inherited my father’s k98. I believe it’s a matching numbers “eagle 280” ax 1940. All numbers match, except for the bolt. Yes, I had an issue with the bolt already, of course. Haha.
I hopefully would like some help with this amazing piece of history, and I thank all of you in advance for any help.
I want to learn how to troubleshoot,(had a crash course with the bolt for the last 2 days) clean it properly, and get a few missing parts if possible.
And any other good information while I’m at it..
The gun needs a barrel rod, 2 disks for the stock, a butt plate and the 2 screws, and a sling.
It will be interesting to learn about this thing from other owners out there!!

 

[moconfed]

Decocked the bolt, did you?
Welcome to the forum!

 

[Blackpowderresearcher]

Cocking the bolt back is an easy task. Welcome to the forum of experts (and I'm not an expert).

 

[Dippyeggs]

Decocked the bolt, did you?
Welcome to the forum!

I did! I had 0 clue lol.
Thanks for the welcome!

 

[Dippyeggs]

Cocking the bolt back is an easy task. Welcome to the forum of experts (and I'm not an expert).

Thanks.
Yes, it sure is easy, but again I’m clueless.
I’m guessing this gun needs a 100% strip down cleaning/oiling. I’m going to guess that I shouldn’t be doing it without proper tools and knowledge..

 

[Blackpowderresearcher]

You can clamp the bolt shroud (the part that has the safety) in a vise padded with wood and the pull the bolt body and rotate.

Don't do it against nice furniture/fixtures like in the video. We had beat up workbenches and vises.

link

 

[Dippyeggs]

I did that already before posting! Thanks though— I appreciate that..
I’m in southwestern PA, wondering if anyone knows of a good gun smith who can help me get this beautiful gun all cleaned up and oiled from top to bottom, and possibly help get some of its missing pieces?

 

[Cyrano4747]

You don't need a gunsmith to clean a 98k. They're very simple guns. All you really need to do is make sure you have a decent hollow-ground screwdriver set. I personally recommend this one for a good, basic set. It's cheap and if your needs grow you can get a nicer one in the future: https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Space-Saver-Screwdriver-Set/dp/B000RZG5NY.

After that just find a decent guide to taking it apart and putting it back together and follow that. Here's one I quickly found on google. Skimming through it I don't see anything egregiously bad, but I'll add that if you're totally new to 98k'syou probably don't want to remove any of the metal bits in the stock - the buttplate, the recoil lug, the bayo lug etc.

Beyond that, just go slow and don't try to improvise with a tool you think might be almost good enough to do the job like you're wrenching on a lawnmower in your back yard. That's how you end up with ugly cosmetic blemishes. Go slow and if you can't figure something out, ask.

 

[heavy_mech]

Agree with the above. Even the butt plate isn't too bad with correct fitting screwdrivers. No way I'd touch the recoil lug or takedown disc. The bolt disassembly is the hardest part and it's not too bad. There are lots of video tutorials out there if you get stuck.

 

[Cyrano4747]

Agree with the above. Even the butt plate isn't too bad with correct fitting screwdrivers. No way I'd touch the recoil lug or takedown disc. The bolt disassembly is the hardest part and it's not too bad. There are lots of video tutorials out there if you get stuck.

The reason I caution against the buttplate is that I see a fair few with stocks messed up by prying it off if it’s stuck and, even more, people will strip out the screw holes if they don’t know the trick about backing them into the threads.

 

[Dippyeggs]

This gun is “missing” the butt plate, and screws.
I want to buy the correct one, and install it. I do not know if the holes are stripped, or what exact parts I’d need— same thing with the takedown disk— it’s missing too. Also, the sling ring at the barrel is on backwards.. the other missing parts are the barrel cleaning rod, band spring(where the top sling ring is) and the front sight hood.
I’d also like to get a sling.
That’s why I think I need a smith. I just want to get all the parts for this gun, and see if it’s safe to fire!

 

[Blackpowderresearcher]

Remember, if your screwdriver doesn't fit, you can grind or file it to fit. Shorter shank has less chance of slipping. We were required to make our own bits if we didn't want to mess up a workpiece (we were taught that if it was our fault, it was our loss).

 

[Dippyeggs]

Sling ring.. haha sorry, I believe this is called the lower band.
It’s on the wrong way, and it can’t be taken off without taking off the front band, which I wouldn’t think I could do..
Plus, I am not sure if there are any reasons why the butt plate, takedown rings, and band spring are missing..
I found parts at Numrich gun parts corp, but I didn’t purchase yet, because I’m not fully sure which exact ones to choose

 

[Dippyeggs]

I think i need a gunsmith, unfortunately

I don't even know if this gun is actually worth putting money into, or making complete
If you guys would like more detailed pics to help me out on that, please, let me know! I appreciate all your help, trust me

 

[Cyrano4747]

Your average "gunsmith" isn't going to know any more about these rifles than you do. If you do decide to find a smith make sure it's someone who knows what they're doing with older rifles. Your typical gunsmith today is fine for an AR build and that's about it.

It's kind of like taking a 1940s pickup truck to your Ford dealer and expecting them to be able to fix it.

 

[Dippyeggs]

Thanks for the heads up.
Ok then. Maybe I should get the parts, and give it a college try, without rushing, and asking advice from you fine gentlemen, if I run into trouble.
Could I somehow show the parts I “think”
Might fit, or could you let me know? So I don’t buy the wrong part.
I honestly doubt I could install a takedown disk without serious guidance, and the right tools

 

[Muncher 1953]

Thanks for the heads up.
Ok then. Maybe I should get the parts, and give it a college try, without rushing, and asking advice from you fine gentlemen, if I run into trouble.
Could I somehow show the parts I “think”
Might fit, or could you let me know? So I don’t buy the wrong part.
I honestly doubt I could install a takedown disk without serious guidance, and the right tools

if you look on ebay, there’s a Polish guy selling disc & tube sets, and a TOOL. (I haven’t tried this) his discs are laser marked, I pers wouldn’t use them, but…..
the tool is basically two cones on a hardened bolt, screwing the bolt tight through the two discs & tube flares the ends. I’m certain it’s harder than it sounds.

 

[Dippyeggs]

But if the gun is "worth" acquiring as close to original parts, maybe I ought to try to find them.
I'm not sure if it is or not. I'd like one of you guys' input on that as well.

 

[Dippyeggs]

I figured I should post some more pics of the gun, to see if anyone here has any parts they could sell me, or let me know where I could get some things to match it up decently.
I really do appreciate all the help, and dealing with my dumb questions over and over again.
You guys seem very cool and patient, thanks so much

 

[Dippyeggs]

if you look on ebay, there’s a Polish guy selling disc & tube sets, and a TOOL. (I haven’t tried this) his discs are laser marked, I pers wouldn’t use them, but…..
the tool is basically two cones on a hardened bolt, screwing the bolt tight through the two discs & tube flares the ends. I’m certain it’s harder than it sounds.

I looked this up. I’m sure it’s harder than it sounds too. I’m just not sure I want this gun to have missing parts.
I know the picture I took of the barrel had too much light, but it looks like this may be in quite rough shape.
Without the numbers matching bolt, the few missing parts, and barrel condition, what am I working with here?