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Is there any way to own a Mauser sniper to shoot without spending $1500+?

Just curious what one's choices would be. I honestly don't even know where to start.

If you mean an original, no. If you mean a well made and representative copy of a sniper put together by a competent gunsmith with original components and the correct style scope for that particular version, no. A copy from a sporterized K98k, with any old stock, some cheapo mounts and any old scope, you might get it done for $1500+. I figure $3000 is more reasonable for a nice copy. I guess you could just take an RC, some cheapo mounts and put a Tasco on it. My two cents.

KJ
 
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I'm thinking more along the lines of a RC made into one. I'm wanting a shooter that is close to original as possible while still staying realistic priced for a shooter.

So I guess my questions now are what year/years and make would be the most accurate for a sniper rifle? And are there a nice way to turn a RC into a sniper without making it look like a back yard redneck hack job?
 
My knowledge is limited, but one of the most common were the 43, 44 and 45 byf (Mausers) with High Turret mounts. If you want the expert on all things K98k snipers on this board, contact member Dave Roberts. He is the man, regards snipers.

KJ
 
Thanks!

Anyone else, please comment!


If you want a replica for shooting, and do not care if it has the correct code, pick the best already molested K98 barreled action or an RC and put your preferred scope and mount type on it. Select it for bore condition and test shoot it before you invest money in a conversion. Better still, find one that is properly done and buy it. That will usually save you money.

The LSR and SSR replica mounts seem to be the easiest to do and some decent replica mounts are available fairly cheap. The Claw and Turret mounts are more labor intensive to do and ofter require that the scope be disassembled and refinished. There is also the ZF41 replica scope and mount which is pretty easy, if you like a 1.5Xish LER scope. Apparently CMP Vintage Sniper matches still allow the use of a Weaver K4 for the many of the replica snipers like the LSR and they look OK.

IO put together some repro LRSs and they sold in the $1500 range.
 
Here's a mock up on GB.....looks the part. I think your a little low at $1,500, but why not come up a bit and make an offer? After all, collector value is gone from something like this. Your left with the value of the donor rifle, mounts, scope and labor, and as with vintage cars, always cheaper to buy shop services from the previous owner than from the shop! You never know how bad the seller wants to sell unless you ask.....


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=385821571
 
Here's a mock up on GB.....looks the part. I think your a little low at $1,500, but why not come up a bit and make an offer? After all, collector value is gone from something like this. Your left with the value of the donor rifle, mounts, scope and labor, and as with vintage cars, always cheaper to buy shop services from the previous owner than from the shop! You never know how bad the seller wants to sell unless you ask.....


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=385821571

I want to do it as a project. And I'm not worried about collector value. I want it to shoot good. I have quite a few RC to choose from for a good price.
 
Hello,

Honestly the only way to get a average/good representation would be to build it your self. you figure gunsmith fees alone for most projects is about 500-700 since you need to ship both ways + insurance + work. IF you have a gunsmith build it that only leaves 800-1000 let to use to get the sniper bits you need. now the average RC is about 400 i see they get now, after the rifle purchase you have about 400-600 left to work with. commercial copies of wartime scopes are ABOUT 400-600 depending on manufacturer. now you have to get what ever mount you need and you already at the 1500 mark, if your a DIY kind of guy you have room to work with. so unless you find a scope for 50.00 or stumble on to a rifle for 150.00, it CAN happen but you need to be patient. I would say a 1500.00 repro sniper build that's NOT BUILT BY YOU PERSONNELY, it probably won't happen. the hardest part of these REPRO sniper build questions is its very hard to estimate since there are so many variables, options, parts to buy that there is no right or wrong way to build one if you prefer specifc pieces. I use the word repro as i dont not count D&T some holes and put a Leupold or the split turret mounts and a weaver scope an attempt at a repro thats just a rifle with optics added.

later
vaughn
 
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Hello,

I thought I would post this seperatly. The best advise is to find out what type of sniper you want to build as it will narrow down to a better estimate. like the previous posts I always said you should be in the 2500.00 range and this gives you a great piece. NOW I have noticed that K98 everything has exploded to new price levels in the last 6 months complete all matching actions use to be a 225-275 deal now there 400+ at least all the ones i am bidding on are getting. barreled receivers only use to be 50-75 now 150-175 it amazing the price jumps in k98 stuff. i thought it would level off for a long spell, NOPE!! they just keep getting higher, so much so i haven't bought a k98 mauser in months my self!!!

later
vaughn
 
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I think I would prefer a Yugo K98 rework for project rifle.they usually have better barrels than the K98 RC rifles I have seen.sometimes you can find one already drilled with a cheap 1" scope and see through rings.
most important part is the barrel.inspect before you buy.look at the muzzle.rifling should go all the way to the crown.you may have to buy more than one rifle to get a good shooter.
you need to use good 8mm ammo.i accuracy test my rifles using 175 Sierra soft point and 48.0 grains of IMR 4895.i have shot many 5 shot groups around an inch or better at 100 yds from standard K98 with pistol scope or test scope if already drilled or original sniper rifle.the 175 Sierra is just a cheaper bullet than the 200 grain Sierra Match.i have been using that 175 grain Sierra load since the 1970s.
you might have to buy more than one rifle just to get good rifle parts.i have bought parts rifles just to get a nice barrel blank or a good stock that was not sanded to much.
 

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