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Is ths ZF-41 worth taking home?

T

TheMaineEvent

Member
Hi all. I'm a new member from Maine who is looking for some advice on a K98 that has caught my eye. I've been slowly building up my collection of WWII rifles and found a ZF-41 at my LGS this weekend that I wouldn't mind adding to my collection, but would like some sort of affirmation that's it worth buying as I'm a bit in the dark on this particular model.

Here are some of the details that I know. It was made by DUV and is serial number 3047. It is numbers matching except for the bolt. The stock is in very good shape. So much so that I think it may have been refinished at some point. I don't see any obvious signs of sanding so perhaps it was done at an arsenal? I can't find any import markings on the rifle and the bore is in exceptional shape.

It has the number 214 stamped on the chamber and the caliber (791) stamped on the receiver ring.

My LGS is asking 895 for the rifle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some photos:
5600648e-fbed-4245-b5c5-0fac8cb615e5_zpse538529c.jpg

20140106_092134_zpszeyrbprq.jpg

20140106_091456_zpskfyz7ezu.jpg

20140106_091246_zpswzxxx16s.jpg

20140106_091400_zpskh9okhnm.jpg

20140106_091436_zpszdz3uhj7.jpg

20140105_103616_zpsnpaxvruv.jpg
 
I don't see anything that jumps right out as being incorrect from your pictures but there aren't may legit ones around. If you have a mount and scope go for it. The price isn't that high so if it doesn't break the bank take a chance. If the patina is the same all around thats a big plus. Check if the stock ser# matches the metal and looks legit since it looks sanded.
 
Thanks for the replies. The patina is the same all around, and while worn, there aren't any major dings, scratches, etc.

Is the fact the front band is humped a bad or good thing?
 
Well that's a bummer, but I'm glad I posted this thread. If I'm going to buy a K98 I want it to be original so I appreciate you giving me a heads up.
 
The front band being incorrekt would not keep me from buying the rifle - IF the price is right!
But, I'd be more inclined to pay $750 for the rifle though.
Sarge
 
I agree with you and would normally try to work something out with the store, but as this will be a one and done model I'd prefer to get something that's correct. I appreciate the feedback and hope to find a replacement to ask you all about soon.
 
Hello,

this rifle was for sale in July 2013 and the pics posted then show that the stock was pencil matching. the only parts that did not match front band (humped) and of course the bolt assembly. it sold with a DYM ZF41 scope.

later
vaughn
 
I'd work a deal for it and buy it, its a nice gun otherwise. I'd toss the front band though and try to turn up an unnumbered armorers part to put in its place.
 
What Vaughn said, and I'm not sure I buy the pencil numbered stock either. Even if it were real, you'd have a hell of a time proving/convincing anyone as it's by far the exception to the rule
 
If your looking for a "scoped" shooter, this would be the one to buy. This is a DUV ZF41 rifle. They made the least number of ZF41 rifles of the three known manufactures. This particular mount is an early mount made for the early "flat roller" designed mount. Finding a flat roller Zf41 mount will be difficult to find in its self.
 
I would grab it...maybe try to work them down a bit, but, hell, you don't find complete ZF-41 guns very often....$700-$800 isn't that far fetched for a bolt mismatch gun anymore (unfortunately).

Even with the humped front band, as others said, you can find an un-numbered band at some point...

You can pass, in hopes of finding a better one, but good luck with that. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush...if you come across a better one further down the line, you can always sell/trade this one off....

The only problem is making sure there are no other faked numbers on it....assuming that otherwise its all good, I'd say its a no brainer....
 
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