K98 Radonica 145 Yugo reworks - data, info?

[GunLover69]

Can any board experts provide any data, info, historical info on ex-German K98s, Yugo reworks. I'm looking at a BNZ 43. The date stamp is still on there, with the Yugo crest above of course. Radonica 145 on the left side. I know that indicates the factory were it was refurbished. I don't know much about them. I have the Yugo and Czech Mauser book but there isn't much info on them in that either.

I was hoping someone here has one, had one, knows of them, knows about them etc and wouldn't mind sharing or directing me to sites that might have more info.

Thanks

Felix - MyGunDiary.com

 

[Pat]

I'm no expert, but I've owned a Radionica 145 Yugoslav-rebuilt K98k.

Like all Yugoslav rebuilds, these were capture rifles rebuilt in the late 1940s-early 1950s. That process involved (mostly) obliteration of most if not all of the original markings. Many of these are found with surviving WaA markings or serial numbers, though. Original receiver codes were almost invariably ground out and replaced with the Yugoslav Communist crest, like yours. Once in a while, the remnants of the receiver code are visible, and in a few cases, untouched and with no Communist crest. These are all parts guns and consist of components from practically all phases of K98 production.

One of the best aspects of these are the brand new barrels that the Yugoslavs installed on most of these rifles. This makes most of them excellent shooters, especially for K98 collectors who'd really rather not risk damage to collectible, non-rebuilt K98s. They're also more approachable in terms of price, as they've not risen in value or cost compared to what's seen with the Soviet capture K98 rifles.

The 'Radionica 145' stamp denotes a arms repair facility, although that's practically all that's known about it outside of the former Yugoslavian countries. It's one of the hardest rebuild Yugoslav K98 codes to find, so you have a desirable one as these go.

I hope this helps,
Pat

 

[Pat]

FWIW, here are a couple if pics of the only Yugoslav rebuild I've kept. This one retains its CE 44 receiver code, including the ERMA legend on the left side rail.
Best,
Pat

 

[GunLover69]

Thanks for the info. That does help.

Odd that more wasn't written about these k98s in the Yugoslav and Czech Mauser book.

I won the auction and will post pics on my blog and here after I receive it. This is my first purchase using my C & R license!

This particular K98 still retains a visible BNZ 43 on the receiver.