Looking for any information on 2 k98s

[Kplatt]

Hello! I'm hoping someone here can help me figure out these 2 rifles. The 1st rifle is mismatched and seems to be in too nice of shape. There is no import markings or signs of refinishing that I can tell. I don't think that there is a matching number on the gun though. The 2nd rifle seems to be all matching except the bolt and stock. Once again I don't see any signs of import markings or russian capture, but the gun seems to have gunk in every crevice which I'm assuming is cosmoline? I'm just looking to see if anyone can tell me what I have with these 2 rifles. Thank you in advance! Rifle 1 below

 

[Kplatt]

Rifle 2

 

[AN-94]

The first rifle looks to be a K98k made by Waffernwerk Brünn II in 1942 and the second appears to be a K98k made by Gustloff Werk in 1943. First rifle definitely looks the better of the 2, the second rifle has had its stock modified for bottom sling swivels and a cracked vz24 handguard slapped on along with a vz24 bolt in the action. Would need more pictures to identify who made what parts but if you're looking for a shooter, the first one might be a better option if it's cheap enough.

 

[Kplatt]

Thank you AN, I know it's hard to give an estimate based on the pictures but the gentleman wants $1500 for the pair. Do you think that's a fair price? Or should I just try to get the 1st gun and steer clear of the 2nd? I know the gentleman personally so I would be able to get more pictures if I know what you need to see. He doesn't know much about the rifles other than they were his fathers.

 

[Kplatt]

I should also add that I'm very knew to the k98s and these would be the first rifles I would own if I buy them

 

[pzjgr]

For those...not even close, maybe $700 for the pair, the second one has the wrong bolt, wrong stock, broken wrong handguard, modified sling swivels...the first one at least looks correct, but its just essentially a jumble of parts...
Basically worth the sum of useable parts.

Personally I wouldn't buy them unless I could get the pair for about $500. For $1500 you can get a decent collectible rifle, watch our trader boards they pop up often...it'll be a stock or bolt mismatch but way better than either of these bubba specials.

 

[RazorBurn]

When Russian captures are bringing north of 700 bucks I would think the 1st one to be worth at least that even though it's a mismatch. I agree the 2nd one is a hot mess and I'd only want it if it were thrown in. Welcome to the forum Kplatt. You've come to the right place for advice. These guys know their stuff!

 

[Kplatt]

Ok thank you both. So the first rifle was probably put together with a bunch of surplus parts after the war? What would explain the second rifle's issues? The patina on the whole rifle seems like it would've been done during the war or shortly after. I know that how these rifles came to be in the shape they are in would be purely speculation. If I can work out a better package deal with the gentleman, would it be worth buying a "correct" stock for the second rifle or just throw it in the safe as a paperweight?

 

[pzjgr]

The second one is hot garbage...the second and third pics...whats going on where the wood handguard meets the receiver? That was done by bubba for sure, no military armorer would do whatever that is, JB Weld, actual weld, whatever it is if its permanent or messed up the receiver that gun isn't worth much at all...Plus the rear band is on flipped around, and the bubba swivels show some bubba in his garage put this together/raped it. Front band is not 98k, bolt is not 98k, looks like someone tried to meld VZ-24 parts on a 98k and did a horrible job...Double band spring on the front end? Don't even know what this stock could be...

The first, who knows...the stock screams Russian capture, it could just be put together with random parts...if you really want these, I wouldn't pay more than $700-$800, and thats basically for the first one, the second should be a freebie...

Like I said, if you have $1500 to spend, buy something worthwhile, not these...unless they are super cheap.

Just my opinion.

ETA I am also guessing that in order to fit the VZ handguard the retaining lip for the handguard was ground off that second rifle, and if thats the case, its definitely not worth trying to restore or anything. Given the level of Bubba work on it, I don't think I'd even try to fire it...

 

[corifleman]

I feel like I'm seeing this more and more.. older collectors getting rid of parts of their stuff wanting top dollar for junk from new collectors. It's probably always been this way I feel like it's starting to show up more now and it's kind of frustrating.

 

[Kplatt]

Ok I appreciate your opinion. I'm mainly looking for a decent example of a k98 that I wouldn't feel bad shooting. When I saw the rifles yesterday the spot where the reciever and handguard met seemed like it was held together by woodglue maybe, I was able to scrape it off alittle bit with my fingernail. Would it even be worth asking if I could take the handguard off to see if any grinding was done or is it essentially garbage at this point anyways? The owner is an older gentleman that told me his father has always had these rifles since he can remember but he knows nothing about them. I know the man personally so I believe that he's not trying to rip me off and was willing to let me take photos to put on here. I might just try to get the nicer one from him.

 

[Kplatt]

I spoke with the gentleman and he agreed to take the stock off the 2nd rifle, just out of curiosity after I told him what I have learned from you. We both agreed that I am in no way obligated to buy the rifle if something goes wrong, he is just as curious as I am. When we started taking the rear band off the stock came apart and exposed either spray foam or gorilla glue that was holding it together! We had a good laugh at that one, but we are wondering if the barrel even matches the rifle because the letters/numbers don't seem to match. Also wondering why there would be an eagle with swastika on the bolt if it is a vz24 bolt? Thank you all again for the information, you guys are great.

 

[Sexton]

The number's I am seeing on the barrel look to be the lot code, think tracking number, for the production of the barrel.

 

[Loewe]

I spoke with the gentleman and he agreed to take the stock off the 2nd rifle, just out of curiosity after I told him what I have learned from you. We both agreed that I am in no way obligated to buy the rifle if something goes wrong, he is just as curious as I am. When we started taking the rear band off the stock came apart and exposed either spray foam or gorilla glue that was holding it together! We had a good laugh at that one, but we are wondering if the barrel even matches the rifle because the letters/numbers don't seem to match. Also wondering why there would be an eagle with swastika on the bolt if it is a vz24 bolt? Thank you all again for the information, you guys are great.

The barrel is the original barrel, but this is little more than the basis for a shooter (if the barrel is decent); neither are worth much but may serve as shooters (if barrels are decent) or project guns but it might be cheaper to buy a collectors shedded spare (many collectors shed rifles once they upgrade, but you have to be at the right spot with cash on hand)

 

[heavy_mech]

I agree with Loewe that the barrel is correct and original to this rifle. The bottom metal also matches, however the furniture and bolt never had anything to do with this rifle. I agree with the others thoughts about condition/price.

The eagle on the bolt knob is normal for one captured by the Germans.

 

[Wulfmann]

Posting pictures of the other numbered parts for rifle #1 might increase its value to us.
Number 2 should be avoided. If you must buy both offer a price for #1 knowing you get #2 for nothing which is not far from its actual value
IMO