Mitchell’s Mausers

[Herk1994]

Appreciate your reply.

I use to be a gun smith, in another country before I came to the US. Had to leave everything behind. No longer do it for a living, but have a shop with all the equipment which can be used to do custom work as a favor or hobby.

Since I have learned my M48 is basically worthless, I may look for a K98 in bad shape and do some restoration. That would probably defeat the purpose of value though?

Dude, your M48 isn’t worthless. Your wife bought you the rifle, and that makes it the best M48 in the world.

This forum has a disdain for Mitchell’s Mauser’s as a company, as well as their rifles (specifically their 98k’s) because they destroyed a ton of otherwise nice Russian capture rifles in their as captured/refurbed condition. They pimp-shined them, they re-numbered parts, and they falsely advertised to the people. As a collectors forum, that will never change. We will always favor museum quality rifles in their original condition. That could mean anything between unissued diamonds in the rough, or combat carried pigs with wear and tear. Original is original. Even bolt mismatch rifles are favored here. Unsanded wood and original condition metal are the priority IMO, with all matching rifles being the cream of the crop.

***Even as-refurbished Russian captures are great, they're not in as-manufactured condition, but they are historically relevant Eastern Front capture rifles, and they make great early cold war collectibles

- Are Mitchell’s 98k's objectively useful tools? Sure. Accurate and functional rifles no doubt. Hate to agree on something with that booger picker named Vinootz but hey, he’s got that part right at least.

- Did they ruin a lot of Russian captured rifles in their day? Yes they did.

- Are their 98k's collectible? I don’t know, you can collect cigarette butts out in front of the bar too, are those collectible? You be the judge.

 

[biggymu]

A well intentioned gift from a loved one will never be worthless! Shoot it and enjoy it in the spirit it was given!
A sporter rescue or similar is worthwhile. Read, learn and watch the trader section if you want to find a German k98.
Edit: I would never give up the M48 gift rifle. And I have quite a few rifles that are not German/Mauser’s with no relevance to this forum.

 

[luftpirate]

I’m guessing this thread is read mostly by collectors of real Mausers. But I have to say: If someone restamped and cleaned up a firearm when there were so many available, what’s all the animosity? Mitchell’s traveled to the eastern hemisphere, negotiated purchases, searched for those firearms, shipped them back, cleaned them up and marketed them. This takes money. You’re entitled to make money in business. As I’ve posted before I got a Karabiner 98k - authentic or not, it’s pretty, no rust, shoots 1 1/5 groups at 100 and is better than any piece of s**t budget rifle . And I shoot the shite out of it and even decorate my hobby room with it. For $399
I’m quite satisfied and have loads of fun in more than one way. I’m sorry but I don’t relate to the hate. And by the way, if you want a good investment buy real estate and stocks, not firearms. LMAO. What a crock of s..t some folks sound like.
So what if they put lipstick in a pig. Virtually every corporation in the world does that- whether you all realize it or not.
Get a god damn grip with all the negative emotions displayed by a bunch of people that likely never even bought a Mitchell’s.
Lots of naive Knuckleheads- farewell all.

Here is an actual photograph (Circa 1997) of Don Mitchell negotiating and selecting the finest weapons offered by the armies of the "Far East."

 

[hale1940]

You’re entitled to make money in business.

Sure, but don’t be surprised when people hate you if your profits came from deeply manipulative language, obfuscation, and straight up lies.

Mitchell’s Mausers make fine shooter. No one is going to deny that. But that doesn’t change the fact that they were also running a damn scam.

Say, if I found a jumble of 1960s Ferrari parts, then refinished and resiralized them and built a car out of them…and then advertised it as a “totally factory original and authentic made in Italy 1960s Ferrari” and sold if for a bunch of coin…don’t you think people would be rightly pissed off when they found out the truth?

 

[moconfed]

Appreciate your reply.

I use to be a gun smith, in another country before I came to the US. Had to leave everything behind. No longer do it for a living, but have a shop with all the equipment which can be used to do custom work as a favor or hobby.

Since I have learned my M48 is basically worthless, I may look for a K98 in bad shape and do some restoration. That would probably defeat the purpose of value though?

The standard stock on the M48 is in perfect condition, but looks awfull in Elm. I will probably do a Claro Walnut stock and pieces and then let it be.

That would suck to have to leave your stuff behind. I lost a lot in a fire years ago and it wasn't fun.
The M48 rifles are a fine weapon, one of my sons has one and loves it.
The disdain for Mitchell's products stems from their shenanigans with RC k98k rifles. I know they sold other rifles but am not personally familiar with the finer details of them.

 

[Wjmartins]

That would suck to have to leave your stuff behind. I lost a lot in a fire years ago and it wasn't fun.
The M48 rifles are a fine weapon, one of my sons has one and loves it.
The disdain for Mitchell's products stems from their shenanigans with RC k98k rifles. I know they sold other rifles but am not personally familiar with the finer details of them.

Thanks everyone for the input, appreciated.

I use to help the old South African Armscor with sniper rifles for the then SA military, plus some private bench rest enthusiasts. Left in 96 and never looked back.

I guess the closest I got to collecting is buying a couple of high power Browning pistols here new, before they were discontinued.

Not a collector, but the bug is biting, will look around the forum and maybe jump in.

I don’t shoot my two Brownings, they just make me smile when I look at them, or pass them around for bragging rights.

So what does a collector with a 98K do, do you guys take them to the range, or do they sit in a display cabinet?

 

[biggymu]

Thanks everyone for the input, appreciated.

I use to help the old South African Armscor with sniper rifles for the then SA military, plus some private bench rest enthusiasts. Left in 96 and never looked back.

I guess the closest I got to collecting is buying a couple of high power Browning pistols here new, before they were discontinued.

Not a collector, but the bug is biting, will look around the forum and maybe jump in.

I don’t shoot my two Brownings, they just make me smile when I look at them, or pass them around for bragging rights.

So what does a collector with a 98K do, do you guys take them to the range, or do they sit in a display cabinet?

It depends on the value of the specimen. There are millions of them and they are built to take it. I’ve shot many of my Mauser’s. Blast away.

 

[pzjgr]

I’m guessing this thread is read mostly by collectors of real Mausers. But I have to say: If someone restamped and cleaned up a firearm when there were so many available, what’s all the animosity? Mitchell’s traveled to the eastern hemisphere, negotiated purchases, searched for those firearms, shipped them back, cleaned them up and marketed them. This takes money. You’re entitled to make money in business. As I’ve posted before I got a Karabiner 98k - authentic or not, it’s pretty, no rust, shoots 1 1/5 groups at 100 and is better than any piece of s**t budget rifle . And I shoot the shite out of it and even decorate my hobby room with it. For $399
I’m quite satisfied and have loads of fun in more than one way. I’m sorry but I don’t relate to the hate. And by the way, if you want a good investment buy real estate and stocks, not firearms. LMAO. What a crock of s..t some folks sound like.
So what if they put lipstick in a pig. Virtually every corporation in the world does that- whether you all realize it or not.
Get a god damn grip with all the negative emotions displayed by a bunch of people that likely never even bought a Mitchell’s.
Lots of naive Knuckleheads- farewell all.

Holy crap! Its the ghost of Don Mitchell!

Where did this turd float in from? Well, goes to reason, garbage guns for garbage people.

Stick with your last line, and GTFO....

 

[Cyrano4747]

So what does a collector with a 98K do, do you guys take them to the range, or do they sit in a display cabinet?

Depends on the gun, the risks of shooting it, and its value. This is for collectable firearms in general, not just 98k's.

The real risk is damaging something that can't be repaired. Breaking a serialed part, for example. With a 98k most of the risk would be in messing up the firing pin or damaging the stock if there was an existing issue you weren't aware of. Plus just the risk of creating an ugly blemish if it's a really high quality example. Some idiot knocks your rifle over in the gun rack at the range and you end up with a scratch on that previously pristine finish. But, in general, the 98k is a pretty robust firearm and the risks from shooting it are pretty low.

Now, compare that to something like the Gew41(m). That's a finnicky semi-auto where all the parts were numbered, the guns are eye wateringly expensive, and replacement parts are pretty much non-existent. Now me, if I owned one? I'd probably shoot it at least once just to say I did. But that's certainly not going to be something I take to the range a few times a year and blast away with, like a Garand or an SVT-40.

Then you get out to the things where just disassembling or handling it can screw it up if you don't know what you're doing. Think really high end 1911 collecting, pristine examples of early production, low SN pistols. Guns that have 99% finish. If you screw up disassembling and leave an idiot mark on the frame? Hooo boy, that's an expensive cock up. Shooting one of those would be extremely ill-advised.

It's all about what you own, how rare/valuable it is, and what your risk tolerance is. I don't own anything so high end that I won't shoot it, but I can imagine firearms I'd want to own where I wouldn't risk it. (edit: Ok, I lie (slightly). I do have a few 18th century Oberndorf muskets that I won't shoot, but that's more because I don't trust them to be safe than any kind of value.)

This is also why most serious collectors have a few shooters that they keep on hand. If you've got a dozen minty, all matching 98ks there's no real reason to take them to the range. Get yourself a respectable bolt mismatch and go wear out its barrel.

 

[Herk1994]

You own one?

I knew with this post here that I would be entertained later down the line. You did not disappoint.

 

[Muncher 1953]

Thanks everyone for the input, appreciated.

I use to help the old South African Armscor with sniper rifles for the then SA military, plus some private bench rest enthusiasts. Left in 96 and never looked back.

I guess the closest I got to collecting is buying a couple of high power Browning pistols here new, before they were discontinued.

Not a collector, but the bug is biting, will look around the forum and maybe jump in.

I don’t shoot my two Brownings, they just make me smile when I look at them, or pass them around for bragging rights.

So what does a collector with a 98K do, do you guys take them to the range, or do they sit in a display cabinet?

I have some I shoot, & some I don’t. the more valuable, nicer ones I don’t because I have others just for that & don’t want to risk damaging the more $$ ones. on the other hand, I want them all to be fully functional and capable of firing, safely.
WARNING: Collecting K98k Mausers can be hazardous to your bank account, & sometimes familial relationships!!

 

[hale1940]

Holy crap! Its the ghost of Don Mitchell!

Where did this turd float in from? Well, goes to reason, garbage guns for garbage people.

Stick with your last line, and GTFO....

Honestly I’m wondering if that dude is some old Mitchell’s employee or family member of Don. I don’t think I’ver ever seen such a blatant commitment to company that was plainly committing fraud.

 

[Gerst]

Vinootz is the neck beard from reddit. Wjmartins is the guy with the M48 that's trying to be a wise guy with post #55

Neck beards are rough on dress shirt collars.

 

[AN-94]

Thanks everyone for the input, appreciated.

I use to help the old South African Armscor with sniper rifles for the then SA military, plus some private bench rest enthusiasts. Left in 96 and never looked back.

I guess the closest I got to collecting is buying a couple of high power Browning pistols here new, before they were discontinued.

Not a collector, but the bug is biting, will look around the forum and maybe jump in.

I don’t shoot my two Brownings, they just make me smile when I look at them, or pass them around for bragging rights.

So what does a collector with a 98K do, do you guys take them to the range, or do they sit in a display cabinet?

I've shot my matching K98k before and had a great time with it. I aim to shoot all of my guns at least once, that's what they were made for to begin with and there are some things you'll never understand about them until you've pulled the trigger. Obviously, some things will be shot less than others due to ammo or peculiarities to their design but as long as you're using good ammo with safe shooting practices with a gun that will take it and be taken care of, there shouldn't be any issues. Now, for super high condition firearms, that might be a different story since a lot of their value is based upon their condition and shooting can detract from it. But for your average condition K98k that's either seen combat, been sitting in a closet for 5 decades, or was part of a collection for a while, I don't see the harm in shooting one provided there's nothing wrong with the stock like recoil lug setback. A lot of them have been neglected over the years from poor storage, being forgotten about, so bringing them out to the range gives me an opportunity to inspect them, make sure everything is in good working order, and oil the metal (I've seen far too much rust on guns from people neglecting to maintain them). I would hope those who don't shoot theirs at least check them every so often to catch any problems that might arise.

 

[Cyrano4747]

Honestly I’m wondering if that dude is some old Mitchell’s employee or family member of Don. I don’t think I’ver ever seen such a blatant commitment to company that was plainly committing fraud.

Either that or someone with some sunk cost who doesn't want to admit to himself that he made a bad purchase 15 years ago. Or that the rifle his dad bought him was kind of scammy and the old man got taken a bit. Which sucks, I've handled the fallout from that many times on forums with less advanced collectors than you find around here.

It's important to remember that, like all scammers, Mitchell's had victims and they're still cropping up to this day. It blows to hear that the Christmas gift your dad gave you five years before he passed isn't the collector's grade, investment quality K98k that he was sold on it being, but the rifle version of commemorative plates from QVC. Their entire business model was based on taking advantage of low-information buyers, people who thought that they could trust the company and had no idea of what a real all matching, collectable 98k really costs. It's easy to dismiss those people as idiots who should have read a library's worth of books to make an informed decision, but frankly the fact that that kind of due diligence is necessary is a condemnation of our hobby more than it is of the people who get taken by it.

Which is another reason to loath Mitchell's. Fundamentally they were the same as the assholes who grind a bolt root and toss up last week's bolt m/m on GB as this week's all matching $3k+ collector's grade firearm. The only difference is that the people they targeted were even less equipped to understand the difference and smell the scam.

 

[Winston-Smith]

I have to chuckle at all the vituperative posts on this thread about Mitchell’s Mausers. I recently had the opportunity to shoot one with a friend who just bought a legitimate K98K that was an MM restoration (and, yes, he knew exactly what he was doing, had read all of the vitriol on these forums, and bought one anyway because the rifle was in very good shape). First, let’s all agree that Don Mitchell was a huckster and the PT Barnum of milsurp promotion. And, his passing M48s off as K98’s was blatant fraud and indefensible. Having said that, these rifles are not “garbage” or “humped up turds“ (more on that later). I don’t see them as much different than my CMP Expert Garand or my James River Armory M1 carbine. All are basically restoration projects and the one I held and shot was actually quite well done. Moreover, the bore was clean, well rifled and it had not been counter-bored. It shot fantastic. My buddy knew he was not buying something that had serous collector value anymore than when I bought a Harrington & Richardson M16A1 clone from PSA. Considering it was a nice restoration, and it shoots great, I thought he did really well. So, when someone asks, “what about Mitchells’ Mausers,” you can point out that they are not true collector rifles and there was a lot false promotion around their original marketing. But they are very nice rifles and I don’t know why anyone should have to apologize for owning one. Incidentally, what’s with the “humped up turd” or “pumped up piece of crap” language. is this language of Gen Z? Grumpy old men? Involuntary celibates? I’ve just never heard that before.

 

[pzjgr]

I have to chuckle at all the vituperative posts on this thread about Mitchell’s Mausers. I recently had the opportunity to shoot one with a friend who just bought a legitimate K98K that was an MM restoration (and, yes, he knew exactly what he was doing, had read all of the vitriol on these forums, and bought one anyway because the rifle was in very good shape). First, let’s all agree that Don Mitchell was a huckster and the PT Barnum of milsurp promotion. And, his passing M48s off as K98’s was blatant fraud and indefensible. Having said that, these rifles are not “garbage” or “humped up turds“ (more on that later). I don’t see them as much different than my CMP Expert Garand or my James River Armory M1 carbine. All are basically restoration projects and the one I held and shot was actually quite well done. Moreover, the bore was clean, well rifled and it had not been counter-bored. It shot fantastic. My buddy knew he was not buying something that had serous collector value anymore than when I bought a Harrington & Richardson M16A1 clone from PSA. Considering it was a nice restoration, and it shoots great, I thought he did really well. So, when someone asks, “what about Mitchells’ Mausers,” you can point out that they are not true collector rifles and there was a lot false promotion around their original marketing. But they are very nice rifles and I don’t know why anyone should have to apologize for owning one. Incidentally, what’s with the “humped up turd” or “pumped up piece of crap” language. is this language of Gen Z? Grumpy old men? Involuntary celibates? I’ve just never heard that before.

Well, that's like your opinion, man...

You sound like a turd monger...I chuckle at you. Oh, and its "humped" up piece of crap, not pumped up...

You want to collect Mitchells Mausers, knock yourself out. You are not going to find anyone on this site who would consider them anything other than humped shooters. ZERO collectability, as long as people understand that, and are not thinking they have a rare collectible, or believe ol' Don's schtick.

 

[Winston-Smith]

So, definitely the language of involuntary celibates. Well, I hope things are going well down there in Mom’s basement.

 

[heavy_mech]

Well, that's like your opinion, man...

You sound like a turd monger...I chuckle at you. Oh, and its "humped" up piece of crap, not pumped up...

You want to collect Mitchells Mausers, knock yourself out. You are not going to find anyone on this site who would consider them anything other than humped shooters. ZERO collectability, as long as people understand that, and are not thinking they have a rare collectible, or believe ol' Don's schtick.

Exactly. For a re-enactor, as a shooter or a 'representative example'... "yup it's a Mouser", they're fine.

 

[heavy_mech]

So, definitely the language of involuntary celibates. Well, I hope things are going well down there in Mom’s basement.

When you're a giant dick but you don't realize it.