My only K98k, (byf 43) but I need expert eyes!

T

TJHartley00

Member
Hello all!

Please see the link for pics. My only remaining K98k, I picked this up at a LGS back in 2011 for about 799 bucks. No import stamp. All the mechanical items appear to match (bolt, trigger, rear sight, receiver, follower, follower plate, trigger guard, etc.) but the stock and the metal hardware have different numbers ("196" in channel, as well as both bands). There are no proofs I see on the stock itself but there are some odd discolored spots, one just forward of the heel and another right below the bolt disassembly hole where there MAY have been stamps at one time?? The cleaning rod hole is in the nose cap but there is not a corresponding hole in the stock for a cleaning rod. I'm assuming it was restocked, would it be worth trying to track down an original "byf/43" stock?

Everything else is as you see it. Take a look and tell me what you can, I'm a sponge for any and all knowledge!

https://imgur.com/a/gCnXUol
 
Stock looks like it could be from a dot44. Bolt number is fake. Barrel number looks very odd. You definitely over paid in 2011 in my opinion. You could probably get that back out of it now aslong as your honest about what it is, and what it isn't.
 
I have to wonder why they didn't finish it.

TJ, go look at your bolt &barrel stamps compared to this original below. Those are the minimal issues going on here. This is a shooter I wouldn't put any more into it.

Can you see the numbers on the bayonet scabbard right under the lip of the frog by the stud?

www.k98kforum.com

byf43 'c' block

I wish they were all like this one.
www.k98kforum.com www.k98kforum.com
 
luftpirate said:
I have to wonder why they didn't finish it.

TJ, go look at your bolt &barrel stamps compared to this original below. Those are the minimal issues going on here. This is a shooter I wouldn't put any more into it.

Can you see the numbers on the bayonet scabbard right under the lip of the frog by the stud?

www.k98kforum.com

byf43 'c' block

I wish they were all like this one.
www.k98kforum.com www.k98kforum.com
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The bayonet and frog weren't matching to the rifle, sorry, I guess I should have clarified that. I purchased those separate.

Also... I think I see what you're saying about the numbers... The bolt is a bit crowded.

Le sigh. I should have kept my 1938 Russian capture. At least it was honest.
 

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TJHartley00 said:
The bayonet and frog weren't matching to the rifle, sorry, I guess I should have clarified that. I purchased those separate.

Also... I think I see what you're saying about the numbers... The bolt is a bit crowded.

Le sigh. I should have kept my 1938 Russian capture. At least it was honest.
Click to expand...

Don't get discouraged there are plenty more out there and you at least can shoot this one or get money out of it.

Any markings on the back of the bayonet frog?
 
TJHartley00 said:
The bayonet and frog weren't matching to the rifle, sorry, I guess I should have clarified that. I purchased those separate.

Also... I think I see what you're saying about the numbers... The bolt is a bit crowded.

Le sigh. I should have kept my 1938 Russian capture. At least it was honest.
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These bayonets were never numbered to rifles. They were numbered to there scabbard and that's it. A bayonet with a matching scabbard is definitely more collectible.
 
Herk1994 said:
Oof that’s a nasty bolt. At least now you could get 800 out of it as has been sta
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I'm half tempted to toss the bolt altogether and just grab a new one. I'd rather have a mixer than a fraud.

And @bnz41john the scabbard doesn't match the bayonet either. Which is really okay bc I got it for a song regardless. Not at all heartbroken about that.

Oh well, thanks for the heads up guys. I appreciate all your information!
 
luftpirate said:
Don't get discouraged there are plenty more out there and you at least can shoot this one or get money out of it.

Any markings on the back of the bayonet frog?
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Not that I see... Pretty worn down/dried out.

I'm putting some conditioner on it now to soften it up and I'll reapply the day after tomorrow.
 

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TJHartley00 said:
The bayonet and frog weren't matching to the rifle, sorry, I guess I should have clarified that. I purchased those separate.

Also... I think I see what you're saying about the numbers... The bolt is a bit crowded.

Le sigh. I should have kept my 1938 Russian capture. At least it was honest.
Click to expand...

You can always ask around here for a correct bolt, but they’re not cheap. And you still wouldn’t have a correct stock, and those are even more expensive. So, I’d just enjoy it as is instead of creating a money pit for no useful reason and when you sell it make sure the buyer is aware of the issues.
 
TJHartley00 said:
I'm half tempted to toss the bolt altogether and just grab a new one. I'd rather have a mixer than a fraud.

And @bnz41john the scabbard doesn't match the bayonet either. Which is really okay bc I got it for a song regardless. Not at all heartbroken about that.

Oh well, thanks for the heads up guys. I appreciate all your information!
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Just sell it on to someone else as others suggested. Be honest about the renumbering. There are folks who won't care as maybe they just want a shooter or a 'representative example'. And you'll likely get your money back or close to it.
 
I reached out to the guy I sold my Russian Capture to, he was really just wanting a representative rifle. I was straight up him, told him what I'd found out and if he's be interested in trading one mix master for another. The old RC was in rougher shape but like I said before, it never pretended to be anything it wasn't. He said he's game. When I get that one back, I'll post here even though I know it isn't exactly high on the "collector heirarchy". I'll feel better about it anyway and he's fully aware of what he's putting in his safe unlike I was.

Thanks again all. In the end, while it wasn't exactly a "happy" ending, it was at least satisfactory for two people and everyone knows exactly what's on the table.

I'll post an update later this week when we meet up after work for the trade.
 
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