New to k98k's; need a value opinion

M

mlukas

Member
Hi all, new to this forum and new to K98k overall.... and the variability in the pricing is mind blowing!

I have collected a number of other milsurps and I have never seen so many issues with forged serial number matching, etc.

I have found a DOT 43 K98k on consignment for $2,300 - the gun seems in great condition with the exception of a duffel cut (which was hidden under barrel band).

I have this gun placed on hold but wanted to get some opinions around the pricing before pulling the proverbial trigger.

Thoughts?k98.3.pngk98.2.pngk98.1.jpg
 
Can't decern much from the out of focus bolt photo but it doesn't look good. The "f" marked recoil lug is not the norm. Much better pics are needed, and more of them.
 
Not even close to enough pics to give you an honest assessment. need close up clear shots of all serial numbers and markings. Pics of wood surfaces and cut out areas of the wood. The cross lug has a lower case "f" on it which is not right for this rifle for year and code but more for a BCD coded rifle. For that price (top dollar) you want everything right.
 
I'd steer clear unless they are willing to show close detailed photos of all serial numbered parts. The bolt flat is a distant, unclear photo but it looks unusual and questionable. Plus no sling, for THAT price it better near mint with all accessories for me. It just doesn't seem right that they don't show the essential close up shots.
 
mowzerluvr said:
I'd steer clear unless they are willing to show close detailed photos of all serial numbered parts. The bolt flat is a distant, unclear photo but it looks unusual and questionable. Plus no sling, for THAT price it better near mint with all accessories for me. It just doesn't seem right that they don't show the essential close up shots.
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Thanks for your help on this!!! It seems like the pricing is all over the place and you literally have to go over every single part to ensure it is legit.
 
I personally think thet sell a lot of crap, most guns I view there I find something wrong. I think that rifle maybe refinished. No patina, no variance in bluing tone at all, all parts were not blued together in ww2 and I don't like the tone of the blue. I also think most dot43 had stamped triggerguard and floor plate.
 
waffenmeister said:
After looking at the photos on the link that rifle has spent time on Bubba's work bench.
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Thanks for the expert opinions guys, I really do appreciate it. The overall quality had me a bit concerned but I was hopeful that was justifying the price. Sounds like that is not the case. Do you guys have any recommendations for a vendor who has fairly priced, not bubba'd up K98s? Being new to the K98s, it really feels like I am going to get screwed somehow...
 
Keep an eye out here on the forum. Rifles come up for sale regularly from entry level to more advanced/expensive. Safest place to buy too; this place is heavily policed by its members.

mlukas said:
Thanks for the expert opinions guys, I really do appreciate it. The overall quality had me a bit concerned but I was hopeful that was justifying the price. Sounds like that is not the case. Do you guys have any recommendations for a vendor who has fairly priced, not bubba'd up K98s? Being new to the K98s, it really feels like I am going to get screwed somehow...
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mlukas said:
As a learning point for me, what specifically tipped you off that this is not all original?
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The entire bolt assembly is humped. The font is not even close and the F/P and T/G are poorly renumbered. Study the rifles shown in the picture reference here and if you are serious get the books written by Steves and Karem. Any rifle offered for sale by a forum member will likely be honestly described and a safe buy.
 
waffenmeister said:
The entire bolt assembly is humped. The font is not even close and the F/P and T/G are poorly renumbered. Study the rifles shown in the picture reference here and if you are serious get the books written by Steves and Karem. Any rifle offered for sale by a forum member will likely be honestly described and a safe buy.
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How do you ID a gun which has been bubba'd vs. a war time repair or refinish? Is that more along the lines of having non-matching but period correct parts?
 
I get suspicious anytime the bluing on a 74 year old rifle doesn't look 74 years old.
 
sheepdog said:
I get suspicious anytime the bluing on a 74 year old rifle doesn't look 74 years old.
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Lol, good point. My affliction of being color blind really hurts at a time like this. I have a REAL hard time with metal finishes in photos. In hand is easier but still a pain in the a$$.
 
For $2,300 it should be minty for sure but everyone here knows that is not often the case. I for one would rather purchase from a member here anyday than take a chance from most of these B.S places. My hat's off to all the honest knowledgeable folks here on the forum.
 
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