Old 98K

Gringo

Member
Gents,
I haven't posted in a long time and I don't really follow the K98 scene much any more, but just came across some pictures of a rifle I had a long while back and figured they might be worth posting out of interest and discussion. I can't really tell you much more about the rifle other than what you see in the pictures, someone else took them. One of several K98's that I wish I had never let go of. I probably won't add anything to the commentary, just figured I'd share them for the purpose of discussion.

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More Old 98k

Some last bit of information...I'm pretty sure this was the ad information from when I bought the rifle. Like I said, it was quite a while back.

"Up for auction is an extremely rare MATCHING GEW 98 made by SPANDAU in 1916 that was REWORKED to WW2 K98k specifications, with the modification of a shorter barrel, turned down bolt, site hood, wide rear barrel band and "S/42K rear site. All parts are matching and NO import marks. The stock is solid walnut, has had a piece of walnut inserted where the bottom GEW sling swivel originally was, there are no stamps or SN on the stock or handguard, except in the sling cut-out there is a "a", "5", and "RR", there is also a "K" under the butt plate. There is a WaA on the cleaning rod nut, but it is too hard to see, it may be a 63?, this takes the short cleaning rod. All rear sight parts have the early "block style proofs" P74, and P37, and an E/63? and K on the ramp. The bolt has the early firing proof, and E/63 and WaA63. The extractor and extractor collar have a E/63. Imperial proofs are present on the barrel, receiver, trigger guard, safety, recoil lug, and follower. The bore is decent, dark, and has strong lands. It looks like there is a small coating of black paint on the rear receiver bridge, I have not tried to remove it, but it feels soft. This is the only place on the rifle where this appears. There is some pitting on the front site base. Buyer is responsible to ask all questions before bidding. Payment to be made with a Postal Money Order. This must be shipped to the address on a signed FFL in USA. Bidders in CA, NYC, NJ, and DC must contact me prior to bidding. Buyer is to pay Priority Mail shipping and Insurance of $25."
 
Gringo, I remember you from almost 20 yrs ago when I was still a rook.... you said some encouraging/ positive things, You sold some stunning rifles, IIRC. I think we were together at a PA show... Welcome back!
 
Howdy Bob,
Has it been that long? Yes. It has. Like many others I think the best part of what I had just privately went to other collectors. The few times I do check in here, I see you have far surpassed me both in your collection and knowledge.

I have a handful of P38's and a single 98k left. Just so I can look at it every once in a while. Magnificent rifles, they are.
 
If this is a same old GringoDan that we all knew all those years ago, it is great to see you around again! I hope you linger as long as you can stand it!

This rifle sold in 2011, out of Pennsylvania, I have the full auction details but no final price. Opening was $399. I think the rifle has some issues, where the good ended and the bad began is open to interpretation, but this is the original barrel that was cut down, in my opinion not pre-1945.
 
Loewe,
Well...I'll try not to spend too much time here. I like reading more than posting.

To the rifle, what makes you think the barrel was shortened post war? If they shortened the barrel, wouldn't they also have to have shortened the stock? Shortening the stock is a major undertaking since not only does the wood have to be cut to exact specifications, but the cleaning rod nut has to be installed, the bolt has to be bent correctly, and they obviously went through the process of filling the rear sling swivel holes correctly. If someone was going to do this to make money, I would think this would be a poor way to do it. I'd really be interested in your take on it, since like I said, it is long gone. Like a lot of other similar rifles, we'll never really know the true story on them.
 
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