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Single Rune K98 Listed in Virginia - BOOM or DOOM?

Aardwolf

Aardwolf

Member
I have wanted a nice K98 for a long time but they're all very expensive on GB and AL. There's a listing on guns international here in VA and I have no idea if it's a good deal or not. It is not numbers matching but it has a clean bore and tight lockup for $1700.

https://imgur.com/a/rbtfDjO

I would like to know
1 - is the rifle itself a worthwhile piece to own or is it worthless because it's some kind of Frankenstein? What can you tell about the rifle from the photos?
2 - Is it a decent deal? I realize many people got nice original Mausers back in the day for $500-1300 but I missed the boat. Can I realistically get a better example for less money in (current year)? Would this be a decent buy?

Please let me know anything you can discern from the posting, thanks!

WW2 MAUSER K98k SINGLE RUNE (WAFFEN SS) BNZ/43 8X57MM RIFLE

Description:
WW2 MAUSER K98k SINGLE RUNE (WAFFEN SS) BNZ/43 8X57MM RIFLE. All original with early three digit serial number in the 4xx range. Bolt, trigger guard and stock assembly not matching wartime replacements with matching patina. Nice German Ordnance Waffenampt “EAGLE/SWASTIKA” stamps on barrel and receiver. Receiver with SS single rune stamp and “BNZ/43” stamp. Very good to fine overall and tight action in perfect working order with excellent bore

edit - removed live link and replaced with a link to just the photos - description below
 
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Cyrano4747 said:
I'll just say that that's not a wartime replacement stock. Nor a wartime replacement bolt.

Spend your $1700 elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the insight - is there a reputable dealer you can recommend who is known to have good K98s at decent prices or does it make more sense to look for private listings instead?
 
Aardwolf said:
What are the indicators that give away that the stock and bolt are not wartime replacements?
Click to expand...

The vertical post war number stamped onto the left side of the buttstock is your first obvious giveaway. The Germans in WW2 never stamped the left side of the buttstock on k98ks with numbers.

To me, almost looks like one of those mixmaster Balkan imports that somebody tried to make “more correct”. That heavily worn external patina on the barreled receiver usually is indicative of that. My CE42 Balkan has a similar type finish and I’m pretty sure it has no import mark, or it may have the very discreet one on the underside of the barrel where the stock’s bayo lug covers it up completely.

Either way, legit single rune or not… I would not pay $1700 for what essentially is just a matching barreled receiver.

If you want a legit original k98k, stick around here and watch the trader. Just earlier this week, an awesome Byf44 bolt mismatch with one mismatched barrel band sold for $750. Something like that is a fantastic starter rifle that does not break the bank.

Fellow member Hatrick is selling a bcd41 “restored” sporter for essentially the price of a Russian capture k98k. Again, examples like that are great starter rifles for the price.


The k98k collecting hobby is wrought with fakes, forgeries, BS and tall talk from many sellers. It is easier to get burned financially than not. If you stick here, read and learn, watch the trader and purchase from known members on here… you will be on the right path.
 
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Mauserguy85 said:
The vertical post war number stamped onto the left side of the buttstock is your first obvious giveaway. The Germans in WW2 never stamped the left side of the buttstock on k98ks with numbers.

To me, almost looks like one of those mixmaster Balkan imports that somebody tried to make “more correct”. That heavily worn external patina on the barreled receiver usually is indicative of that. My CE42 Balkan has a similar type finish and I’m pretty sure it has no import mark, or it may have the very discreet one on the underside of the barrel where the stock’s bayo lug covers it up completely.

Either way, legit single rune or not… I would not pay $1700 for what essentially is just a matching barreled receiver.

If you want a legit original k98k, stick around here and watch the trader. Just earlier this week, an awesome Byf44 bolt mismatch with one mismatched barrel band sold for $750. Something like that is a fantastic starter rifle that does not break the bank.

Fellow member Hatrick is selling a bcd41 “restored” sporter for essentially the price of a Russian capture k98k. Again, examples like that are great starter rifles for the price.


The k98k collecting hobby is wrought with fakes, forgeries, BS and tall talk from many sellers. It is easier to get burned financially than not. If you stick here, read and learn, watch the trader and purchase from known members on here… you will be on the right path.
Click to expand...
This is extremely helpful, thank you so much
 
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