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Trying to Find a K98 / What am I doing wrong ?

Hawkeye16

Member
Hello All,

Just curious if you guys have any tips or could point me in the right direction . I've done my research and now have actively been trying to find a nice matching K98k without any luck. Unfortunately there is not any good gun shows in my area. I've posted a WTB add on a few gun forums but my email just gets bombard with Russian captures or fakes. I realize these rifles don't just grow on trees but I thought it would be a little easier to find one.

How would you go about it if you were trying to find a matching k98? I've been looking for an early war example particularly.

Let me know,
Thanks !
 
They are a bit hard to find at times but come up for sale on the various forums and auction sites on a pretty regular basis. Keep watching diligently and you'll find something.
 
I found my mostly matching bcd after a lot of looking, and it came from the other side of the country! My situation here is the same, either a lot of junk at gun shows or nothing at all so far as K98's go. But persistence and patience will pay off. I have seen some GREAT deals right here in the trader section of this forum, so check that regularly. In fact, that may be your best bet to avoid fakery and to get the most for your money.
 
There is a forum member that is from PA and goes to the Allentown show. He has or at least advertises to buy. Maybe he can help you. Ron


Hello All,

Just curious if you guys have any tips or could point me in the right direction . I've done my research and now have actively been trying to find a nice matching K98k without any luck. Unfortunately there is not any good gun shows in my area. I've posted a WTB add on a few gun forums but my email just gets bombard with Russian captures or fakes. I realize these rifles don't just grow on trees but I thought it would be a little easier to find one.

How would you go about it if you were trying to find a matching k98? I've been looking for an early war example particularly.

Let me know,
Thanks !
 
Like most things worthwhile it takes time, building relationships help tremendously but they will take time and commitment.

Until then, I would make the trader section my home page, hit it as often as possible, there are incredible bargains there at times, but the competition for the best deals can be fierce, - you have to be on your toes and have the money ready. The best deals will not last an hour unclaimed.

How would you go about it if you were trying to find a matching k98? I've been looking for an early war example particularly.

Let me know,
Thanks !
 
Thanks for the tips. I'd love to make the trader my home page, but for some reason I don't have access to it ? Could someone help me with that ?
 
Another approach is to locate a decent bolt mismatch to get you started. There is something to be said for coming up to matched rifles in a stepwise fashion. Like the neighbor kid (age 10) who drilled a 8 pt buck in his first outing. Kinda takes the excitment of the hunt away if your first is a real gem..... just saying. There's a lot to be learned along the way.
 
The first step is to learn. Do that here and with the series of books by Mike and Bruce. Get to know the people in the know. Learn here and other places on the net. Look at all examples here and elsewhere. Learn. Be patient. Save $. Be ready when the chance presents.

Look everywhere. The more bushes you beat the more that falls out. Do not rule out any single source and do not think there is a magic place to find one or more. Ask the folks here before you buy whenever possible.
 
Another approach is to locate a decent bolt mismatch to get you started. There is something to be said for coming up to matched rifles in a stepwise fashion. Like the neighbor kid (age 10) who drilled a 8 pt buck in his first outing. Kinda takes the excitment of the hunt away if your first is a real gem..... just saying. There's a lot to be learned along the way.

Bob I haven't completely ruled out a bolt mismatch.
 
Something I learned, you don't find Mausers, they kind of find you. :welcome:
 
Hawkeye16,

Have a very nice all matching byf 42 98K that you might like. Tried to post some photos here but evidently the allowable photo file size has been recently reduced.

Anyway, it's an l block rifle, with an excellent bore and chamber and a neatly repaired duffle cut under the lower band. Perfect screw and bolt slots. Wood never sanded or oiled. No excuses on the serial numbers; there's no forced matching, X-outs, or "armorer's spares". If a componant should bear a serial number, it does, and it's original and matching. This is not an R/C, it's a true GI bring back with no import markings. Includes the original rod and hood. Typical handling rash and bright edges of a rifle that was period issued and used.

Anyway, shoot me a PM if interested. If you include your email address I'll send photos.

Can't agree with the philospohy that says that lesser pieces might be purchased with a view toward upgrading in the future. I think that one should acquire the best pieces that can be found.
 
Hello,

hate to point out the bad side of things but you say your trying very very hard, but I personnely don't have big bucks so i don't bid. In the last 6 months there has been 36 1940 or ealier k98's on gunbroker alone all matching unmessed with stuff unless your exspecting to get a 1500-2500 gun for 300 then thats a different story. there has been 127 post 1940 up for sale. so not to be mean but i don't think your looking hard enough :p

later
vaughn
 
I really believe that between this site's trader section and the gunbroker site that as long as you are persistent and check often, that you will be able to find a K98 that you like. Now, like has been mentioned, you may very well be up against other collectors so pricing is variable. Plan on spending 800 to 1000 for a "nice" one, more if its all matching or a rare variant. I LIKE the idea if getting a R/C gun, they can be very nice shootable options and who knows what kind you may find in that category! But try to learn as much as you can while you search, you may either broaden your scope or narrow it.
 
Did you contact the guy I gave you the email address for? He is in the same state, so shouldn't be too difficult to get together. Ron

I did shoot him an email but he never replied.


I will admit I've always been wary of gunbroker.com so I haven't look too hard on that site. I putting a WTB in the trader form.
 
No reason to be particularly wary of gunbroker.com. I've used it since it was new. The trick is to work with established buyers or sellers with excellent feedback, and to insist on the traditional three day inpection with right of return, "no questions asked".

Added on edit: Just a big "Thanks!" to everyone's input on this one. This rifle SOLD this morning for $1,895.
 
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