WWII German K98k Mauser Oberndorf byf 44 8mm Mauser Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $825
WOA#: WY231113SM004
Make: Mauser in Oberndorf am Neckar (byf was the wartime factory code for Mauser Oberndorf am Neckar)
Model: K98k
Serial Number: 38960
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with a reichsadler, “38960”, “g”, and “Mod.98”. The top of the receiver is marked “byf” and “44”. The right side of the receiver is marked with a waffenamt. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with a reichsadler. The top of the barrel shank is marked with a small shield stamp and “44N110”. The bolt handle is marked “8123 u”. The extractor is marked “23”. The safety and bolt sleeve are marked “8123”. The rear of the cocking piece is marked “6573”. The magazine floor plate is marked “byf” and “38960”. The trigger guard assembly is marked “byf” and with two waffenamts. The left side of the through bolt is marked “f”. The left side of the rear barrel band is marked “77 16”. The right side is marked with a waffenamt. The left side of the front barrel band is marked “8640”.
Barrel Length: 24””
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade post dovetailed into a small barrel-mounted base. The rear sight is a v-notch sliding escalator assembly marked 1-20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, scallop for the bolt handle, barrel band with bayonet lug, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, sling well, sling pass through, bolt disassembly disk, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate is heavily pitted underneath the finish. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are thin cracks at the wrist coming off the rear of the receiver tang. There are small holes in the right side of the sling well. There are cracks between the bolt disassembly disk and the sling well on the right side of the buttstock. There are small chunks of wood missing from around the through bolt on the right side. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, but the stock fittings have been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined. There is moderate erosion in the bore.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s..
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its original and refinished metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The top of the receiver, receiver bridge, and barrel exterior are covered in light pitting and surface rust. The finish at the edges is worn. There is pitting on the rear sight base. The rear sight slide is difficult to move because of surface rust on the ladder. The front sight base is pitted and has surface rust. The magazine floor plate and the trigger guard assembly are worn and covered with surface rust. The cocking piece has a large impact mark on the right rear side. This does not impede the function. The bolt handle is heavily pitted. There are areas of surface rust and light pitting on the bolt body. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The K98k was the standard issue service rifle for the German military from its introduction in 1935 to the conclusion of the Second World War in 1945. Based on the previous Gewehr 98 and taking lessons learned from the Kar 98a, the K98k was chambered in the stout 7.92x57mm cartridge. The K98k would go on to have a long service life not only with Germany, but with many other countries in the form of military aid and via post-war refurbishment programs, such as with Norway and Israel.
This example was originally built by Mauser in Oberndorf am Neckar in 1944. The stock and its fittings were refinished at some point, but it is the correct later-war variant. There are a few small cracks on the wrist that could be concerning and would need to be monitored if you do take this rifle out to the range. The non-refinished metal parts have a fair amount of pitting and surface rust present. The bore has erosion and the rifling is shallow but it should clean up well and be an adequate shooter. There is also some damage to the cocking piece, but it appears to be superficial as it does not affect the operation of the bolt. This rifle would fit well into any German or Mauser collection. Please see our photos.
-99
