For a friend, I am looking for the best book (or books) on the Mauser 98. I am aware of the Ludwig Olson book edited by Brownell's but would love to hear about any other books that might be considered "definitive" or "the reference by which all others are judged".

Three standard references:
Mauser Bolt Rifles- Luwig Olson
Bolt Action Rifles- Frank de Haas
Mauser Original Oberndorf Sporting Rifles- Jon Speed

I have ludwigs book,,,,,You're gonna have to work hard to beat it.Another good one is called the german sniper ww 1+2,,I forget the author.It gets into great detail about the sights and modifications done to the sniper grade weapons.Clay

Wink,
If you want a book on military 98's Olsons is better if you want it on sporting rifles Speeds is better.I would suggest both,I have both and use each for references quite often.
Fred

Don't forget BACKBONE OF THE WEHRMACHT by Richard Law if you want to learn about the K98k.

Wink:

I echo what fl3006 and WVFred said. Both the Olson book and Speed book are must haves for the Mauserphile!

You can get both from http://www.brownells.com

RCG