I want to purchase a K98 for shooting in my gun clubs vintage rifle match. The match is a bolt rifle match which consist of vintage rifles using cast bullets. Anyways I know nothing really about them except the fact that I like them alot. So anything you can tell me about what I need to look for, and what manufacturer. I mean anything and everything. I know nothing about mausers. I know a little about nagants and arisaka's but nada about mausers. I don't have much money wife and a baby on the way and all that. So I also don't want to spend a arm and a leg. Last if there is a good place to find a deal on one here on the internet, I recently received my C&R so If there is a good online dealer where I can get one cheap let me know please.

Well, I've not dealt with them, but Mitchell's Mausers is supposed to have some really good selection. (mitchellsales.com)

Hopefully everyone else can help steer you in the right direction.

mike

Dang, nevermind. I just looked at their prices. Honestly, I'd say pick up a shotgun news, and go from there.

mike

Century Arms has a bunch of Russian capture K98s. I'm planning on getting one of these, if the price is right and they look good.

Can you use a Swiss K-31 in these matches? There are still some of these available with excellent barrels. And they're very accurate.

I recommend a Swedish Mauser 6.5X55.
They are a little pricey but every one I've ever seen was in great shape (Sweden never took these guns to war)
IMHO a Swedish Mauser should be #1 on any Mauser collectors list.

thanks for all the info guys anybody know where to find a good deal on a swedish mauser?

http://www.samcoglobal.com/rifles.html has some. They don't list a price for the M96 but they list the M38 for $289 to $389. Call them for the M96
You might also try auction arms or gunbroker

Samco also carries the 98/29 persian. I have one and it is an excellent shooter. Also have a 96 swede from them. Both rifles are far more accurate that I am capable. The Swede in 6.5 has less recoil and a better BC than the Persian.

Good advice been given already but I would go for a Swede they are just plain accurate even with a barrel that looks stuffed they still out shoot a lot of 8mm rifles just my 2 cents but I have been shooting in Military rifle comps for about 10 years now and your average run of the mill K98k 8mm is not the best shotoer going around there are exceptions (think Persian and other "contract" rifles) another rifle worth considering is an Israeli Mauser in 7.62 something to cosider maybe is the rifling twist I don't know much about cast bullets but would assume that a fast twist wouldn't be that good on a cast bullet? Swede's have about 1 turn in 7.5" so it would be stripping lead from the bullets maybe? I think the Israeli is 1 in 10" not sure of the twist in an 8mm
do you have to have a Mauser? A good no4 Lee Enfeild with a nice barrel woud work really well so to a No1 Mk111* there are people here using cast bullets in theres with no problems

For around $140 you can get a really nice 24-47 or a m48

There are several good choices. If a Mauser is your preference consider going with a long rifle, like a 96 Swede or Persian 98/29. IMHO the extra barrel length makes for easier shooting.

I will also second the idea of a K-31 Swiss. Don't let their looks fool you; they are excellent target shooters. The bores are usually real good, the sights are better for target shooting, and they are cheap. That straight pull action really lends itself to position shooting.

Bore condition and bedding are what counts and you won't know until you go out and shoot them. You might find a $100 Turked 98/22 that will outshoot anything else you try.

Here are some options from Aim Surplus, I've bought from them serval times with no problems.

Regards,

Dan

Mauser 24/47

savage enfield


Mosin

My Swedes are pretty and shoot really well with jacketed or cast, but for the price, the K-31 is what I would take to the dance!! They are the best deal going....maybe ever!!

I have a couple of CZ manufactured 98s.. they are a lot more accurate than the few German ones I have played with....

I have two that are as accurate as my Swedish Mauser.. which was a sniper rifle version....

Both of the CZs were manufactured in the 1920s.. one in 1923 and the other in 1924....

cheers
seafire

Thanks for all the input guys my brother-inlaw should be getting his k-31 he ordered in soon. I think I am going to try it out then go from there.

quote:

Originally posted by dwstinge:
Thanks for all the input guys my brother-inlaw should be getting his k-31 he ordered in soon. I think I am going to try it out then go from there.

Excellent idea!

I haven't shot any lead bullets in my K-31s, but they should shoot them well.

There are a LOT of .30 cal cast bullet designs out there and your sure to find a good one for your purposes.

The issue sights and triggers on the K-31 are excellent.

Better check to be sure that the K-31s are permitted in the competitions you are going to be shooting.

IMHO, using a K-31 in a military "as issued" competition is almost like cheating!