what kind of prices should i expect for a shooting quality mauser? and what are the most common and most sought after models? i was thinking about buying one in the future, and i wanted to get a little info before hand.

by shooting quality, i meant just for a range and plinking rifle, doesnt need to match(although that would be nice), and in decent condition

quote:

Originally posted by kombatkarl:
what kind of prices should i expect for a shooting quality mauser? and what are the most common and most sought after models? i was thinking about buying one in the future, and i wanted to get a little info before hand.

by shooting quality, i meant just for a range and plinking rifle, doesnt need to match(although that would be nice), and in decent condition

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Yugoslavian_VZ24_47_8mm_Mauser_Package.html

http://allans-armory.com/aaresult.asp?PageId=45

http://allans-armory.com/aaresult.asp?PageId=32

http://www.samcoglobal.com/rifles.html

http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplusrifles.html

http://www.empirearms.com/

ZM

If you want good shooters that look good too you can't go wrong with Swedish M96's or Persian Mausers. There are a lot of them around that are in unbelievably great condition.

Every Swiss K-31 I've shot or seen shot has been an excellent shooter. The fly in the Swiss ointment is that surplus ammo isn't as cheap as 8x57 - but it is available right now. If you're a reloader a K-31 is a no brainer (a surplus Mauser is a no-brainer to, as well as every other surplus battle rifle which is why I have them stacked in every corner of the shop. This may be a disease, and I may need help - or maybe I just need to order a couple more 24/47s from SOG).

An example of one of the most sought after models is my Dutch Juliana 8mm carbine pictured above your post.

Mausers are like women. Some are wonderful, others well -- Although they're all "interesting."

Lots of Mausers out there. The 8mm X 57 is the "standard" German Mauser ammo. Lots of other calibers.

Turks are cheap, and probably worth almost the $25 you pay for them. I hand picked one from a shop for $50. It was OK.

I have a nice 98/22 I picked up at a shop for about $90. And a "Yugo" M-48 at about $100. This a few years ago. Both are nice. The M-48 is a "copy" of the shorter K-98.

I think before I'd order from a supplier online, I'd head to a gun show where I can look at the gun before I buy it.

8mm X 57 is the caliber to look for.

Bore condition is important. Stick with 8mm Mauser. Don't be scared off by the "corrosive" ammo, just clean your rifle properly same day you shoot.

Best dollar value for a "shooter" like you are talking about are probably a Turk 98-22, Turk M38 ("K Kale"), Yugo 24/47, Yugo Captured K-98, or Russian Captured K-98, or Persian 98-29. Prices on these run from $90 (Turks) to $300 (Persian) for shooter variety.

They are all a lot of rifle for the money.

You might have to replace a firing pin spring (under $10 bucks), especially on the Turks. You might have to get a higher front sight and install it which is not as tough as it sounds and costs about 20 bucks.

P.S. When you start thinking "most sought after",....make sure you have a deep checkbook before you go swimming in that water. Take some swimming lessons first too! Start talking things like "matching numbers", "no import marks", "sniper versions" and such, you have left the affordable shooter category way behind.

Hey, somebody linked to an M24/47 and the link said "VZ-24". Are there any VZ-24's still out there?

The M24/47's were intermediate-length actions, not suitable for 30-06 length cartridges, and the VZ-24's were standard length, right?

Thanks,

Steve

I think AIM or SOG had some scrubbed VZ-24's a few months back. I dont remember much about them, but they were in the flyer and not on the website. I am unsure if they have any left.

thanks