K98k by J. P. Sauer for 1941……………………… (F 1233)

German K98k by Sauer later captured by the Russians.

This is almost the most certain way of purchasing what you know you are getting, in Mausers these days.  This unfortunate rifle fell into the hands of the Soviets.  All the signs are there to see and why would anybody wish to fake a rifle of this pedigree.  Receiver code indicates the rifle started life as a regular “ce” – German piece in 1941.  At some stage , later on it was then unfortunate enough to be sent to the Eastern Front along with its unlucky user.  Somewhere after June 1941 they parted company and the rifle ended up in a Russian military facility where, it was unceremoniously stripped down, checked over then reassembled along with thousands of others in a very mixed fashion. The serial number from the main components “5279” is electro-pencilled on the bolt body. It was then thrown back into the desperate fight against the Nazis.  It is difficult, due to quantities produced, to plot the progress of many military rifles, but you can be fairly certain this was the way the war panned out for this particular K98.

Apart from the mixed component numbers, another give-away is the post war indentation in the side of the butt-stock.  This is caused by the unscruplous removal of the numerals from the serial number put there by the Soviets.  It is a weak attempt to cover up the Russian connection.  Everything else about the rifle is as a K98 should be but in a typically mixed fasion.  Still chambered in 7.92mm.  Same magazine capacity, same dimensions.  Later laminated stock with cupped butt-plate.  Cleaning rod a/f.  No sight hood.  Condition consumate with age and military usage.

Reasonable bore, by no means shot out. UK proofed.  Would qualify as a fun gun.  However, one last point to note:  The manufacturer is one of the two main producers which you will find genuine Short Rail Side mounted scopes.  In other word it would be a good base for a Sniper build.

Stock No  F 1233 – F.A.C. Required

£ 600.

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