Israeli SWP Code K98 Mauser IDF Conversion 7.62 NATO Bolt Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB260415MJ035
Make: Waffenwerke Brunn A/G, Czechoslovakia (Israeli IDF Conversion)
Model: K98k (IDF Modified)
Serial Number: 16U, K981600L (Import Serial)
Year of Manufacture: 1945 / C&R
Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “7.62 Mod.98 / swp45”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a Czech Lion and serial number, “16U” under an import serial. There are various small Israeli proofs throughout. Not all serialized parts are matched. The belly of the stock is marked, “7.62”. The barrel has an import mark.
Barrel Length: 23.5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded v-blade post set atop a serrated ramped base with stamp sheet protective wings. The rear sight is a V-notch escalator marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two-piece wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug, barrel band w/ sling bar, finger grooves, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, sling well/pass through, straight comb, and cupped buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are large cracks at the wrist. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock rates in about Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original to Arsenal Refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with mostly pronounced rifling. There is moderate erosion and light spots of pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its Israeli arsenal refinish. There are scratches, nicks, and spots of moderate patina throughout along with leading edge wear. There are light rust freckles throughout. The action has light to moderate wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are mostly clear with some smaller ones being faded. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories Included: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: The Israeli 7.62 NATO Mauser conversions represent one of the most historically significant post-war military rifle programs. Following the establishment of Israel, large quantities of surplus Mauser rifles from various European sources were acquired and refurbished for military service. Many were converted from their original chamberings to 7.62x51mm NATO as Israel standardized its ammunition supply. This example began life as a 1945-produced K98k manufactured by Waffenwerke Brünn under the wartime German production code “swp45” before later being converted and reissued by the Israeli Defense Forces. These rifles saw extensive service during a formative period in Israeli military history and remain highly collectible today. This example retains approximately 85% of its Israeli arsenal-refinished finish with scattered wear, patina, and light oxidation visible throughout. The bore remains serviceable with mostly pronounced rifling despite moderate erosion and scattered pitting, supporting its 7 out of 10 rating. As is common with many Israeli conversions, not all serialized components remain matched. The most significant condition issue is the stock, which exhibits numerous dents, chips, and handling marks along with large cracks at the wrist. Despite these issues, the stock retains its original military configuration and Israeli 7.62 markings.
Altogether, this Israeli-converted K98k represents an appealing blend of German World War II manufacture and post-war Israeli military service. The desirable swp45 receiver code, Israeli conversion markings, and documented military refurbishment make it particularly interesting to collectors of Mauser rifles and military surplus firearms. While the cracked stock should be carefully evaluated by prospective buyers, the rifle remains a historically important example of one of the most extensive and successful military Mauser conversion programs of the post-war era. -R.E.