German K98 Steyr bnz 8mm Mauser Bolt Action Rifle 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 220203JG002
Make: Steyr, Austria. In 1941 “bnz” was the wartime code for Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG.
Model: K98
Serial Number: 3369
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the barrel is faint and partially illegible. It reads “K98 Germany 8mm”. The top of the receiver is marked “bnz / 41”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a “eagle / swastika”, with the serial number and “Mod. 98”. The right side of the receiver is marked with an “eagle / 77” inspection stamp and with 3 “eagle / WaA623” Waffenamts. The barrel shank is marked with a “eagle / swastika”, with the serial number and with 3 “eagle / WaA623” Wffenamts. The right side of the rear sight base is marked with an “eagle / WaA77”Wafenamt and an “eagle / 77” inspection stamp. The nosecap and barrel band are marked with the serial number. The bottom metal and bolt assembly are marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number and/or “eagle” inspection stamps/Waffenamts. The butt is marked “gqm / 44”. There are a few other small markings on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 ¾ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set atop a ramped base and under a protective hood. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to a sliding sight escalator marked from “1-20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The laminate stock has a pistol grip, nosecap with bayonet lug, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with sling bar, through bolt, scallop for the bolt handle, sling well, sling pass through, domed washer, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate, nosecap & barrel band have been refinished. The grip shows a large repair from a break. Large cracks and nail heads are visible. The left side of the butt shows a small surface repair and has had a surface groove cut into it. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Many of these marks have damaged small areas of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good to Very Good condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is erosion throughout the bore; more prominent in the grooves. The bore also shows light intermittent pitting.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes and small scratches. The receiver and bottom metal have oxidation and surface erosion bleeding though the new finish causing discoloration from oxidation. The rear sight base shows surface erosion. The bolt shows light operational wear. The screw heads show use but have been refinished. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about to Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a reproduction K98 sling that is marked “kla / 40” and with a “eagle / swastika” Waffenamt. It shows light marks and it is in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This marked German K98 Mauser was made by Steyr back in 1941 when Austria was part of the Third Reich. This Mauser most likely saw action during WWII and has since been rebuilt & refinished. The stock has been repaired and the finish has some cosmetic issues. Luckily the rifle has lots of deep markings on the metal. The markings include “eagles”, “swastikas” & Waffenamts. This K98 will add to a Mauser or WWII collection…and should be fun to shoot.