Israeli Haganah German K98k Mauser In 7.62x51mm Bolt Action Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,030.00
WOA#: WY240407SK031
Make: Mauser-Werke AG, Israeli arsenal rework.
Model: K98k
Serial Number: 1378
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “7.62 243 / 1939 / 1378 / Mod 98” with a faded star of david and other various proof marks. The right side of the rifle has three Reichsadlers that have not been damaged. The bolt is marked, “534510” The floor plate is marked, “5910” The bottom metal is marked, “3386” There are various proof marks over the entire rifle. The bottom of the stock is marked, “7.62” There is a C.A.I. import mark.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a chevron post dovetailed to a serrated base. The rear sight is a v-notch sliding escalator assembly marked 1-20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, scallop for the bolt handle, nose cap with bayonet lug, hole for the missing cleaning rod, through bolt, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate has impact marks, wear along the edges, and a patina near the center. There are compression marks, scuffs, minor chips, and scratches throughout the wood. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refurbished by Israil.
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is semi-sharp. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is thinning to the finish on the magazine floor plate and trigger guard. There are impact marks on the trigger guard. The bottom metal lock screw is missing. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are mostly well-defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The K98k was the standard issue service rifle for the German military from its introduction in 1935 to the conclusion of the Second World War in 1945. Based on the previous Gewehr 98 and taking lessons learned from the Kar 98a, the K98k was chambered in the stout 7.92x57mm cartridge. The K98k would go on to have a long service life not only with Germany, but with many other countries in the form of military aid and via post-war refurbishment programs, such as with Norway and Israel.
This is an example of an Israeli K98k. Prior to and just after it became a state, Israel imported a large number of surplus Mauser rifles from Europe. Most of these were chambered in 8mm Mauser, as was this rifle originally. Once Israel adopted the FAL as its primary service rifle in the late 1950s, most of the remaining Mauser rifles in their inventory were converted to 7.62x51mm NATO to ease logistics. This rifle was one of those that were rechambered, which is easily discernible given the large “7.62”s that are marked on the barrel, receiver, and stock. The stock has wear but there are not any major areas of damage. The juxtaposition of a Reichsadler and a Star of David is certainly an interesting slice of history and makes these rifles unique. This would fit in well into any Mauser or Israeli collection. Please see our photos. -R.E.
