The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

ovenpaa wrote:I have handled three original Mauser Snipers of known origin, one a G98 first world war issue with offset 'scope and two K98's which I actually shot in Denmark a few years ago. One of the K98's was an outstanding shooter at 300m on electronics and both were in superb condition, they were in the hands of two Germans and had been passed down through the family after being hidden away come the last few days of the war. The shooter was still in superb condition and the other looked more used. Noticeable was the absolute minimum of stamps and marks on both of them.

I felt quite privileged to have been able to shoot them.

Meaty wrote:Heres my home made effort-its based on a Russian capture CE44 that I brought for a reasonable price from Chris at C&G. The mount was from the States and the scope is an old Hensoldt that was also an online purchase from Germany. No, its not a purists rifle and I am under no illusion that it is a pukka K98 sniper but its bloody good, cheap fun shooting and it often gets an airing out to 800+ yards.

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ovenpaa wrote:I would not consider an 'original' regardless of price as the Mauser sniper is one of the most 'faked' period sniper rifles on the market and the numbers are growing on a daily basis so proving originality is almost impossible and very subjective. I read an article many years ago that suggested more Kar98 snipers were produced in 1946-47 than the previous two years. pandering to the needs of the servicemen hunting down souvenirs and a duffel cut is certainly not evidence of providence, nor a written authorisation from an officer allowing the rifle to be shipped out of Germany.

Every single item is available as a fake/reproduction, safeties, stamps, mounts every last part. Worst still is the trend to build them to order, fine for the first customer but how long until the rifle changes hand and develops a history?