M14 Forum

DevDoc82 · May 14th, 2011, 07:42 PM

I just purchased a sporterized Mauser from a fellow in need of quick cash for $250. I shot it today; it shoots like a champ. With that stated, I would like to put some cash into it and build it up to a precision rifle. I thought about doing this to my M1A, but I would rather have a bolt gun. However, this rifle has an Enfield 303 front sight on it. So, some modifications have been made. What would be the best way to commence this project?

Ruptured Duck · May 14th, 2011, 07:45 PM

That depends. What has been done to it, already? And, what do you want it to end up being? Have any pics?

DevDoc82 · May 14th, 2011, 07:56 PM

The only thing that I can tell that has been done to this rifle is the Enfield 303 front sight addition, and the sporterized stock, which makes the gun light. Concerning pictures, I can take a quick shot right quick; however, I am not sure how to post them to this forum page.

DevDoc82 · May 14th, 2011, 08:13 PM

Here are some photos of the weapon. Also, I've noticed that the bolt has been bent.

Ruptured Duck · May 14th, 2011, 08:22 PM

That's not an Enfield sight! I'm willing to bet that this gun is either Spanish, or Polish. What caliber is it and are there any markings on the receiver? Truthfully, you may want do reconsider doing anything to it, depending on what it is (especially if it's Polish).

Russell40 · May 14th, 2011, 08:27 PM

That front sight may be original. The rifle may be a RADOM or a Checz variant K98. I beleive that the RADOM's had eared front sights.

DevDoc82 · May 14th, 2011, 08:27 PM

There are not markings on the rifle, except for the "K98" imprint on the left-hand side of the weapon near the bolt. Also, it has has, of course, serial numbers on the barrel. As far as caliber goes it, there is not information to identify this. It just states 8mm.

Ruptured Duck · May 14th, 2011, 08:31 PM

Yep. 100% sure that it's Polish.

I think you would be better off finding a correct stock for it (they're out there) and restoring it to what it used to be. Cutting this up would be a crime, in many people's opinions.

Boom Stick · May 14th, 2011, 08:31 PM

I love my K98 and shoot it all the time. Mine is pretty stock except for a Lyman receiver sight that I apparently ruined it with (according to the purists out there). Yours looks far more dickered with than mine. What direction are you going in? Taking it back towards a military rifle or keeping the sporterized look? Perhaps a new barrel and a bed job in a new stock and lapping the bolt? If you change the barrel you can perhaps go to a more accurate caliber, if you like. Lots of options.

I think many will tell you that a sporterized mauser is a ruined mauser but if you like it then do what suits you, as I have done with mine. I own an enfield that was sporterized just like yours. It is near worthless, but is extremely accurate. I like it.

Are the serial numbers matching on the rifle?

DevDoc82 · May 14th, 2011, 08:34 PM

Guys,

What is the original barrel length on this rifle? Also, should I have the German Sight restored, and if so, can you guys point me toward an excellent gunsmith in the Syracuse, NY area? Concerning the stock, where would you guys search, classifieds, gunbroker.com, etc.?

Russell40 · May 14th, 2011, 08:35 PM

There have been RADOM's imported whithin the past couple of years. Most that I've seen have looked really grate. You may want to take the rifle down and check for proof marks. I'm sure a spare stock could be located without much cost.

Ruptured Duck · May 14th, 2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boom Stick

Yours looks far more dickered with than mine.

How do you figure that? The barrel's not cut and it's not drilled and tapped, that I can see. The only issue is the stock, which is easily replaced.

DevDoc82 · May 14th, 2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boom Stick

I love my K98 and shoot it all the time. Mine is pretty stock except for a Lyman receiver sight that I apparently ruined it with (according to the purists out there). Yours looks far more dickered with than mine. What direction are you going in? Taking it back towards a military rifle or keeping the sporterized look? Perhaps a new barrel and a bed job in a new stock and lapping the bolt? If you change the barrel you can perhaps go to a more accurate caliber, if you like. Lots of options.

I think many will tell you that a sporterized mauser is a ruined mauser but if you like it then do what suits you, as I have done with mine. I own an enfield that was sporterized just like yours. It is near worthless, but is extremely accurate. I like it.

Are the serial numbers matching on the rifle?

The serial numbers are matching on the rifle.

Ruptured Duck · May 14th, 2011, 08:37 PM

This is the original sight. The gun was originally made in Poland, with that sight. Yes, Ebay, Gunbroker, trader boards, etc. to find a stock.

Boom Stick · May 14th, 2011, 08:39 PM

Apparently it is not a K98. My 98 stock has a serial number so cutting it up would be a bad thing. I thought it was a 98, as you stated. One thing I do know is that a sporterized military rifle, in any form, is worth less than its original counterpart. Good Luck with it!