I am pretty familiar with the russian line of rifles. Now I want to get a K98 mauser. The local shop here has lots of russian captures with all different markings.

Is there any dates or manufacuring plants to look for (or avoid)?

Anything else to look for or are the all pretty much the same?

Some of the older years are going to be more collectible, but as far as I can see I would look for the best overall condition RC K98 you can get your hands on. Look for ones that have not had the symbols peened out, and of course make sure you look for cracks or splits in the stock, and the most important is the condition of the bore. When buying a RC K98 I go for overall condition vs. date codes.

+2 go for bore & muzzle condition regardless of manu codes.

Rarer code or SS markings aren't going to bring that much of a premium on the Russ captures. About the only code that will is BSW.

these guys already said it.

Codes- look for BSW. they were only produced for 3 years making them harder to find. alot of people like the Sauer models for their finish is usually really nice.

early war models will usually be nicer.

BORE BORE BORE. i had a beautiful BSW k98, but it had a shitty bore. totally ruined the rifle for me. didnt shoot straight.

make sure the swastikas are not peened off / damaged.

early year rifles ( up to '41 ) "should" have a FLAT buttplate. 41 and later years should have a cupped buttplate. but you will often find that the Russian refurbished rifles have the wrong stocks, missing sight hoods, missing cleaning rods.  '41 and later years were cut so the front sight could accept a sight hood- for an RC rifle, just buy a repro sight hood and cleaning rod.

oh yeah, different years had different cleaning rod lengths too.

some of them were counter-bored ( last inch or so of the muzzle was ground out to give the barrel a new "crown" youll see the rifling is smooth / gone there


just make sure the bore is good, has all the markings, stock doesnt have to be pretty but it should have no cracks and a snug fit.



go buy one and post pics!!