I purchased a bunch of guns a while back, and one is an 8x57 mauser that is sporterized. I am trying to identify it specifically and so I can get an idea of what it might be worth. If you can help, please let me know. I can probably get some pics, etc....if needed. I don't know much about Mausers.
Here are some pics. Sorry they are so big, but I thought it might help with seeing some of the marks on the gun. The serial # on the barrel and action match, but the one on the action is crossed through, and a new one is above it. ?? There are a bunch of symbols and letters on it....tried to get the best pics I could. My camera isn't that great, when I moved in closer it blurred them out. The stock appears to be brand new, the action is very nice, and the blueing is basically perfect. Barrel is spotless inside also. It also has a burris dovetail base and rings, with a cheap (new) bushnell 4x scope. I took them off to get better pics of the markings. I figure the scope and mounts might add $50.
I'd appreciate any help identifying this gun. All I know is its an 8x57, and appears to me to be in great condition. Thanks
Let me start by saying I'm no expert, but a fan of the 98. Have a few of them in both miitary and sporter config.
It is hard to see the marks on the barrel (opposite the serial # side) but it appears that there is an "I" and "G" as well as a star design (*). Is that a crown nearest the star(*)?
You may have a Spandau 1917 rifle and the star (*) would indicate that rifle was assembled at Spandau from contracted parts. This made interchangeability of parts difficult. These rifles are known as "Sterne Gewehr" (star rifles). Information here borrowed from"Handbook of Military Rifle Marks 1870-1950 by Richard A. Hoffman and Noel P Schott
It appears that your 98 rifle had the receiver marks ground off when it was drilled and tapped for scope. Also has a type of Buhler style safety added. At least one of the military steps in the barrel remains, and perhaps it was cut and shortened from an original longer military length.
Doesn't appear to have been lathed to a thin taper, leaving the barrel a little thicker than many sporter jobs.
Better pictrures of both sides of the gun near the action and action/barrel junction would possibly make it easier to give you further insight.
Even if your rifle was once worth a good deal of $, now that is has been sporterized (barrel cropped, safety altered, drilled and tapped, bolt handle forged or welded and nice job at that) I'd be surprised it would be worth more than 500-600 dollars, and perhaps considerably less.
If it's a shooter you could probably get at least 400 for it from the right person.
But once again, I'm no expert, and the marks on the barrel and action, if a little clearer, might make it easier to give you a little more info. The fact that the serial number was altered leads me to believe that it was either factory refurbished for military use, or someone else added a # for identification purposes of some kind.
If it is a shooter you have a very nice hinting rifle. It will be hard to match the reliability of your gun (assuming it is in good working condition) with anything on the market today. It might be a little on the heavy side as modern rifles go, but it will likely be pretty comfortabnle to shoot as long as it fits you comfortably.
To answer some of your q's....I don't see a crown. There is a z inside a circle on both the barrel and receiver - that is what is directly right of the * on the barrel. There are some other strange marks. Not even sure how to describe them. LOL.
I tried taking closer pics, took a bunch. NONE are clear...they just blur out any closer than I have here, unfortunately. I will try with my daughters camera when I can.
One guy told me he thought it might be a polish WZ29, whatever that is.
I only know of 2 marks like you report. There is a Z in a single circle and a Z in a double lined circle (looks like a braided cheerio) and both of those marks indicate a weapon from the CZ company. Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka used the simple single line circle with the Z inside for marking small parts of CZ arms and the Z in the braided circle was their trademark.
Don't know much more about any Z in a circle from other companies or countries.
You might take it to a gun show, especially an antique gun show where some knowledgeable sorts might help you out.
You may still get some good information right here as there are plenty of very knowledgeable folks right here on this site.
Even if your rifle was once worth a good deal of $, now that is has been sporterized (barrel cropped, safety altered, drilled and tapped, bolt handle forged or welded and nice job at that) I'd be surprised it would be worth more than 500-600 dollars, and perhaps considerably less.
IMO this rifle will bring at the most $350.....
Further, attempts to install a new barrel and some nice checkering may not increase the resale of the rifle even a third of what you'll put into it! That said.....you'll have a very nice rifle.....if that's what you want.
If your interest in this rifle is purely economic then I advise you sell it as-is and not to invest another dime in it....and take (my guess) the $300 after shipping etc and invest another $100 and get a used Rem 700......
If you choose to merely use it as it is then the 8 X 57 is a fine round and can be quite powerful prudently handloaded...it can even be an elk rifle.
Thanks guys. 8mm....yes its a single circle with a z in it.
My main goal is to figure out what I actually have here...so I know what it is worth. If I do decide to sell it, at least I'll know what I have and won't be asking too much or little. Likely I probably won't keep it...I just don't need it and don't really have a use for it. Then again...it has sat in my safe for 5 or 6 yrs. LOL
I have another sporterized mauser that is a DWM 7x57 (brazilian) that I plan to keep and let my son use. Its in just as good condition as this...and has what appears to be a re-worked original stock on it also. Any idea what it might be worth?
I really don't know what your 7x57 would be worth. Anywhwere from $75 to 300 I would guess.
If your 7x57 shoots well and shoulders well to you or your son that is a very nice deer round. Might make a great fun gun, especially if you handload. Is the 7x57 scoped?
Course if you've never fired the 8x57 you really don't know what you have there either, regardless of either gun's retail worth. They are both great rounds, and I think most folks avoid anything .323 like the plague ... but the 8x57 is extremely versatile. Varmints to elk with bullets from 125 grain to 220 grain.
My problem is I can never get rid of a Mauser ... so I'd end up keeping both!
Any Mauser experts on here?
