Russian capture '98 Mauser

[Gil Martin]

The local gun shop got in a bunch of Russian capture '98 Mausers and they looked like they were dragged here from wherever. Most of the bores were black and badly damaged. I have noticed that some surplus arms dealers post disclaimers telling customers that corrosive ammo was used in these rifles not to expect a perfect bore. I told the gun shop owner that the Russians did not waste any time or effort cleaning the arms on his racks.

Hidden away in the corner was a '98 Mauser that looked a bit better. It is an S/237 dated 1937 with matching numbers and all German markings in tact. The bore is mint. The importer stamp read "CAI, St. Albans, VT". This rifle was imported some years ago before Century Arms moved south. I haggled with the shop owner and we agreed on a discounted price. I never expected to find a Russian capture rifle in this condition. You just have to keep looking.

Anyone else have any experiences with these rifles? All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

I have seen a few Russian capture 98s and most were well worn. I have a Finnish capture M40 Tokarev that is in pretty good shape.

I read the surrender terms Zuhkov sent to Paulus at Stalingrad in January 1943. One point was, "Surrender all small arms in good condition to Russian forces." On the History channel, I see Russians carrying just about all the German small arms of WWII, most prominent are the MP-40 submachine guns then the Luger and P-38. I do not often see 98s in Russian hands; the censors may have edited that part out.

Adam