The Mauser 98k was widely carried by the German Armed Forces throughout World War II and this infantry weapon saw action in all major campaigns.
This may be the reason you’ve heard of the Karabiner 98k.
Or perhaps you’re thinking of sporterizing one of these German Mauser military rifles.
Truth be told, there are more Americans with sporterized M1903 and M1 Garand rifles than there are slinging Mausers, but you probably wouldn’t be the first.
Plus, the legendary Mauser action is one of the strongest ever developed, and the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge is more than adequate for taking most North American game.
So let’s say you have an old Mauser 98 system and want to sporterize it. What then?
Well, first, you’ll need some of these Mauser 98k parts.
A New Stock and Barrel
While you don’t absolutely need to replace a Mauser 98k’s stock, it’s probably a good idea as there might be some dry rot lurking underneath. Replacing the barrel can also improve the gun’s fit to you.
The barrel is another story. If the gun has an original barrel, it is likely nearly 100 years old and at this point and chances are high that it is shot out.
That is, the rifling is all worn down which will throw a wrench into accuracy, which, you know, you will need for a sporting rifle. Get a new barrel.
Striker Spring, Sear Spring, and Bolt Sleeve Spring
Springs are often the first parts to go on any gun, regardless of the model or action type.
We recommend replacing the bolt sleeve spring, sear spring, and striker spring – with the latter being the most important.
The striker spring is one of the first springs to fatigue on bolt action rifles that have strikers, and when it does, often the striker won’t deliver adequate force to ignite the primer.
Replace the Bolt (If You Like)
This is another suggestion, but it’s one you might want to heed. Some hunters just find a straight bolt handle to be pure anathema.
If you can find a new Mauser 98k bolt handle that is bent instead of straight, you might prefer the ergonomics. It’s worth an investigation, at the very least.
Replace the Action Screws
For whatever reason, used Mauser 98k rifles are sometimes sold with missing action screws. As you can imagine, this should be considered somewhat problematic.
Just check out the gun to see if they are present. If they are, no big deal, if they aren’t either bring the thing to a gunsmith or buy a parts kit that contains them and replace them.
Update the Sights
The original Mauser 98k rifles were produced (mostly) with iron sights. Hard use, drops, dings, and incidental contact can deform or damage iron sights. Some used guns are even sold without them.
If you have a hard time dialing in accuracy with your Mauser and you can’t limit the causative factor to something else, consider replacing the sights before you make any other modifications.
Better yet, have the receiver drilled and tapped for optics, which most sporting rifles can accommodate.
Replace the Trigger
After 100 years, the trigger in your Mauser might have seen better days.
Even if not, there are modern triggers on the market that are adjustable and much crisper than whatever is lurking in your original Mauser – no disrespect to these legendary rifles.
Consider a Timney Precision Mauser trigger for a replacement. It will be much more enjoyable to use.
In Need of Mauser 98k Parts? SARCO Inc., Has You Covered
Ready to sporterize that Mauser 98k you’ve had in the safe but hardly ever use?
You’ll need some Mauser parts, and fortunately, SARCO, Inc., online at SarcoInc.com, has you covered.
They carry a huge range of parts and shooting accessories, especially for hard-to-find, antique, and military rifles. Visit their website for more information.
