At least it made it to one of them. Thanks for watching. I wasn't aware until recently the problem with the audio in some of my newer videos. I recently began using some different equipment.
I don't worry about people bashing them. I'm good with mine. I turned down $600 for it. Any milsurp will go up in value. Especially common cartridge ones.
I got my Mitchell Mauser back in 1989 for the under $300 it came with the Bennett and holster tool kit two magazine holders. Plus leather gun strap that is worn and not stiff. certificate of authenticity and I still have the box it came in. When I shoot the rifle, it kicks like a howitzer cannon.
That's pretty close to what mine came with, I still have my box around as well. We love taking ours out every time we go to shoot. If only I could get the time to shoot mine more. Thanks for watching and sharing.
I believe I remember something about that from when I was doing the research for that video but I can't remember if it was just something I saw in a forum or what. Thanks for watching and for your comments.
@@Alloy211 I agree. Almost every one of the Mausers that Mitchells sourced were Russian captures which aren't collectible either. Alot of people complaining or crying foul about what Mitchell's did/does are a bunch of babies, Mitchell's gave those guns new life as alot of them were in poor condition anyway.
Certainly, it's like the Swiss Vetterli I have, it can be converted to center fire and shot. I myself don't know if it would be worth it to me to change it from it's original configuration just to be able to shoot it a very little bit. I think really I'd rather just keep how it has always been.
If the guns is safe to shoot,and it shoots well and someone did not pay a collector grade price ,then be happy. As far as the Banette on the gun is concerned, when you fire some guns with the Banette it affects accuracy .
Hear something enough times and you'll believe it too. If someone could show hard evidence, I'm not sold on these accusations. I've owned three Mausers from MM (2 Kar98ks 1 M48) and they are all nice as can be.
That's certainly true. Although I think the mostly likely source of these K98ks were former Soviet satellite countries, I don't think Mitchell's was doing anything nefarious nor misrepresenting what they were. I'm my exchange with Mitchell's in researching the video they were nothing but forthright and helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Yeah, I don't know about all of the stuff said in the email. But what the asterisk looks like to me is a continuation of the Russian Capture "V" or "X" and the rest was probably done at Michelle's Mausers.
And the German asterisks wasn't a giant snowflake either, it existed, but it was smaller and actually looked like an asterisks not a giant snowflake thing. And definitely not all over the receivers in random places.
I paid 600$ for an all matching vet bring back with a duffel cut. Matching bolt, if you want to settle for this then you’re entitled to it, but it’s sorta like eating from the floor when the tables got goooood good fresh food just have to be a little patient
That's a great find at that price especially in today's market, assuming you did purchase it recently. I wouldn't pass that deal up if I had the chance regardless of if I already owned a K98 or two already.
@@Alloy211 oh yeah I got that k98 in January you do have to look for a while to find good deals but Mitchell’s are refurbed russian refurbs. Good for shooting and that’s what the gun is meant for but just not collectors pieces and it’s sad to see so many with rich history refinished that’s why people don’t like them. They would restamp guns and grind off OG markings
@WhiteBirdPlays Being that recent it's a very good price, I've seen people trying to sell M48 Yugos for that much recently. I understand why collectors have their issues with them but as a shooter I have no complaints. Then there's that lack of collector interest that allows me to throw a front sight hood on a rifle that wouldn't have had one without ruffling too many feathers. That and I don't feel like I'm ruining a pristine example by taking it out to the range almost every time we go. So there are certainly disadvantages but also some advantages, I'd never buy one as a collector's item though that's for certain.
Pre 1940 K98ks like this didn't have the groves and they weren't added to them. I didn't add them myself either as I didn't want to cut into my front sight base. I did modify the hood slightly in order to accommodate that and help keep it from coming off. That being said over the course of a day of shooting it will shift and need to be repositioned.
It is the stated back in that document that you received from Mitchell's Mausers whatever they're calling themselves today the victors took all the rifles and each one did something different with them the story of each individual rifle will probably never be known without some other additional documentation or prominence. But that being said I don't believe Mitchell's was truly in the business of selling historical Collectibles they were merely putting on the market surplus rifles at an affordable price and you're pretty much spot on with the disclaimer that did they exaggerate where they're misunderstandings that they didn't clear up probably, but that being said the venerability and the durability of the '98k is a testament to its Antiquity many of the rifles are pushing 80 90 years old still have a lot of life left to give It's an incredible feat that Germany was able to conquer so much territory so rapidly with the k98 as its main battle rifle with the MP40 and Reserve in the mg42 providing buyer support even during one war when it was you served by the gavier 43 and the stormgovere 44 my take on it is it did the grunt work extensively My pals got a 98k from Norway originally chambered in 30 odd 6 it's the most original looking Mauser I've ever seen however it's been modified but the only reason it's in such good condition is the fact that it ended up in Norway and sat the rest of the war out in the many years Maybe additional information will come forward but I think the bluing on the bolts were not as durable as the rest of the rifle and I think once the rifles were refurbished reworked we arsenal stored the blowing whether it remained intact or was removed in these cases was simply not reapplied an unnecessary accoutrement on a defeated Powers weapon come to think of it the Mosin nagants I have almost always seen them with regular steel finish what we would call White bolts it's a streamline production choice though my same buddy with the 98k from Norway he has a Mosin to God that he is actually blue the bolt and it looks incredible but why the Soviets didn't make that a priority or follow suit like every other Nation at the time it wasn't a priority not for a bolt gun though you would see bluing on the later SVT 38 svt40s sks's ak's as permitted measures in it with more complicated components but Mosin Nagant nope
It's a testament to the design and quality of these rifles that even after they soldiered through the worst conflict in human history we can still enjoy shooting them today. I agree, with the idea Mitchell's was in the surplus rifle business not the collector rifle business. I can honestly say I'd love to be able to have one chambered in 30.06. It would be a nice addition to the 8mm. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your perspective.
Ditto on the left ear...Mitchell's Mausers are Jugo M48s...the recveiver is shorter then the 98k...the bolt is flattened..but for most folks it doesn't matter..it LOOKS LIKE a Kar 98k...
Weather you believe it or not the fact that Mitchell was selling K98k collectors grade rifles at premium prices that were not all original as advertised. Most of them were Russian captured or came from other surplus stores. These aren't just fairy tales. 95% of these rifles shoot very well, but aren't worth the money they charge for them
Honestly I can't agree, the prices were reasonable and if you were to go to Royal Tiger imports they're selling refurbished K98ks for a rather premium price. Far more the cost of the Mitchell's at the time they were selling them. Appreciate the perspective but I can't agree.
@@nightrider1850 I can't agree with that statement, I looked through a lot of their advertising before I made the video. Although I found they definitely allowed a certain level ambiguity to exist they weren't out right deceptive. Do I agree with the practice no but caveat emptor certainly applies as well.
@@Alloy211 Here again you miss the point. Their advertising a product they don't actually have. They restamp parts to make all matching numbers. K98k rifles with all matching parts just like M1 Garand rifles with all matching parts are rare. They do exist, because these rifles in the course of their service life under go rebuilding and up grades. In the case of K98k Mauser rifles millions were captured. A common practice was to separate the original bolt from the original rifles. The bolts were stored in a separate location so as to prevent reissue if the enemy recaptured them. This was a common occurrence. The Red Army in particular was concerned about partisan and anti Communist factions getting them to use them against Russian troops. Especially in the Ukraine. German forces frequently armed Ukraine partisan figures with captured Red Army weapons. That's the biggest reason why K98k Mauser rifles in complete original and like new to unissued condition command big bucks. I personally have two that were G.I. bring backs. Taken out of the factory rack after the location was captured by the American army. I know there the real thing because my Grandfather was the one that brought them home. I have them rifles and capture papers too.
@@nightrider1850 I appreciate your perspective, and again bring me proof that they are the ones that force matched numbers. Until you or someone else can its speculation. Nothing more, you seem to have a heck of chip on your shoulder towards a company that never did anything to you personally.
For so much accusation i can't find one picture of questionable stamp. Usually it would be flooded. Me thinks competitors beating a drum perhaps. I seen questionable on blued bolts from "True K98". IKD...they look and shoot good. Enjoy them. I bought one for my collection. Because it looks like a new Mauser would look like. Same for my M1 garand. Has a boyd stock but it;s looks great and has collectable value to me.
I have yet to see hard proof on a lot of the accusations that people level against them. I do enjoy shooting my quite a bit and that's what really matters. Thanks for watching.
bottom line is I wish that I had not sent back my Mitchell's Mauser because for some reason they are now selling for WAY MORE than I paid for it. I had got one for my son but talked him into sending it back.
In time you never know what might be worth more than expected. I happen to have some Ghost Rider comics I collected when I was younger never expecting them to become more valuable but now some of them are worth 10x what I had paid for them. Thanks for watching.
The self proclaimed "experts" and "collectors" are like self-absorbed groupthink (D)ims, they think nobodys opinion is valid but their own, my Mitchells K98, shoots great and looks great.
That's true, I have three great things from my ex-wife, a CZ52 she gave me for Christmas before we were married, my K98K for Christmas and the greatest son I could hope to have. Now other than that the marriage was probably a wash at best. Thanks for watching.
Changing parts on a computer garand or carbine ,or 1911 is ok ,but changing serial numbers and rebluing and representing it as an all matching original is shamefully . I have non matching k 98k's with original finish and I love them. It feels like it would haveto the original owner . t
Agreed if that's done to misrepresent it as something it's not. But that's something that an arsenal might do in a rebuilding process before putting surplus arms into storage. At what point that happened is what is important and indeterminate. Thanks for watching.
Thank you and I agree. Regardless of anything when my 11 year old son shoots it he gets an appreciation of history much deeper than he can from a book or RUclips video in a way.
Good video, responsible presentation, i have a MM, great looking, good shooter and i'm sure it was German manufactured, has it been reworked, yes, who cares who done it, i also have three CMP, US 30-06's, all have been rearsenaled, all are nice looking and good shooters, all have original parts, also have a 03A3 drill i barreled in 7.62, other than the new criterion barrel its original, like it as much as the other rifles, enjoy the firearms, ought to draw some hate with this, yes i appreciate history but very little of it has remained untouched by someone
As for a shooting rifle I can't complain about mine. I understand why collectors would take issue with their value as a collector but as for a shooter they seem to be just peachy.
Between that and what Royal Tiger Imports is selling their restored like new surplus rifles for the market has really changed. I've heard of these $200 M1 Carbines you speak of, I believe one of my older brothers has one, between those and the pallets of AKs at gun shows I've heard about I feel like I missed out. At this point I'm happy I picked up my Mosin M44 for $120 when I did.
You were wondering about the asterisk. The answer is this. Look up the term "Stern Gewehr". "Stern" in German means "Star" The star was an indication to someone working on the rifle that some parts came from subcontractors. Here's a reference: www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30035843 Here is another: www.warrelics.eu/forum/world-firearms/gewehr-98-a-689499/ Has nothing to do with Russian capture. It also means rifle needed some hand fitting prior to being issued. Hope that helps
That is absolutely wrong! The asterisk was a RC X. MM added the new line so they could claim it was something other then the known RC X. Again absolute fraud.
@@MSWeaponsChannel Or when they were released from the arsenal it could have been struck out as to indicate it was removed from the arsenal. Where was MM doing all this fraudulent marking? If it could be proven why didn't anyone sue the company for fraud?
@@Alloy211 because they were very clever in their marketing. There’s nothing illegal about doing such. And clearly with their response to you they don’t admit the truth.
@@MSWeaponsChannel They replied exactly as I'd of expected them to reply. I'm not quite sure why you have such a hatred of them but you seem very passionate and that's at least something. You can still be sued in civil court even if what you did wasn't illegal.
Despite the NAZI trash marks on it, that's a 1936, quality 98. If you're expecting anything more than arsenal refinished very good to excellent out of a WWII Mauser in 2023 you need to wake up. As far as Mitchell's Mausers are concerned, if you paid premium for any of their "snipers" or other special Mausers, you got duped and they saw you coming. The Yugos they sold were pretty much what they said unless you bought a "Tanker." These rifles are shooters. They will still appreciate, a lot like the converted drill rifle 1903s will appreciate. Think of a Mitchell's Mauser like a rebuilt 1903 drill rifle and be happy. But honestly if you've bought something like an Israeli Mauser you've bought a rifle which has gone through more reworking than what Mitchell's was selling.
@@Alloy211 It's hard to beat a K98K. Light, handy, strong and hits like the hammer of Thor. That rifle will last your family many generations. Back in the day... Mitchell's would buy large shipments of rifles that had been captured by the USSR back in the old days. Typically these captured rifles would come in with their front sight hoods missing, lock screws missing, front site hoods missing, cleaning rods missing and absolutely covered in a red shellack. A lot of times the Waffenampts would be stamped out and they almost always were stamped with the Asterix on the receiver ring once the Russian armorer's were "finished" with their task (That astrix is always indicative of a Russian Capture). The rifles were then covered in cosmoline and stuffed into long term storage. MM would get these, clean off the cosmo, replace the missing components with those from the M48 and M24/47 parts bins, sand all that nasty Shellack off, and polish up the bolts (As they often looked a bit warn). Sometimes they would go further on decent examples and completely refinish them back to (what appeared to be) brand new condition. Personally, as a long time collector of these sorts of guns, I thought it was brilliant. A lot of people were put off by Mitchell's advertising back then as they sold M48s and 24/47s and likened them to K98s. Added to that they would also claim that many of their rifles were factory new and discovered in a warehouse someplace, or that they were Waffen SS rifles when it was clear that the "SS Stamps" were often put on the rifles during the refinishing process. That said, MM sold nice looking guns to people that had just watched HBO's "Band of Brothers" and wanted in on the fun. The rifles themselves are just as good as they were when they left their factories in Germany and everyone was more or less happy with their purchase. Sure, those of us in the know could buy a surplus gun off the shelf from another importer (Like Century or Cherry's), but for someone who wasn't a gun dork, these were a solid option to get your hands on a actual REAL German WWII Mauser that was used in combat on the Ostfront or something that was much cheaper and close to a K98K and basically brand new (Yugo M48). | Been a long time since I have thought of these guns. Going to have to take mine out and blast some soda cans this weekend.
@@michaelthebarbarian3380 Agreed. At this point with companies like Royal Tiger Imports selling their refurbished/reconditioned rifles for a relatively high price it's hard to hate the MM rifles too much.
@@michaelthebarbarian3380 I haven't heard anything good about their rifles. Other than maybe consistency, set your expectations constantly low and they'll probably? meet them. The only things I might purchase from them would be some part they just had a too good to be true price on or for some reason I couldn't find some where else.
They seemed to for awhile. I'm not currently subscribed to any firearms publications so I don't get a chance to see if they're still running print ads or not. The last I saw they were selling Yugos and .22s.
Supposedly Mitchell's mauser k98s are all Russian capture rifles and rearsenaled by the Russians then put in storage. The asterisk is in the same location that the Russians stamped an x. Of course their isn't a record of the asterisk, it was added to hide the Russian stamp. The bolts were polished to eliminate the electric pencil marks put on by the Russians. The Russians reblued after the x stamp. I have 3 Russian capture k98s to inspect that didn't come from MM. Check your asterisk stamp, If you see bare metal in the stamp it was added later to hide the Russion stamp.
Thanks for watching. And I have read many of the "rumors" around on the asterisk. On my rifle the asterisk has no bare metal exposed. Also the line stamped across the X is the same depth and of the same width as the X. So it certainly wasn't done after it had been refinished. I think maybe you're kind of mixing conjecture with what's most probable. As in I think it's pretty clear many of these are Russian captured rifles. But the where, when and how of the X became an asterisk is more unknown. Not all Mitchell's German K98K have the asterisk. At least from what I've seen. I think to imply that Mitchell's as a company did this without having some sort of first hand source or any substantial evidence is reckless. If at any time I find anything more than just talk between people I'd be more than happy to change my position.
@@Alloy211 I'm certainly no expert but not all capture rifles had the x so those wouldn't need the asterisk. I've heard a lot of rumors like everybody else so it can be difficult to determine what's true. If people like their MM rifles then that's probably all that matters but I won't buy one.
I can definitely understand hesitation or having no interest in buying one with the muddy provenance. As I have no monetary interest in mine just judging it as a shooting rifle it's excellent. The one thing I don't want to do and wouldn't do is smear a person or a company with rumors I couldn't verify. It was part of why I contacted Mitchell's before making this video. I really felt it was important to get their perspective and information. I appreciate your opinion none the less.
Russian capture someone made the Russian X into a asterisk sanded the stock and polished the bolt. Question is who but only Mitchel Mausers look like this and walk a quack like these. Case closed
Any K98k with Mitchell stamps is a Russian capture with no collector value. Shooter grade at best. The parts are mismatched, the Waffenamts and other German markings will have been ground off.
Possibly but that has not been proven beyond a doubt and in today's market with RTI refurbished rifles and others I'm not sure how they've lost all their collector value. Although at one time in the past I would have agreed more about the collector value aspect.
If I’m not mistaken, only Russian captured rifles had the number there on the rear of the stock. So it’s a more expensive, force-matched Russian capture. People hate on them because they deceive people and spread false rumors about how an original, all matching Kar98K looks like.
After having talked with the company and gone back through many of their old advertisements I can't say they ever intentionally mislead anyone. I would say they like any other company marketing a product talked up it's positives while ignoring it's negatives. I think after that a lot people who felt like they were mislead, didn't do the research before the purchase, were angry and began throwing around many unsubstantiated accusations. If someone can ever find actual wrong doing or any real evidence of them making fraudulent claims I be more than happy to change my opinion. I think what bothers me more at this point is when individuals are selling these rifles without disclosing they came from Mitchell's. As I think that's an important factor and immediately disqualifies a rifle from what a would consider "collector" value as the provenance of any Mitchell's mauser is murky at best. Especially given at no point did they say they weren't Russian capture rifles just that they didn't know. I mean say you're buying a lot of 20,000 K98Ks from random surplus arms dealer you aren't going to know the provenance of any the rifles exactly. I appreciate your comment and input. Thanks for watching.
@@Alloy211 thanks for the reply. I agree with what you say. The biggest problem with their existence is that it makes it harder to trust a seller who claims their rifle is valuable and all matching. It’s easy for people who haven’t done their research to know what to look for if they want to buy a “collection grade” rifle. They are all collectibles on some level but, one that’s as close to it was when it left the battlefield is desirable.
That's a very appropriate way to put it. With a Mitchell it's more about buying a "shooter" rather than a "collector" in my opinion. As for that mine does shoot pretty great. Something I personally like about mine being a Mitchell's is I feel no qualms about throwing a trench mag or in inappropriate front sight hood on it as it's not a collector. If I ever sold it, my son would kill me, I'd make sure I informed the buyer as to what it was and what it wasn't.
Yugo parts and obviously forced match or fake stamps have ended up on almost all of their K98's. Nowhere on their site or in their ads did they state this. Based on your emails, they are obviously well informed on K98s, and thus knew this. They were selling these as collectables, not basic refurbed milsurps, and in that instance, knowingly withholding that info from buyers is wrong. Had a statement declaring they're all reworks or have Yugo parts on their buying page, they'd still have a lot of them in stock. The CMP swaps parts on some of their Garands/carbines, and it's not right when they do it either without declaring it.
Hmm well as for your claim of yugo parts at least in the case of my rifle that doesn't appear to be the case. And as I've said before I wouldn't want to spread rumors based on speculation. Also as I've said before I really don't think Mitchell's themselves force matched any parts. It would be strange for them to engage in that when it would be very easy for that to be known. It would only take one disgruntled employee to expose them. But were they force matched at some other point I think that's certainly a possibility. Thanks for watching and commenting regardless.
How could you possibly know what has ended up on "almost all of their K98's". Have you personally inspected "almost all of their K98's"? This kind of informationless generalization just adds to the confusion non this topic. Just state facts, nothing more.
There is no collector’s value to these whatsoever. Sure, you can still collect them, but you can also collect cigarette butts. If you find yourself uncertain about whether or not these were force matched, then I’m going to suggest you have a lot to learn about 98k’s. These are re-numbered and refinished Russian capture 98k’s. Sad too as RC’s are of some historical value still. Mitchell’s is a sh** company, serving those who just don’t know....
Sincerely if you can find definitive evidence of them doing anything fraudulent I would appreciate seeing it. Although I agree on their value as collector rifles being none I don't support unfounded or unsupported accusations. I guess though it's easier to just assume the worst.
@@Alloy211 if you’re any level of K98k collector, even a brand new beginner, and have any sort of good reference material in front of you to compare to, you can without a single doubt, tell that they’ve renumbered components. Problem is, they weren’t selling as renumbered and refinished guns, they were advertised and sold as original “as-found” condition. So, all the simple minded prunes to this day still think they’re original, non fraudulent rifles. Polished and renumbered bolts galore! And they don’t even use the right font numbers, they must have thought the German manufacturing firms all used the exact same size and style font...... And calling the people that did the dirty work to ask them if they did, and believing them when they say they didn’t..... the ultimate form of naivety..... lol Believing these are legit is like believing in the flat earth theory, I guess you just can’t take away a children’s imagination. But hey, the more dummies that stick to MM’s means that the original 98k market has less competition
@@herk8762 did it take you that long to actually watch the video? Did Mitchell's Mausers do something personal to your family? Again as with anyone else that loves to call speculation fact if you can produce actual evidence of their wrong doing I would greatly appreciate it. Until that point it is conjecture. Thanks for your perspective regardless.
@@Alloy211 all you need is an internet connection and you’ll have everything you need. I really don’t care to be quite honest. I suppose if people want to continue to lie to themselves about turds then that’s their prerogative. Like I said, more genuine German rifles for the collectors. RUclips is really the best place to find MM rifle collectors, lol. Also the best place to find the largest pool of the ill-informed. Having said that I think my IQ has dropped a little during our discourse, and chips away with every comment I read....
@@herk8762 you are a special kind of illogical. But you're entitled to that and I appreciate your interactions. If you honestly didn't care you wouldn't have said anything in the first place.... but rationality certainly doesn't seem to be your strong suit. Thanks for watching and commenting.
My left ear enjoyed this video very much.
At least it made it to one of them. Thanks for watching. I wasn't aware until recently the problem with the audio in some of my newer videos. I recently began using some different equipment.
@@Alloy211 Honestly though, really good video. Thanks for uploading.
You're welcome. Now you'll just have to watch it with the left ear bud in your right ear.
I don't worry about people bashing them. I'm good with mine. I turned down $600 for it. Any milsurp will go up in value. Especially common cartridge ones.
This is certainly true. Looking at the prices on Royal Tiger Imports "refurbished" German K98ks it would definitely seem true.
Thanks for the quality video!!
You're welcome, thanks for watching.
I got my Mitchell Mauser back in 1989 for the under $300 it came with the Bennett and holster tool kit two magazine holders. Plus leather gun strap that is worn and not stiff. certificate of authenticity and I still have the box it came in. When I shoot the rifle, it kicks like a howitzer cannon.
That's pretty close to what mine came with, I still have my box around as well. We love taking ours out every time we go to shoot. If only I could get the time to shoot mine more. Thanks for watching and sharing.
The serial number on the butt means it was a russian capture rifle. The russian armorers did that during the refurbishing process.
I believe I remember something about that from when I was doing the research for that video but I can't remember if it was just something I saw in a forum or what. Thanks for watching and for your comments.
I'm not surprised collectors don't like Mitchell's Mausers. But Mitchell's Mausers aren't collectibles...
They are not mine's definitely a shooter though. Thanks for watching.
@@Alloy211 I agree. Almost every one of the Mausers that Mitchells sourced were Russian captures which aren't collectible either. Alot of people complaining or crying foul about what Mitchell's did/does are a bunch of babies, Mitchell's gave those guns new life as alot of them were in poor condition anyway.
It's always better to have a rough shooter than a beautiful wall hanger, at least in my opinion.
@@Alloy211 Depends on the weapon, but I agree.
Certainly, it's like the Swiss Vetterli I have, it can be converted to center fire and shot. I myself don't know if it would be worth it to me to change it from it's original configuration just to be able to shoot it a very little bit. I think really I'd rather just keep how it has always been.
If the guns is safe to shoot,and it shoots well and someone did not pay a collector grade price ,then be happy. As far as the Banette on the gun is concerned, when you fire some guns with the Banette it affects accuracy .
Agreed and true. My M44 is supposed to fired as such although I rarely do. Thanks for watching.
ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧੀਆ ਲੱਗੀ ਇਹ ਕਾਰ 98 ਕੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਵੀਡੀਓ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਜੀ
You're welcome, sorry for the very late reply
Hear something enough times and you'll believe it too. If someone could show hard evidence, I'm not sold on these accusations. I've owned three Mausers from MM (2 Kar98ks 1 M48) and they are all nice as can be.
That's certainly true. Although I think the mostly likely source of these K98ks were former Soviet satellite countries, I don't think Mitchell's was doing anything nefarious nor misrepresenting what they were. I'm my exchange with Mitchell's in researching the video they were nothing but forthright and helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Yeah, I don't know about all of the stuff said in the email. But what the asterisk looks like to me is a continuation of the Russian Capture "V" or "X" and the rest was probably done at Michelle's Mausers.
And the German asterisks wasn't a giant snowflake either, it existed, but it was smaller and actually looked like an asterisks not a giant snowflake thing. And definitely not all over the receivers in random places.
It's beautiful
It's also a great shooter. Thanks for commenting.
@@Alloy211 You're welcome 😊
I paid 600$ for an all matching vet bring back with a duffel cut. Matching bolt, if you want to settle for this then you’re entitled to it, but it’s sorta like eating from the floor when the tables got goooood good fresh food just have to be a little patient
That's a great find at that price especially in today's market, assuming you did purchase it recently. I wouldn't pass that deal up if I had the chance regardless of if I already owned a K98 or two already.
@@Alloy211 oh yeah I got that k98 in January you do have to look for a while to find good deals but Mitchell’s are refurbed russian refurbs. Good for shooting and that’s what the gun is meant for but just not collectors pieces and it’s sad to see so many with rich history refinished that’s why people don’t like them. They would restamp guns and grind off OG markings
@WhiteBirdPlays Being that recent it's a very good price, I've seen people trying to sell M48 Yugos for that much recently. I understand why collectors have their issues with them but as a shooter I have no complaints. Then there's that lack of collector interest that allows me to throw a front sight hood on a rifle that wouldn't have had one without ruffling too many feathers. That and I don't feel like I'm ruining a pristine example by taking it out to the range almost every time we go. So there are certainly disadvantages but also some advantages, I'd never buy one as a collector's item though that's for certain.
When you got it did the front sight already have the grooves for the hood to attach? Or did you add them?
Pre 1940 K98ks like this didn't have the groves and they weren't added to them. I didn't add them myself either as I didn't want to cut into my front sight base. I did modify the hood slightly in order to accommodate that and help keep it from coming off. That being said over the course of a day of shooting it will shift and need to be repositioned.
@@Alloy211 I was wondering if I could get a hood to stay on my s243. I guess it can! I'll try it. Thanks
@@johnp9402 It's definitely possible.
It is the stated back in that document that you received from Mitchell's Mausers whatever they're calling themselves today the victors took all the rifles and each one did something different with them the story of each individual rifle will probably never be known without some other additional documentation or prominence.
But that being said I don't believe Mitchell's was truly in the business of selling historical Collectibles they were merely putting on the market surplus rifles at an affordable price and you're pretty much spot on with the disclaimer that did they exaggerate where they're misunderstandings that they didn't clear up probably, but that being said the venerability and the durability of the '98k is a testament to its Antiquity many of the rifles are pushing 80 90 years old still have a lot of life left to give
It's an incredible feat that Germany was able to conquer so much territory so rapidly with the k98 as its main battle rifle with the MP40 and Reserve in the mg42 providing buyer support even during one war when it was you served by the gavier 43 and the stormgovere 44 my take on it is it did the grunt work extensively
My pals got a 98k from Norway originally chambered in 30 odd 6 it's the most original looking Mauser I've ever seen however it's been modified but the only reason it's in such good condition is the fact that it ended up in Norway and sat the rest of the war out in the many years
Maybe additional information will come forward but I think the bluing on the bolts were not as durable as the rest of the rifle and I think once the rifles were refurbished reworked we arsenal stored the blowing whether it remained intact or was removed in these cases was simply not reapplied an unnecessary accoutrement on a defeated Powers weapon come to think of it the Mosin nagants I have almost always seen them with regular steel finish what we would call White bolts it's a streamline production choice though my same buddy with the 98k from Norway he has a Mosin to God that he is actually blue the bolt and it looks incredible but why the Soviets didn't make that a priority or follow suit like every other Nation at the time it wasn't a priority not for a bolt gun though you would see bluing on the later SVT 38 svt40s sks's ak's as permitted measures in it with more complicated components but Mosin Nagant nope
It's a testament to the design and quality of these rifles that even after they soldiered through the worst conflict in human history we can still enjoy shooting them today. I agree, with the idea Mitchell's was in the surplus rifle business not the collector rifle business. I can honestly say I'd love to be able to have one chambered in 30.06. It would be a nice addition to the 8mm. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your perspective.
Ditto on the left ear...Mitchell's Mausers are Jugo M48s...the recveiver is shorter then the 98k...the bolt is flattened..but for most folks it doesn't matter..it LOOKS LIKE a Kar 98k...
If you can find any actual evidence of that I'd be amazed. Thanks for watching.
They started selling Yugos when they ran short of German rifles.
That's right, and as far as I know they've always billed them as Yugos. Thanks for watching.
You need to recheck that statement, not the same own a Mitchel and a M48 not the same
They were selling surplus M48s as well though.
Weather you believe it or not the fact that Mitchell was selling K98k collectors grade rifles at premium prices that were not all original as advertised. Most of them were Russian captured or came from other surplus stores. These aren't just fairy tales. 95% of these rifles shoot very well, but aren't worth the money they charge for them
Honestly I can't agree, the prices were reasonable and if you were to go to Royal Tiger imports they're selling refurbished K98ks for a rather premium price. Far more the cost of the Mitchell's at the time they were selling them. Appreciate the perspective but I can't agree.
@@Alloy211 That's not the point. Michael's was advertising them as all original and they aren't.
@@nightrider1850 I can't agree with that statement, I looked through a lot of their advertising before I made the video. Although I found they definitely allowed a certain level ambiguity to exist they weren't out right deceptive. Do I agree with the practice no but caveat emptor certainly applies as well.
@@Alloy211 Here again you miss the point. Their advertising a product they don't actually have. They restamp parts to make all matching numbers. K98k rifles with all matching parts just like M1 Garand rifles with all matching parts are rare. They do exist, because these rifles in the course of their service life under go rebuilding and up grades. In the case of K98k Mauser rifles millions were captured. A common practice was to separate the original bolt from the original rifles. The bolts were stored in a separate location so as to prevent reissue if the enemy recaptured them. This was a common occurrence. The Red Army in particular was concerned about partisan and anti Communist factions getting them to use them against Russian troops. Especially in the Ukraine. German forces frequently armed Ukraine partisan figures with captured Red Army weapons. That's the biggest reason why K98k Mauser rifles in complete original and like new to unissued condition command big bucks. I personally have two that were G.I. bring backs. Taken out of the factory rack after the location was captured by the American army. I know there the real thing because my Grandfather was the one that brought them home. I have them rifles and capture papers too.
@@nightrider1850 I appreciate your perspective, and again bring me proof that they are the ones that force matched numbers. Until you or someone else can its speculation. Nothing more, you seem to have a heck of chip on your shoulder towards a company that never did anything to you personally.
I hope that Mitchell’s Mausers gets some premium select rifles in . I already have a collectors select rifle . like to get one
I haven't been keeping up with them that closely recently myself. But thanks for watching.
When was the last time he had them available? Seems like the K98s are dried up.
I'm not totally sure, recently I can only think of the Yugos being advertised.
@@Alloy211 Thanks for the information!
Your welcome, sorry I don't have a better timeline.
For so much accusation i can't find one picture of questionable stamp. Usually it would be flooded. Me thinks competitors beating a drum perhaps. I seen questionable on blued bolts from "True K98". IKD...they look and shoot good. Enjoy them.
I bought one for my collection. Because it looks like a new Mauser would look like. Same for my M1 garand. Has a boyd stock but it;s looks great and has collectable value to me.
I have yet to see hard proof on a lot of the accusations that people level against them. I do enjoy shooting my quite a bit and that's what really matters. Thanks for watching.
bottom line is I wish that I had not sent back my Mitchell's Mauser because for some reason they are now selling for WAY MORE than I paid for it. I had got one for my son but talked him into sending it back.
In time you never know what might be worth more than expected. I happen to have some Ghost Rider comics I collected when I was younger never expecting them to become more valuable but now some of them are worth 10x what I had paid for them. Thanks for watching.
@@Alloy211 what makes no sense is that my real K98k did not go up in value as much as the mitchells polished and sanded and renumbered etc.
That is a little bit odd. You'd think it would be the actual collector rifles gaining value that would push a Mitchell's higher.
The self proclaimed "experts" and "collectors" are like self-absorbed groupthink (D)ims, they think nobodys opinion is valid but their own, my Mitchells K98, shoots great and looks great.
Agreed, I've never had a problem with my Mitchell's and we have put several hundred rounds through it. It goes to the range with us every time we do.
Nice Rifle. I wouldn't get too wrapped around the axle if it was a gift.
That's true, I have three great things from my ex-wife, a CZ52 she gave me for Christmas before we were married, my K98K for Christmas and the greatest son I could hope to have. Now other than that the marriage was probably a wash at best. Thanks for watching.
@@Alloy211 I hear ya...the only great thing my ex ever did is my Daughter and Son ;)
At least that's something.
@@Alloy211 17 years stings a bit...but I would do it all the same just to have my kids ;)
Taking a look around at the ground I'm standing on now all and all I wouldn't change a thing.
Changing parts on a computer garand or carbine ,or 1911 is ok ,but changing serial numbers and rebluing and representing it as an all matching original is shamefully . I have non matching k 98k's with original finish and I love them. It feels like it would haveto the original owner .
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C m p garand ,sorry, dang phone !!
Agreed if that's done to misrepresent it as something it's not. But that's something that an arsenal might do in a rebuilding process before putting surplus arms into storage. At what point that happened is what is important and indeterminate. Thanks for watching.
Yes ,This guys rifle looks good ,except for the polished bolt.
It's a joy to shoot as well. We put rounds through today actually.
Nice video! The Mitchell Mauser makes for a good shooting rifle. I wouldn't classify it as a collector item. Although it is a preservation of history.
Thank you and I agree. Regardless of anything when my 11 year old son shoots it he gets an appreciation of history much deeper than he can from a book or RUclips video in a way.
I don't like the bright bolt,you could always blue it.
That's true, I've considered it myself.
Good video, responsible presentation, i have a MM, great looking, good shooter and i'm sure it was German manufactured, has it been reworked, yes, who cares who done it, i also have three CMP, US 30-06's, all have been rearsenaled, all are nice looking and good shooters, all have original parts, also have a 03A3 drill i barreled in 7.62, other than the new criterion barrel its original, like it as much as the other rifles, enjoy the firearms, ought to draw some hate with this, yes i appreciate history but very little of it has remained untouched by someone
You make a lot of excellent points and I appreciate your perspective. I agree a lot of it is enjoying them now. Thanks for watching and commenting.
If they are just shooters it is what it is. There will always be a market for that!
Why is the audio only working on my left ear?
That's a good question
Turn your head to the left, There you go, Now you can hear it in your right ear.
I was trying some new audio stuff out in this video so that may have been the problem.
Wanted a k98k bought one of these and got a lot of crap for it, I don’t care though it shoots perfectly.
As for a shooting rifle I can't complain about mine. I understand why collectors would take issue with their value as a collector but as for a shooter they seem to be just peachy.
Even the Russian captured guns are going for big money anymore .Remember the $200. Dollar M-1 carbines?
Between that and what Royal Tiger Imports is selling their restored like new surplus rifles for the market has really changed. I've heard of these $200 M1 Carbines you speak of, I believe one of my older brothers has one, between those and the pallets of AKs at gun shows I've heard about I feel like I missed out. At this point I'm happy I picked up my Mosin M44 for $120 when I did.
You were wondering about the asterisk. The answer is this. Look up the term "Stern Gewehr". "Stern" in German means "Star" The star was an indication to someone working on the rifle that some parts came from subcontractors. Here's a reference: www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30035843 Here is another: www.warrelics.eu/forum/world-firearms/gewehr-98-a-689499/ Has nothing to do with Russian capture. It also means rifle needed some hand fitting prior to being issued. Hope that helps
Thank you very much for the additional information.
That is absolutely wrong! The asterisk was a RC X. MM added the new line so they could claim it was something other then the known RC X. Again absolute fraud.
@@MSWeaponsChannel Or when they were released from the arsenal it could have been struck out as to indicate it was removed from the arsenal. Where was MM doing all this fraudulent marking? If it could be proven why didn't anyone sue the company for fraud?
@@Alloy211 because they were very clever in their marketing. There’s nothing illegal about doing such. And clearly with their response to you they don’t admit the truth.
@@MSWeaponsChannel They replied exactly as I'd of expected them to reply. I'm not quite sure why you have such a hatred of them but you seem very passionate and that's at least something. You can still be sued in civil court even if what you did wasn't illegal.
Despite the NAZI trash marks on it, that's a 1936, quality 98. If you're expecting anything more than arsenal refinished very good to excellent out of a WWII Mauser in 2023 you need to wake up. As far as Mitchell's Mausers are concerned, if you paid premium for any of their "snipers" or other special Mausers, you got duped and they saw you coming. The Yugos they sold were pretty much what they said unless you bought a "Tanker." These rifles are shooters. They will still appreciate, a lot like the converted drill rifle 1903s will appreciate. Think of a Mitchell's Mauser like a rebuilt 1903 drill rifle and be happy. But honestly if you've bought something like an Israeli Mauser you've bought a rifle which has gone through more reworking than what Mitchell's was selling.
Agreed and you make an excellent point about the Israeli Mausers. I was just talking about those to someone today.
I purchased used M,M 1940 K98K for 450.00 $ most unbelievable gun in like new condition matching they did a great job with these rifles
If it's anything like mine it should be a fine shooting rifle as well. Thanks for watching.
Definitely a Russian capture that was gussied up a bit by MM. I had a MM M48 years ago the was drop dead gorgeous. It was like a brand new rifle.
Mostly likely, it's still going strong as a shooter. We take it out with us pretty much every time we go shooting.
@@Alloy211 It's hard to beat a K98K. Light, handy, strong and hits like the hammer of Thor. That rifle will last your family many generations.
Back in the day... Mitchell's would buy large shipments of rifles that had been captured by the USSR back in the old days. Typically these captured rifles would come in with their front sight hoods missing, lock screws missing, front site hoods missing, cleaning rods missing and absolutely covered in a red shellack. A lot of times the Waffenampts would be stamped out and they almost always were stamped with the Asterix on the receiver ring once the Russian armorer's were "finished" with their task (That astrix is always indicative of a Russian Capture). The rifles were then covered in cosmoline and stuffed into long term storage.
MM would get these, clean off the cosmo, replace the missing components with those from the M48 and M24/47 parts bins, sand all that nasty Shellack off, and polish up the bolts (As they often looked a bit warn). Sometimes they would go further on decent examples and completely refinish them back to (what appeared to be) brand new condition. Personally, as a long time collector of these sorts of guns, I thought it was brilliant.
A lot of people were put off by Mitchell's advertising back then as they sold M48s and 24/47s and likened them to K98s. Added to that they would also claim that many of their rifles were factory new and discovered in a warehouse someplace, or that they were Waffen SS rifles when it was clear that the "SS Stamps" were often put on the rifles during the refinishing process.
That said, MM sold nice looking guns to people that had just watched HBO's "Band of Brothers" and wanted in on the fun. The rifles themselves are just as good as they were when they left their factories in Germany and everyone was more or less happy with their purchase. Sure, those of us in the know could buy a surplus gun off the shelf from another importer (Like Century or Cherry's), but for someone who wasn't a gun dork, these were a solid option to get your hands on a actual REAL German WWII Mauser that was used in combat on the Ostfront or something that was much cheaper and close to a K98K and basically brand new (Yugo M48). |
Been a long time since I have thought of these guns. Going to have to take mine out and blast some soda cans this weekend.
@@michaelthebarbarian3380 Agreed. At this point with companies like Royal Tiger Imports selling their refurbished/reconditioned rifles for a relatively high price it's hard to hate the MM rifles too much.
@@Alloy211 Yeah, I have heard NOTHING good about RTI lol. Those dudes make MM look like saints. hahaha
@@michaelthebarbarian3380 I haven't heard anything good about their rifles. Other than maybe consistency, set your expectations constantly low and they'll probably? meet them. The only things I might purchase from them would be some part they just had a too good to be true price on or for some reason I couldn't find some where else.
Mitchells Mausers were a pretty good run of the rifle and accessories. They use to be very affordable. Have not seen or heard much about them lately.
They seemed to for awhile. I'm not currently subscribed to any firearms publications so I don't get a chance to see if they're still running print ads or not. The last I saw they were selling Yugos and .22s.
out of business
Supposedly Mitchell's mauser k98s are all Russian capture rifles and rearsenaled by the Russians then put in storage. The asterisk is in the same location that the Russians stamped an x. Of course their isn't a record of the asterisk, it was added to hide the Russian stamp. The bolts were polished to eliminate the electric pencil marks put on by the Russians. The Russians reblued after the x stamp. I have 3 Russian capture k98s to inspect that didn't come from MM. Check your asterisk stamp, If you see bare metal in the stamp it was added later to hide the Russion stamp.
Thanks for watching. And I have read many of the "rumors" around on the asterisk. On my rifle the asterisk has no bare metal exposed. Also the line stamped across the X is the same depth and of the same width as the X. So it certainly wasn't done after it had been refinished. I think maybe you're kind of mixing conjecture with what's most probable. As in I think it's pretty clear many of these are Russian captured rifles. But the where, when and how of the X became an asterisk is more unknown. Not all Mitchell's German K98K have the asterisk. At least from what I've seen. I think to imply that Mitchell's as a company did this without having some sort of first hand source or any substantial evidence is reckless. If at any time I find anything more than just talk between people I'd be more than happy to change my position.
@@Alloy211 I'm certainly no expert but not all capture rifles had the x so those wouldn't need the asterisk. I've heard a lot of rumors like everybody else so it can be difficult to determine what's true. If people like their MM rifles then that's probably all that matters but I won't buy one.
I can definitely understand hesitation or having no interest in buying one with the muddy provenance. As I have no monetary interest in mine just judging it as a shooting rifle it's excellent. The one thing I don't want to do and wouldn't do is smear a person or a company with rumors I couldn't verify. It was part of why I contacted Mitchell's before making this video. I really felt it was important to get their perspective and information. I appreciate your opinion none the less.
Russian capture someone made the Russian X into a asterisk sanded the stock and polished the bolt. Question is who but only Mitchel Mausers look like this and walk a quack like these. Case closed
Thanks for watching
Any K98k with Mitchell stamps is a Russian capture with no collector value. Shooter grade at best. The parts are mismatched, the Waffenamts and other German markings will have been ground off.
Possibly but that has not been proven beyond a doubt and in today's market with RTI refurbished rifles and others I'm not sure how they've lost all their collector value. Although at one time in the past I would have agreed more about the collector value aspect.
If I’m not mistaken, only Russian captured rifles had the number there on the rear of the stock. So it’s a more expensive, force-matched Russian capture.
People hate on them because they deceive people and spread false rumors about how an original, all matching Kar98K looks like.
After having talked with the company and gone back through many of their old advertisements I can't say they ever intentionally mislead anyone. I would say they like any other company marketing a product talked up it's positives while ignoring it's negatives. I think after that a lot people who felt like they were mislead, didn't do the research before the purchase, were angry and began throwing around many unsubstantiated accusations. If someone can ever find actual wrong doing or any real evidence of them making fraudulent claims I be more than happy to change my opinion. I think what bothers me more at this point is when individuals are selling these rifles without disclosing they came from Mitchell's. As I think that's an important factor and immediately disqualifies a rifle from what a would consider "collector" value as the provenance of any Mitchell's mauser is murky at best. Especially given at no point did they say they weren't Russian capture rifles just that they didn't know. I mean say you're buying a lot of 20,000 K98Ks from random surplus arms dealer you aren't going to know the provenance of any the rifles exactly. I appreciate your comment and input. Thanks for watching.
@@Alloy211 thanks for the reply.
I agree with what you say.
The biggest problem with their existence is that it makes it harder to trust a seller who claims their rifle is valuable and all matching.
It’s easy for people who haven’t done their research to know what to look for if they want to buy a “collection grade” rifle. They are all collectibles on some level but, one that’s as close to it was when it left the battlefield is desirable.
That's a very appropriate way to put it. With a Mitchell it's more about buying a "shooter" rather than a "collector" in my opinion. As for that mine does shoot pretty great. Something I personally like about mine being a Mitchell's is I feel no qualms about throwing a trench mag or in inappropriate front sight hood on it as it's not a collector. If I ever sold it, my son would kill me, I'd make sure I informed the buyer as to what it was and what it wasn't.
Random question as I just happened to look at your RUclips, are you from Sweden? I'm just curious as I am very curious person.
@@Alloy211 Yes, I am from Sweden. Born and raised outside of Stockholm.
Don’t worry, if you have any questions I’m happy to answer them.
Yugo parts and obviously forced match or fake stamps have ended up on almost all of their K98's. Nowhere on their site or in their ads did they state this. Based on your emails, they are obviously well informed on K98s, and thus knew this. They were selling these as collectables, not basic refurbed milsurps, and in that instance, knowingly withholding that info from buyers is wrong. Had a statement declaring they're all reworks or have Yugo parts on their buying page, they'd still have a lot of them in stock. The CMP swaps parts on some of their Garands/carbines, and it's not right when they do it either without declaring it.
Hmm well as for your claim of yugo parts at least in the case of my rifle that doesn't appear to be the case. And as I've said before I wouldn't want to spread rumors based on speculation. Also as I've said before I really don't think Mitchell's themselves force matched any parts. It would be strange for them to engage in that when it would be very easy for that to be known. It would only take one disgruntled employee to expose them. But were they force matched at some other point I think that's certainly a possibility. Thanks for watching and commenting regardless.
How could you possibly know what has ended up on "almost all of their K98's". Have you personally inspected "almost all of their K98's"? This kind of informationless generalization just adds to the confusion non this topic. Just state facts, nothing more.
There is no collector’s value to these whatsoever. Sure, you can still collect them, but you can also collect cigarette butts. If you find yourself uncertain about whether or not these were force matched, then I’m going to suggest you have a lot to learn about 98k’s. These are re-numbered and refinished Russian capture 98k’s. Sad too as RC’s are of some historical value still. Mitchell’s is a sh** company, serving those who just don’t know....
Sincerely if you can find definitive evidence of them doing anything fraudulent I would appreciate seeing it. Although I agree on their value as collector rifles being none I don't support unfounded or unsupported accusations. I guess though it's easier to just assume the worst.
@@Alloy211 if you’re any level of K98k collector, even a brand new beginner, and have any sort of good reference material in front of you to compare to, you can without a single doubt, tell that they’ve renumbered components. Problem is, they weren’t selling as renumbered and refinished guns, they were advertised and sold as original “as-found” condition. So, all the simple minded prunes to this day still think they’re original, non fraudulent rifles. Polished and renumbered bolts galore! And they don’t even use the right font numbers, they must have thought the German manufacturing firms all used the exact same size and style font......
And calling the people that did the dirty work to ask them if they did, and believing them when they say they didn’t..... the ultimate form of naivety..... lol
Believing these are legit is like believing in the flat earth theory, I guess you just can’t take away a children’s imagination. But hey, the more dummies that stick to MM’s means that the original 98k market has less competition
@@herk8762 did it take you that long to actually watch the video? Did Mitchell's Mausers do something personal to your family? Again as with anyone else that loves to call speculation fact if you can produce actual evidence of their wrong doing I would greatly appreciate it. Until that point it is conjecture. Thanks for your perspective regardless.
@@Alloy211 all you need is an internet connection and you’ll have everything you need. I really don’t care to be quite honest. I suppose if people want to continue to lie to themselves about turds then that’s their prerogative. Like I said, more genuine German rifles for the collectors.
RUclips is really the best place to find MM rifle collectors, lol. Also the best place to find the largest pool of the ill-informed. Having said that I think my IQ has dropped a little during our discourse, and chips away with every comment I read....
@@herk8762 you are a special kind of illogical. But you're entitled to that and I appreciate your interactions. If you honestly didn't care you wouldn't have said anything in the first place.... but rationality certainly doesn't seem to be your strong suit. Thanks for watching and commenting.