Should I get a Mauser 98k or a M1 Garand.?

Question

I am in the market for a rifle with some history. I love the m1 but they are so pricey nowadays and the CMP is sold out for 7 months. Plus its a semi so I could not use it to hunt in PA. Or should I get a mauser. Great gun with alot of history that will have all the nazi markings and I would be able to use it for hunting. But ammo is expensive and rare compared to 30-06. Any opinions?

Answer 1

Both!

If you have the money for a M1 Garand, you should get one ASAP, as they will only be going up in value and they are getting harder and harder to find.

If my knowledge is correct, the CMP is spending their time on the new crop of M1 Carbines that they've gotten. They still have Garands, it will be a while before they clean and sort them. October maybe? I would save your money and be getting one of them at that time.

Also, if you can spend the $200-300 now, get a K98. For years, these were 'rare as hen's teeth' but the fall of communism has brought us collectors a wealth of previously hidden treasures from Soviet warehouses.

If you know history, you know the USSR went to war against the Axis without enough rifles. They actually sent men into battles without weapons with orders to find one from a fallen comrade. So after WWII, they kept every gun, German, Czech, Austrian, etc., rearsenaled them, and put them in warehouses.

I have an M1 Garand and a 1903a3 Springfield from CMP, both Service grade.

I also have a all-matching vet bringback k98, plus several "RC"s or Russian-captures. These are non-matching serial numbers, as the Commies took them all apart, refinished all metal and wood and assembled them from the parts. Still, they are fine rifles and I have one that scores very high at 200 yards.

The most recent RC was from AIM surplus just weeks ago and was $209 (I have my ffl, but you should find a gun shop in your area that will order for a modest fee). I am very, very happy with the rifle I got and can send pics if you email me.

Of the 50 or so military rifles I own from 1888 through the 1970s, the only ones that are better than the K98, IMO, would be the two Americans I mentioned, the Czech VZ24 (actually a sister of the k98, made in the 1920s), the Swiss K31s and the Swede m96.

Why do you think 8mm ammo is rare? I have a stockpile of cheap milsurp for the range plus you can find the best hunting brands in 8mm. Just buy online at the major ammo dealers.

Also, do consider some Mosins. They are so cheap you can get several. Start with the 91/30 rifle, as the carbines do not shoot nearly as well as the rifles. And of course, the Enfields are very, very good rifles. Many will say better than the Mausers. I have several but shoot the 8mm a lot more as it's a lot cheaper than .303.

For hunting, you really don't want to use a rifle in military config. I'd find yourself a "sporter" that has already been modified and use it as a base for your hunter. Regular trips to gun shows and pawns see these a lot....and usually chaeper than collectors.

That said, I have hunted with one of my 8mm mausers and a good bit with a Mosin carbine I converted to a Scout-type rifle.

Answer 2

Yes, I have a custom rifle that uses a Mauser 98 action with a 30-06 barrel, and a custom stock. I bought all the pieces separately and had them fitted by a gun smith.He sent the barrel out to be fitted with a muzzle compensator(brake).It was also drilled for a scope and a scope mounted.the stock is free floating. Mauser stills makes excellent hunting rifles(www.Mauser.com).I would prefer the M14 to the M1.

Answer 3

The Mauser is a fine hunting rifle, and the money you save buying one of them instead of the Garand you can spend on handloading equipment, solving your problem with ammunition costs, and giving you a great choice of hunting loads. Heck, I have an 8x57 made just a few years ago, with no history at all. It's a fine cartridge for deer-class game. Not my choice as a rule, but neither is 30-06. (The old rifleman's conundrum: I have too many calibers and not nearly enough, at the same time!)

Answer 4

Spend the extra bucks and get the M-1. they are far, far more collectible and will only continue to go up in value. Plus the ammo is relativley cheap compared with that of the Mauser. If your concerned about hunting why dont you get the M-1 and then check your local pawn shop or gun show for a inexpensive modern .30-06 or some other caliber hunting rifle.

Answer 5

Usually, you will have to order one unless you find it at a gun show. Most orders will be new, though you could request a surplus one sometimes. The gun shows usually have surplus, in good condition, but your prices are close to $1,000 or over. The new ones, last I checked, were about $500 to $700. If you intend to shoot it, a new would be better. I was told that they could handle the soft and hollow point loads, and the surplus were iffy (like most older weapons). I'm not sure if this is true or not, I haven't owned an M1 carbine, but have played with the military ones a time or two.

Answer 6

Are you using the weapon for show, shooting, or hunting?

If just for show and shooting, opt for the Garand.

If you plan on hunting, go for the Mauser. I have a Turkish Mauser, 8 x 57 IS, that I use regularly for hunting here in Germany. The rounds for it aren't all that expensive, and reloading is easy.

Just my opinion.

Answer 7

i think you should go with the mauser. the mauser action is what you should be after the rifle it self it depends do you want a good looking rifle or a good performing rifle.

Answer 8

M1 is the best. Why can't you hunt single shot without a clip ?

Answer 9

Go with the Mauser...Best choice all around..

Answer 10

M! go American ..... and one of the most important battle increment of all time - General George S. Patton said about the M1.