Israeli Mauser Converted to 308 worth $250

[JohnnyOrygun]

I was stalking the local gun shop the other day and I stumbled upon a rather "nice" looking Mauser, (Nice as in it still looked like a rifle & appeared to be functional) when I picked it up I noticed it said on the tag, Israeli Mauser 308. The gun seems to be in fair shape, it had a sling, the action was Extremely smooth, but the stock looked like it had been used to crush gravel, it was rough.

My questions are:
1) Would it be safe to shoot commercial 308 in this gun?

2) Is it worth $250.00

I am intrigued by the Mauser and double so, since it appears to be an Israeli weapon. Any thoughts or comments? Anything in general to be aware of or need to check out on one of these?

Thanks all for your input.

JohnnyOrygun

 

[NCsmitty]

They are model 98 Mausers, and they are chambered for 7.62x51. This is a 50,000psi saami round with NATO specs, where the 308 Win is rated at 62,000psi.
If the headspace is correct, it should be ok to use 308 win in it.

Century Arms has Israeli Mausers for less than $200 but that's for a C&R license. None of them are in mint condition.


NCsmitty

 

[jimmyraythomason]

If it is "complete" and depending on condition, it could be worth somewhat more than just $250.

 

[DammitBoy]

It's a piece of crap, but I'll help you out and give you $300.00 + shipping for it.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

You're all heart DammitBoy!

 

[candr44]

A lot of these rifles were beat to hell and have bad bores. Some also have rust pits below the wood line and they are also a bunch of mixed parts from other Mausers.

If you found one in good mechanical condition I would buy it at that price. I bought an Israeli Mauser with a good bore for $250 and it turned out to be very accurate and cleaned up nicely.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

"Original "Israeli 7.62x51 Mausers in very good condition are highly prized by collectors who will pay premium prices for them. Israel used every thing they could muster up to defend themselves even manufacturing cartridge cases out of lipstick cases. The example you're looking at is beat up for a reason and that is part of it's history.

 

[DeputyVaughn]

I bought mine blind off Gun Broker for $180.00, $30.00 shipping, and $25.00 more transfer fee. $235.00 based on a description only. I'd say one that you can see and handle is worth $250.00.

Most Israeli Mausers look like they were dragged behind Israeli tanks across the Jordanian desert. If you find one with a good bore, buy it. It's the inside that's important.

Scott

 

[JohnnyOrygun]

Thanks for all the information! I am very tempted to buy it, but I am also looking at another rifle that is a little more money. So I have to decide which one is more alluring, I am very intrigued by the Israeli Mauser, Israel has a mighty fine reputation in military matters and I am generally a great fan of Israel. I will go and look at the gun again and see what the bore looks like and generally what the rest of the gun looks like a little closer then I did the other day.

Thanks everyone for your help, I am seriously considering getting this gun and putting the other gun off till more money is available for play purposes.

JohnnyOrygun

 

[stolivar]

I have one in my house now

the bore is pristine. it is a K98 with Israeli markings on it. I think I can buy it for around $100 to $150. He also has a jap 6.5 38 cavalry with no import marks.

Also it has no mum or British broad arrow marks on it. It looks almost 80 percent with a great bore. $200


steve

 

[nwilliams]

I have one and I really like it, there is a ton of history in these old guns and more often than not they are more correct in terms of matching parts then your average K98. Many Israeli K98's ended up in the jungles of Latin America after they left Israel which is why the stocks are usually in rough shape and rust can be an issue.

I picked mine up last year with all matching numbers and in decent condition for $200. The stock was in pretty bad shape and there was some rust and minor pitting, especially under the wood. However it cleaned up pretty nice and has been a good reliable shooter.

If you want a Mauser with a lot of history and can find one in fairly good condition then $250 isn't a bad price at all.

1) Would it be safe to shoot commercial 308 in this gun?

Personally I only shoot 7.62x51 through mine.