Trying to save k98 barrel

[jacobhh]

I recently puchased a byf 43 k98 (8x57) with all original markings.
The receiver and bolt are very nice but the rifling, although
the bore looks good at a glance is apparently worn out. The rifling
won't even turn a tight patch. I've cleaned with Shooters Choice
until I'm afraid of chamber wear. Someone HAS false muzzled
the barrel back about an inch. Probable the muzzle had
been worn smooth.
Apparently no one will reline and I can understand why.
Does anyone know who/where will rebore for 35 Whelan? Is
that even reasonable?
If I can't save it, who is a good choice to have replace, blue
etc. an original profile barrel? Brand of barrrel?
Thanks I need the advice.

Joe C. O'Brien, South Jersey

 

[Big Az Al]

WEB search

I did a web search for "REBORE RIFLE BAREELS"

There are two promising looking sites there.

You might also try finding a replacement barrel from any of a number of suppliers, if they have a barrel that has the right markings and sights already on it, the difficulty there will be will head space and alignment of sights. If it will head sapce and line up right with out very much machineing, it will probably be less expensive to some extend.

If you deal with, GUNPARTS corp. there is a good chance that you can exchange a barrel that will not fit for another.

 

[Big Az Al]

K98

There are a lot of fuzzy areas here but, if one of these rifles has collector value. That is.......

If the metal is reasonably untouched and the rifle is in as issued condition, or even has alot of honest wear, the value will be greater then it will ever be after installing a sporter barrel or sporterizing.

It it has any collector value getting the right work done so that you are happy with the accuracy, is not out of the question.

Now if it is peice that has what is sometimes called, shooter value, or maybe working item collector value.

The options range from getting, a barrel that is period made or model correct, or the right type of surplus barrel in a caliber that you like (as in 308, or 7X57 etc...). Another option is buying an after market barrel done up in such away as to take the proper military sights, and fit the stock as is, but you can pick the cal that really floats your boat. To doing the custom rifle you always dreamt about.

History is proving that the closer you stay to original, leaving the action and wood untouched, using drop in parts that do not change the ablity to go back to original, the more value is retained in the long run.

I learned a lot of smithing sporterizing these, now people call me and a lot of other smiths fools for doing that.

As I was telling my dad buying all the NRA 1911's, or surplus M 1's rifle or carbines, one could afford, would have been one heck of a retirement plan. Looking at what a then $7.00 NRA refinished 1911 goes for today, I want to go back and spend $70..............

 

[jacobhh]

Thanks Big Al, I think I'll try to find an original replacement first! Then to
rebore in .35 or replacement. As I read one of your bud's say ' I have no
room for a non-shooter.' I hear you 'bout the 1911's. In the Navy in '69 I
could have bought all the 03A3s I wanted in the cosmoline at $100 ea.
Didn't have the $100. I suppose all of us have a story like that...

 

[mrmeval]

You might consider having an after market military contour barrel installed for shooting and leaving the original barrel intact. In that case you can always restore the rifle to original condition. And you'll have a good shooter in the meantime.