It specifically states that they refused other projects due to lack of capacity (and no doubt to avoid such confusion and problematic work). The only confirmed case of a commercial firm doing refurbs was BLM with the Norwegian Krag's (CIOS report) and it was hardly a raging success. There certainly is no proof they did and it makes no sense they would take on such unprofitable work when they were so busy already. This page has to be one of the worst sections in Backboner, - generally I do not believe commercial firms reworked or refurbished the Kar98k (they did recycle some receivers in 1944 but this was an expediency to increase production after losses of critical firms- like Radom). It is not easy to write a book- especially going first! I try not to be too disparaging or too critical of Backboner, as at the time I thought it quite good (1996 or so), but I must say as time passes it sure doesn't age well. I went to page 281 in Backboner and to say I found nothing I agree with is an understatement. (It actually suggests what you state, which was a surprise. I had the time to examine the links in some detail, and none of this critique is directed at you, as you are referencing the book properly. The barrels, wood, etc were all stamped to match. This wasn't a quick 'arsenal redo' as seen on many US WWII firearms. They made every effort to make these like 'new' again before leaving the factory the second time.

He says that the S42/G's were recalled in 1940 and completely gone over with the wood and barrels being definitely replaced, as were any small parts that were also worn.

According to page 281 of the 1996 second edition of 'Backbone of the Wehrmacht (The German K98k Rifle, 1934 - 1945) by Richard D Law', he refers to these rifles as 'Factory Reconditioned'. Check for availability of correct WWII K98k sling with German Waffenamt WaA markings, which by itself can add approximately $100-$150 value to the rifle.ġ. Check under wood for matching serial numbers on handguard and stock. See virtual tour pics for details of font type and location of serial numbers. Check for matching serial numbers on left side of receiver, top of bolt flat, barrel, top of safety, top of bolt sleeve, cocking piece, upper band, lower band, butt plate, rear sight leaf, rear sight guide and stock bottom, with last two digits of serial number on virtually all other components, right down to the firing pin and cleaning rod. The 'k' is for Kurz, which means 'short' in German.

The K98k was the primary infantry rifle for the German Wehrmacht during World War II.

'SimsonSuhl' and 'mrfarb' - The K98k Forum)

Mauser k98 ss markings