Okay, what the difference....

[Wrangler100]

Between an M48, M48A, VZ24, VZ22, M98, Turkish, or Persian Mauser?

[Schuetzenman]

Hahahaha! They write books about that!:p

The 98 Mauser is German designed and as the 98 says was invented and produced in 1898. It is what is generically called a large ring Mauser action. Meaning the size of the receiver in diameter is quite a bit larger then the original Mauser actions. Swedish Mausers being examples of that action size.

VZ 22 simply is a Czechoslovokian version of a 98 Mauser action built rifle. I believe they have a straight bolt handle like the VZ24. The VZ24 is a carbine length 98 Mauser action designed rifle also made by the Czechs. Straight bolt handle and about a 25 inch barrel. Milled steel in trigger guard, floor plate, mag follower.

M48 is a carbine length Yugoslavian built rifle that takes its pattern off the K98k German Mauser as carried by the Nazis in WWII. Key differences on this model from a True K98k are:

Action is about 1/8 th inch shorter in length with respect to mag well dimensions. Looks the same to the eye, but measure differently.

Has a bolt handle that is bent, but the knob is flat on the underside to provide finger clearance. K98k Mausers have a full round bolt knob, but scoop out the stock under the knob and this privides the clearance for fingers.

The M48 has milled mag well, trigger guard and a milled steel mag follower and mag floorplate.

The difference between the 48A's and a 48 Yugo is this:

The M48A Yugoslave rifle has stamped sheet metal construction of the floor plates of the mag well and the follower. Barrel bands also are stamped metal that are welded for assmebly of the stamped parts. That is essentially it, the action is the same as the 48.

[Schuetzenman]

Oops, I see I forgot to address the Turk and Persian Mausers item. See my Pick of da Week for the full story on Turkish Mausers.

The Turks are essentially GEW 98 29.5 inch barreled rifles except they have full length wood hand guards that go around the rear sight and stop at the foward edge of the receiver. The rear sights are sliding tangent type not the roller coaster like Lange sights of the GEW's. They wer all built in Germany at the Obendorf arsenal.

Persians are Czech built full size 98 style Mausers. They come from the Bruno works in Bruno of the Czech Repulic. They have 3 sling swivels and a stacking swivel. They are the most beautiful of all Mausers IMO. Long and graceful, nicely finished almost as if they were sporting arms. Get one while you can! Samco Global (arrogant pricks) is the only source.

[neilwest]

1. Great Plug for the Pic of the Weeks (older pics to be found in the Curio and Relics infor section)