Mauser identification?

[SARchastic]

Recently, my brother in law gave me a Mauser (a trade for some computer work I did for him). Could someone please help me identify exactly what I have? It is marked "mod 98" with matching serial numbers 1xxx and an eagle on top of a swastika (sp?) on the chamber and barrel. Other marks are on the barrel, but are hard to distinguish. Looks like it has a fixed 5 round magazine. With the given information, can anyone identify the caliber and maybe tell me how to close the bolt? I have found the release latch on the left side and can remove the bolt, but I cannot get the bolt to close. It slides forward while open, but gets stopped by the wood of the stock. In the fully open position, I cannot rotate the bolt handle to the right.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

[Schuetzenman]

Well without a picture it's not 100% for sure but I'd think you have a German K98k Mauser in 8 mm. Is the barrel about 25 inches long? If so that should be it.

The bolt not closing sounds like the bolt head is out of time with the bolt body. Go to the turk Mauser forum and look for my instructions on Mauser bolt disassembly as posted by Redstar. I suspect that your Bro-in-law gave you the weapon because he couldn't figure it out! :eek: :D :bye:

[SARchastic]

Well, the measurement on the barrel is close to 25", so it looks like I have a k98k. Thanks for the info. I got the bolt closing properly now after reading the sticky in the Turkish Mauser forum, so I feel much better about this trade. Next it is time for a complete break down, scrub the rust off the bolt, a good barrel scrubbing and some purple power on the wood. Lots of great info in these forums. Thanks for the quick reply, Schuetzenman. :D

SARchastic
AK-47, AR-15 and now a proud German Mauser owner!