need info on k98

[USMC]

Hello to all,

I just purchased a nice capture s/42 1937 k98. Although the numbers don't match I'am quite pleased with the rifle. None of the original markings have been peined over by the infamous "X" mark the russians used. Well to get to the question I have, the rifle has the arsenal refinish on it unfortunitly, and I was wondering what blueing process was used on this make of K98 when it came from the manufacture? Salt blue? Thanks for the help!!

Semper-Fi
USMC (Josh)
<img border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" title="" src="graemlins/drink.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

[G.W. Gill]

Hi Josh, Look up the K98 Forum. They will have the answers. I have a 1936. By some, these could be considered the best bolt action.... I prefer mine to my match M1. Mine is a Norway convert to 30-06. I think 8mm is just as good.

[USMC]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll try them.

[G.W. Gill]

Hi Josh, What did they say? I believe yours is a Mauser and was curious. Thanks GW.

[USMC]

GW,

I only got one reply so far from the k98 forum members. This gentlemen said he's pretty sure the germans used a rust blue on early model S/42, but he's not 100% sure. Which this is what process I was going to use for the restoration for the simple fact rust blue looks beutiful when its completed. I let you know if I receive any other replies.

[G.W. Gill]

Josh, thanks for filling us in. I will check out the k98 forum to see if the response is growing. If not I will inquire about mine and hope to draw out that authority that may be lurking. Don't forget us guys at the Luger Forum. We liked having you here! And you know what goes with that k98. A Luger!!!

[G.W. Gill]

Hi USMC Josh!, Page 112, Walters, The Luger Book. "Simson and Mauser guns made after 1925 were immersed in saline solutions, colour being determined by adjusting the chemicals and temperature adjustments, or by changing immersion time. The hues could vary from brilliant, irridecent blue to an unattractive brown-tinged black. But the process was fast, and provided an acceptable result if care was taken". Hope this helps. Disregard private message.

[USMC]

GW,
Thanks for the info, The members at the K98 forum don't seem to be to helpful at the moment, but that's OK. I talked to Thor last night he is going to blue my barrel and receiver for me. I wonder if the process you have mentioned above is one of his specialties? I'm going to try to research this a little more. I will post any new findings. Thanks GW

[Thor]

It helps me to see an original so I know color I am doing. If you can leave part of the rifle original that looks like the color and texture you want it, that would really help me. I dont think Simson and Mauser Lugers were salt blued before 1937 but rifles might have been. I think all the Walther PPs and PPKs were salt blued and they began in around 1930 I think. Since I have never done a K98 or I have not studied them I am not an expert but if I can see the original finish I can do a good job of matching it I think.

I know Bernie in an American Handgunner article says the early Mauser Lugers were salt blued but Jan Still says rust blued in Third Reich Lugers. I agree with Jan from what I have seen. When you rub your figure over a salt blued finish it feels more like plastic than a rust blued finish, or it does to me at least. I guess I need to check the bores a bit better on K dates, G Dates and 1936 Mausers, that would tell you more about the bluing process. Salt blued Lugers will have bluing in the bore if not overly shot, Rust blued Lugers wouldnt. Check with Marvin Cook, he knows a lot about Lugers and K98s. His email is
[email protected]

[USMC]

Thor,

This is a russian capture k98, so the finish I was told is a hot dip blue. The chamber was blued along with the bore also. When the rifle was purchased the finish had a frosted look to it on all the parts except for the trigger, which is a rich deep black color (the color I want). This part may be original, I can't say for sure. When i ship the receiver to you Thor, I will send the trigger assembly along with it to do a color match. If the k98 was salt blued Then I will have to have the whole rifle done by you thor, for I don't have salt blue access like I do the rust blue. Hey that's good business for you though right!

[Thor]

I can do the black color and the trigger will help a bunch. Thanks! Let me know when you are ready!

[USMC]

Thor,

Sounds good, I will let you know.

[G.W. Gill]

My Norweigen has that deep black. The k98's at the CADA shows, that I believe to be original, also have a similar finish. I am sure you will be excited with Thor's art.

[USMC]

I notice if I hold a couple of the small deep black parts up into a bright light that they have the brownish tint or rust apperance to them (Rust Blue?). Which leads me to believe that not all of the parts on this particular gun were arsenal refurbs. I'm excited to see thors magic on the barrel and receiver portion of my k98. Since money is not a luxery I have (Good old Marine Corps pay) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> , I'm rust bluing most of the small pieces myself to save money. Which is fine by me, for I rust blued a shooter luger I have and it turned out exceptionally good.

[Edward Tinker]

USMC, in old guns, that is one way to figure out if they are reblued or not, they should have the deep patina that you can see. Taking them out to bright light (sunlight) makes a world of difference!

Ed