Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in collectible firearms. The WW2 Vet Bring Back 1939 K98 Nazi German Mauser is a historical bolt-action rifle, a genuine piece of World War II history. This rifle represents a direct connection to the past, a true veteran bring-back. Available now for $1200.0 from Kansas Gunshop.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of this WW2 K98 Mauser?
| Product Type | Bolt-Action Rifle |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel, Wood (Walnut/Beech/Laminated) |
| Manufacturing | Mauser Werke AG, Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany (1939 production) |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Original Military Finish |
| Hardness/Quality | Military-grade steel, built for combat durability |
| Compatibility | 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm IS) ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Standard bolt-action operation, field strips per K98 manual |
| Weight | Approximately 8.6 lbs (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | Overall Length: ~43.7 inches (1110 mm); Barrel Length: ~23.6 inches (600 mm) |
| Country of Origin | Nazi Germany |
| Condition | Good to Very Good (Veteran Bring-Back, used military surplus) |
| SKU | K98-1939-VET |
What are the key features of this K98 Mauser?
Authentic 1939 Production: This rifle was manufactured in 1939, placing it at the very beginning of World War II, a critical period in history. The markings and serial numbers are consistent with early war production.
Veteran Bring-Back Status: This isn’t just an old rifle; it’s a veteran bring-back. This means it was acquired by an American serviceman during or immediately after WWII and brought home as a souvenir or trophy. This adds a layer of historical significance and provenance that many surplus rifles lack.
Original 8mm Mauser Chambering: Chambered in the iconic 7.92x57mm IS (8mm Mauser) cartridge, this rifle is true to its original design. Ammunition is still available for those who wish to shoot it, though many collectors prefer to preserve its current state.
Original Military Configuration: The rifle retains its original military configuration, including sights, stock, and hardware, as it would have been carried by a Wehrmacht soldier. Any modifications are typically minimal and consistent with its journey.
Historical Markings Present: Expect to find various German military inspection marks, Waffenamts, and the manufacturer’s code (often ‘S/42’ or ‘243’ for Mauser Werke AG in 1939) on the receiver and other components, affirming its authenticity.
Collectible Value: Due to its age, veteran bring-back status, and historical context, this K98 Mauser is a significant collector’s item. It represents a tangible link to one of the most impactful conflicts in human history.
Who is this K98 Mauser for?
This WW2 Vet Bring Back 1939 K98 Nazi German Mauser is a specialized item. It’s not for everyone, but for the right individual, it’s a treasure.
Buy it if:
- You are a serious collector of World War II firearms and militaria.
- You appreciate the historical significance and direct provenance of a veteran bring-back item.
- You are looking for an authentic piece of history to add to your collection, not just a shooter.
- You understand the care and preservation required for antique military firearms.
- You want a rifle that tells a story and serves as a tangible link to the past.
- You are comfortable with the historical context and markings associated with Nazi Germany.
Skip it if:
- You are primarily looking for a modern hunting rifle (see our Rifles for contemporary options).
- You need a rifle for competitive shooting or frequent range use, as parts can be scarce and original condition is often prioritized over heavy use.
- You are on a tight budget and looking for a low-cost shooter (consider a used modern rifle for better value in that regard).
- You are uncomfortable owning items with historical markings from that era.
What are the pros and cons of this K98 Mauser?
Pros:
- ✅ Genuine Historical Artifact: A direct link to WWII, offering a tangible piece of history.
- ✅ Veteran Bring-Back Provenance: This specific history adds significant value and a unique story.
- ✅ Strong Collector’s Value: These rifles appreciate in value over time, especially with documented history.
- ✅ Robust German Engineering: Built to last, even after decades, demonstrating the quality of wartime manufacturing.
- ✅ Iconic Design: The K98 Mauser is instantly recognizable and a cornerstone of any WWII collection.
Cons:
- ❌ Ammunition Availability/Cost: 8mm Mauser can be harder to find and more expensive than common modern calibers.
- ❌ Condition Varies: As a veteran bring-back, condition can range, and it will show signs of military use and age.
- ❌ Not a Modern Shooter: While functional, it’s not designed for the precision or features of contemporary rifles.
How does this K98 Mauser compare to other options?
| Feature | 1939 K98 Nazi German Mauser (This Product) | Yugoslavian M48 Mauser (Post-WWII Surplus) | Modern Bolt-Action Hunting Rifle (e.g., Ruger American) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Original wartime steel, period-correct wood (walnut/beech) | Post-war steel, typically beech wood | Modern alloys, synthetic stock or laminated wood |
| Quality | Wartime German military production, built for combat | Post-WWII Yugoslavian military production, robust | Modern manufacturing tolerances, often higher precision |
| Compatibility | 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm IS) | 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm IS) | Various modern calibers (e.g., .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg) |
| Shipping | FFL required, ships from Wichita, KS | FFL required, typically ships from surplus dealer | FFL required, ships from retailer/manufacturer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Proven durability, many still functional after 80+ years | Very durable, often in better bore condition than WWII K98s | Designed for long service life with proper maintenance |
| Price | ~$1200.0 (due to historical significance/bring-back status) | ~$600-800 (collectible, but less historical weight) | ~$500-1000 (new, depending on model and features) |
Frequently Asked Questions about the K98 Mauser
Is this a real WW2 K98 Mauser?
Yes, this is an authentic 1939 production K98 Nazi German Mauser, verified as a veteran bring-back. It bears the correct markings and characteristics for its production year and origin.
What does “veteran bring-back” mean?
A “veteran bring-back” refers to a firearm or other item that was acquired by an American serviceman during their service in a conflict (in this case, WWII) and brought home as a personal souvenir. These items often have unique stories and direct historical provenance.
Can I shoot this 1939 K98 Mauser?
While many K98 Mausers are still functional, it’s recommended to have any vintage firearm inspected by a qualified gunsmith before firing. For a collectible of this nature, many owners choose to preserve its historical condition rather than shoot it regularly.
What kind of ammunition does a K98 Mauser use?
This K98 Mauser is chambered for 8mm Mauser, also known as 7.92x57mm IS. Ensure you use the correct ammunition, as using incorrect cartridges can be dangerous.
Does this rifle require an FFL transfer?
Yes, as a firearm, this WW2 Vet Bring Back 1939 K98 Nazi German Mauser must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer for transfer to the buyer, in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.
Where can I buy antique firearms online?
You can buy antique firearms, including this WW2 Vet Bring Back 1939 K98 Nazi German Mauser, online at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We specialize in various firearms and offer secure, compliant transactions.
Are the original Nazi markings present on this rifle?
As an authentic 1939 Nazi German Mauser, it will likely retain its original factory and military inspection markings, which may include historical symbols from that era. These are part of its historical authenticity.
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