Found this rifle in my Grandfathers basement... Any Ideas?

[jkbrusdal]

I was cleaning out my late grandfathers basement, and came across his old hunting rifle.
When I saw a small swastika and eagle stamp, I became curious and did some research, but didn't get very far.
Can someone give me some more information on what this kind of rifle may have been used for, and the value of it.
Located in Norway.

[Gorque]

It appears to be a Norwegian Reissue Model K98k Carbine. These were stop-gap rifles issued after the end of hostilities from the vast stocks of surrendered German rifles.

[Knouterer]

Many of these ex-German Mausers in Norwegian service were rechambered for the American .30-06 cartridge (as adopted by many NATO countries before the introduction of the 7.62 mm NATO round in the mid-Fifties). The stamping K.ART. means that it was issued to the coast artillery. The word "HAER" for "army" should be stamped on the receiver ring (according to the Standard Digest of Military Firearms).

That same Digest (5th edition of 2009) puts the value of such rifles (on the US market) at between US$ 175 and US$ 700 depending on condition. However, those buggered screws do not look so good and the fact that it has been drilled for scope mounting (by a civilian gunsmith, presumably) would also diminish its value in the eyes of a military rifle collector.

[Knouterer]

Here's a thread with some more info about Norwegian Mausers:

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=36555&page=1

[jkbrusdal]

Thanks guys.
Very helpful and interesting!

[jkbrusdal]

Hey enthusiasts!
I was wondering if anyone can tell me if this specific rifle was rebarreled to 30-06. Or does this k.art rifle still shoot 8mm Mausers?
I am preparing to start hunting with this rifle this summer, and don’t have much information on this specific rifle.
Any comments or tips?

Thank you!!

[Knouterer]

I would certainly have it checked out by a gunsmith first, who can tell you the calibre, and perhaps save you from unpleasant surprises.
I recently read about someone who bought a 7mm Mexican Mauser which looked perfectly fine, but when he took it apart he discovered a hole drilled in the underside of the barrel, under the wooden stock, where his left hand would have been if he had tried to fire it. The blast through that hole would likely have splintered the wood and injured his hand.

[Bertill622]

Hi! Please take a picture of the proof marks, should be near the receiver.
This will tell you about a change of the caliber.
I have a ex Norge Army rifle, original Mauser ww2, this rifle was modified by Kongsberg for use in the Norge Army sharpshooting team.
It has been modified to shoot the NATO 7.62X51 caliber, also known as .308 Winchester.
If there is no further info on the caliber of your rifle to be found, you should go to the nearest gunsmith.
Shooting the wrong ammo in this, or any rifle, could turn out very nasty to say the least.
Have to search my pictures.

Best regards,
Bertill.

[Bertill622]

Here is my ex Norge Mauser, built in 1942, Mauser, Oberndorf.
All the changes on this former K98k were done at the Kongsberg factory.
I consider this rifle as one the best.

Best regards,
Bertill.