Marstar Canada: The M-48 Rifles - Yugoslavian Mauser Rifles Explained

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Marstar Canada: Yugo Mauser Rifles Explained

Yugoslavian Model M-48 Mauser Rifle

As stated previously, arguments on discussion forums regarding the period of production, country of origin, and whether or not they were arsenal refinished are due to people confusing the M-48 rifle with the Yugo M-98 (refer to the section on the M-98 for more details about that rifle). All M-48 series rifles are Yugoslavian made (not German) and, unlike the 1924 and M-24, feature a turned-down bolt handle.

NO RIFLE MARKED 'M-48' WAS EVER MADE DURING WWII. �48� DENOTES YEAR OF ADOPTION (1948).

All Yugoslavian Mauser rifles bearing 'M-48' markings were made in Yugoslavia at the Preduzece 44 (Zastava) factory. While it is true an extremely small number of prototypes were made during the Second World War, none of these research prototypes were ever marked 'M-48'. So far as we are aware, there are no prototypes for sale anywhere in North America - or, for that matter, anywhere else in the world - and if there were one, the asking price would be understandably quite high as a prized collectors' item - and its markings definitely different from those of the M-48 series.

These rifles are readily available in as new, un-issued condition. It is conceivable that a very small number of M-48s are arsenal refinished and some are available used, however these would definitely stand out from the rest since they would all bear unique �arsenal refinished� markings. We have sold both un-issued and used condition M-48s (offering each in accurately-graded condition).

The M-48 is very similar to the German Mauser K-98 save for the much finer craftsmanship and materials used in comparison with later-WWII German rifles. Practically all parts of the M-48 are crafted from milled as opposed to stamped steel. Typically the Mauser M-48 series rifles will be offered with a Yugo-made bayonet copied from the early pattern German K-98 wood-handled bayonet (a barrel support ring was added to the Yugo version).

Yugoslavian Model M-48A Mauser Rifle

This is the first major variant of the Yugoslavian M-48 Mauser pattern rifle. In order to reduce production costs without compromising quality, the Preduzece 44 (Zastava) factory introduced stamped barrel bands, trigger guards, and floor plates.
These stanped components (along with the 'M-48A' receiver markings) are the main distinguishing feature between this rifle and the earlier M-48'.

Yugo Model M-48B Mauser Rifle

This is the second and last variant of the M-48 series, also produced by Zastava, made extensive use of stamped metal parts. All other specifications are identical to the others in the M-48 series or differ in such minute ways as to be deemed insignificant. Naturally the receiver markings are 'M-48B'.

Marstar offers Yugo Mauser Rifles for sale. Our selection can be viewed here.

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