Marstar Canada: The M-98 Rifle - Yugoslavian Mauser Rifles Explained

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Marstar Canada: Yugo Mauser Rifles Explained

Yugoslavian Model M-98 Mauser Rifle

Not to be confused with any of the other Yugoslavian Mauser Rifles, the M-98 is the only one of the Yugo Mauser rifles that originates in Germany. These rifles were used by the Nazis during the occupation of Yugoslavia during WWII, and were captured when Yugoslavia liberated itself in 1944 (the only European country to accomplish this without aid from foreign armies). Another source of WWII German K-98s to Yugoslavia at the time came in the form of war reparations from Germany after the cessation of hostilities.

Following liberation, Yugoslavia's military was understandably critically short of weapons. One means of resolving the shortage was through overhauling and remarking captured German rifles, which were after all, quite similar to those the Yugoslavians usually employed at the time.

Some advertisers list the Yugo M-98 as 'German M98k Mausers' however we deem this as potentially misleading because original markings have been tampered with and as a result do not include the words 'WWII German' in the model name. The reasons for this involve the arsenal refinishing and remarking of these rifles: original maker's markings and production year have been ground off the receiver and replaced with the Yugoslavian crest. In some cases serial numbers have added and/or removed, and some Yugo M-98s will bear the 'Preduzece 44' markings of the Zastava arsenal where the rifles were overhauled.

Original K-98 Markings

Orig. Markings Replaced

WWII German K-98

Yugoslavian M-98

Is the Yugo M-98 a German Mauser K-98? Yes and no, the latter answer from a 'museum' point of view because some of the German markings were removed. They are certainly no different from a WWII German Mauser K-98 except in terms of markings, making this the ideal choice for re-enactors who don't want to subject their fully original rifles to banging around in the field, and for shooters who want to keep their increasingly valuable K-98s from wear and tear.

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

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