R. Dupraz
posted this
02 April 2018
A DWM.There were a number of arms manufactures in Germany that made the Mauser 98 rifles for Hitler's army when he decided to go to war and they produced them by the millions. Some were known to be better than others. And the quality gradually declined as the conflict went on to the end. Especially the heat treatment.
However, DWM has been regarded as one of the better companies. They made the Argentine 1909 on contract " before" WW II and is fairly highly thought of. Would be interesting to see this rifle. Had one of these actions once and the quality was very good.
But one thing that you have to be aware of with these old military 98 Mausers is lug set back. That occurs when the bolt locking lugs set back into the locking shoulders of the action because of poor metallurgy or heat treatment or both.. Then the action becomes nothing more than a good door stop.
If it was me, I would certainly take a good look at this old beast but not for $300.00. And a deal only if with return privileges after having it checked by a competent gunsmith.
As far as value, I would hate to hazard a guess with out having it in my hands, Realistically, right now it is nothing more than a old sort of sporterized 98.
One after thought. You might check and see if the last digit of the serial # is stamped under the bolt handle. If so, that usually means that the bolt is original to the rifle.
R.