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bolts and scopes on k98 rifles?

auto436658
looking at my scoped k98 rifles and noticed that the bolt handles barely clear the scope bell and i mean barely, is this correct, as shouldn't there more than a few sheets of paper thickness of clearance, was there a factory spec, Wehrmacht reg or sniper preference on this or not?
should i have the bolt handles bent slightly, but at the same time there is only so much clearance between the bolt handle and the stock and i don't want the bolt handle too close or pressed against the stock?
i also noticed that if you attempt to move(wiggle) the bolt handle around while its extended it can hit the scope bell as well, so then if you were to be working the bolt handle fast then it might be possible also for the bolt handle to hit the scope bell as well, am i being too particular here?
thanks.
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  • nononsense
    auto436658,

    I have modern scoped bolt action rifles that have very little clearance for the bolt handle simply because of the design of the scope, the size of the bell and the shape/angle of the bolt handle. All bolts have to have some movement in order to function under field conditions. There are precision benchrest actions that have very controlled movements and tight tolerances but I sure wouldn't take them out in the conditions that I hunt in. They would cease to function in the dust and dirt that I'm in.

    The bolt handle 'wiggle' is a feature of the bolt action rifle design, especially when the rifle was designed for battlefield conditions where it was expected to perform no matter what. Adding a scope to the top of a rifle so designed obviously puts the scope at risk when the bolt is operated fast. However, a sniper was not necessarily required to operate a bolt with speed but rather stealth and precision.

    Is this an ORIGINAL scoped K98 from that time period or is this something that has been added in the more recent era?

    The values of original condition Mausers seemingly are rising beyond belief so attempting to make changes to one would be a bad idea.

    Mauser had factory specification and drawings for everything that was designed by the factory. I'm not anywhere near my references but your description is pretty close to what was used to get a scoped rifle in to the field. As to the clearance, remember the time frame and the scope designs that were available at the time.

    If this is a cobbled together, sort-of attempt to scope a Mauser K98 then your options are open to some solutions.

    Best.
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  • auto436658
    no, these are original german scoped k98 parts put together by individuals with at least probably 40 years or so of exacting tolerances and research to the nth degree, so non bubba'd.
    i would agree with not wanting to change anything as that would alter them from their original factory specs which i would be very reluctant to do.
    very good answers and i was hoping that either you, bert h or rufe snow or someone like that would respond, thanks.
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  • sandwarrior
    auto436658,

    Catch a finger off guard did ya??[}:)][:D]. I have several of both persuasions (modern rifles and rebuilt Mausers) that I have done that. Or can't get the bolt open because it's hitting the scope covers.

    The only thing I suggest is to take it to a gunsmith who knows old Mausers and have him re-shape the handle. I wouldn't do that if the rifle was originally built like that and had collectors value. If it's a custom of yours, get it done so it works for you.
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  • auto436658
    no, was just a little concerned by the proximity of the bolt handles to the scope bells imo and wanted some suggestions concerning what to do about it being that these rifles are actual rebuilt german k98 scoped rifles.
    the only issues are altering original vintage parts from factory spec and that there is also the issue of bending the bolt more and while that increases the clearance with the scope will of course close the gap between the bolt handle and the stock, of which there isn't alot of room to begin with, so a dilema?
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  • auto436658
    interesting, i thought the k98 rifle bolt to scope bell clearance was close, so is the m41b rifle, although both bolts do not hit the scope bell at all even when the bolt handle is worked fast...
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