Turk M38 vs Czech M98/22

BattleRifleG3 · 12-31-2002, 12:15 PM

Anyone know how they compare? A picture I saw of a Turk didn't seem to have a bayonet lug, which I'd like to have. I've examined a Czech at Dunhams, where they're back up to $100 after a $75 sale. Turks cost much less and I hear they're very accurate, so are they a better deal?

Big Dog · 12-31-2002, 05:45 PM

The Czech-made Model 98/22 is a very well-made weapon, by the BRNO factory, one of the best Mauser makers.

The Turkish Model 38 is not a specific model of Mauser, but rather a rework standard. From "Mauser Military Rifles Of The World" by Robert W. D. Ball:
"In the late 1930's, in order to standardize to some fashion, the Turks took the many different varieties of weapons in their armories and had many of them arsenal reworked to a more convenient style, namely a short rifle configuration. Many different weapons, such as the G98, Czech 98/22, Model 1903, and Model 1893 were altered in some manner or other at this time, mainly to make them appear similar to the Model 1903 Rifle."
This explains the variations in barrel threads and other minor differences seen in different M38's. Since all original markings are scrubbed in the rework process, who knows what a given M38 started as?

JAMES · 12-31-2002, 07:19 PM

Like Big Dog said, the Czech is a known, quality, standard piece. The Turks can vary, although every K.Kale marked M38 that I have seen was the same (except for minor things like stock furnature). I wish there was a Dunhams somewhere around here. I'd be real happy to buy a Czech for $75.

I think the Turks are terrific rifles. If you want a good shooting 8mm rifle that looks and feels like an old military piece, they are normally a fine, economical choice. If you plan to rebarrel some day with a commercial barrel, then the Czech will offer more choices in barrel selection, unless you are having the barrel turned and threaded anyway. You will not have to deal with the Turk's large ring receiver with small ring threads (and the reports of Turks with non-standard small ring-like threads which are not quite the same thread).

The Turks have a standard bayonet lug and the bayonets are plentiful and cheap. The Turks have sling swivels in the right place and stocks that will normally clean up nicely.

The only reasonable GUN & GAME answer to your question, BattleRifleG3, is to GET THEM BOTH, MAN !!

12-31-2002, 12:15 PM	#1
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	Turk M38 vs Czech M98/22 Anyone know how they compare? A picture I saw of a Turk didn't seem to have a bayonet lug, which I'd like to have. I've examined a Czech at Dunhams, where they're back up to $100 after a $75 sale. Turks cost much less and I hear they're very accurate, so are they a better deal? __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

12-31-2002, 05:45 PM	#2
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,219	Those confusing Turks! The Czech-made Model 98/22 is a very well-made weapon, by the BRNO factory, one of the best Mauser makers. The Turkish Model 38 is not a specific model of Mauser, but rather a rework standard. From "Mauser Military Rifles Of The World" by Robert W. D. Ball: "In the late 1930's, in order to standardize to some fashion, the Turks took the many different varieties of weapons in their armories and had many of them arsenal reworked to a more convenient style, namely a short rifle configuration. Many different weapons, such as the G98, Czech 98/22, Model 1903, and Model 1893 were altered in some manner or other at this time, mainly to make them appear similar to the Model 1903 Rifle." This explains the variations in barrel threads and other minor differences seen in different M38's. Since all original markings are scrubbed in the rework process, who knows what a given M38 started as? __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

12-31-2002, 07:19 PM	#3
JAMES Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: OKLAHOMA Posts: 575	Like Big Dog said, the Czech is a known, quality, standard piece. The Turks can vary, although every K.Kale marked M38 that I have seen was the same (except for minor things like stock furnature). I wish there was a Dunhams somewhere around here. I'd be real happy to buy a Czech for $75. I think the Turks are terrific rifles. If you want a good shooting 8mm rifle that looks and feels like an old military piece, they are normally a fine, economical choice. If you plan to rebarrel some day with a commercial barrel, then the Czech will offer more choices in barrel selection, unless you are having the barrel turned and threaded anyway. You will not have to deal with the Turk's large ring receiver with small ring threads (and the reports of Turks with non-standard small ring-like threads which are not quite the same thread). The Turks have a standard bayonet lug and the bayonets are plentiful and cheap. The Turks have sling swivels in the right place and stocks that will normally clean up nicely. The only reasonable GUN & GAME answer to your question, BattleRifleG3, is to GET THEM BOTH, MAN !!