I apologize for being so late in responding. I purchased my first 98 at Coles while they were at Knob Creek. The next two were purchased mail order from SOG. The first one cost about $200 and I picked it out from a rack. I must say with all the cosmoline it was hard to really tell which was a good buy. Luck was on my side that day because it was a good one. The two from SOG were in better condition especially the more expensive collector mauser.
Coles K98s are in good condition, but it would be best to pay the extra money for a handpicked one. Please understand I collect military rifles, but they are for shooting. If it doesn't work I don't buy it. In fact, I took a collectable 1903 Springfield back because the serial number was below 800,000. It was great looking, but my eyes were more valuable.
I have been collecting for several years, and it's like a disease. The Mosins, Yugos, Czechs, Persians, Swedes, Germans, Swiss, and even the U.S. rifles are in my group. My wife just bought a new BMW suv and selling my rifles could have bought one. She just doesn't have any idea. I made a list by serial number of them in case I come to a sudden end. Also, a couple of friends and I have an agreement to help each spouse when they must be sold.
I would recommend each of you make a list with a reasonable value placed on you firearms. I have seen to many greedy store owners who want 50%. A friend of mine died and a store owner gave his wife $200 for a Weatherby shotgun that had never been taken out of the box.
Indy
