M48 Mauser

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A post-war Yugoslavian version of the Mauser 98k. Although similar in general appearance to that of the German rifle, many of the parts of these two rifles are not interchangeable, such as the bolt. The main difference between the M48 and the K98 is that the M48 uses an intermediate-length receiver. They are usually easily identified by the top handguard which extends behind the rear sight, and ends just in front of the receiver ring. M48s are regarded as a military surplus firearm and can be collected in the US at a generally cheap price due to the numbers recently imported from Europe. There is no current data on the number of M48's produced.

[edit] Versions

http://tinypic.com/wcfo9l.jpg Picture of the M48

There are three main versions of the M48.

M48: The initial version of the M48, with full crest and machined steel parts. M48A: Essentially similar to the M48, the M48A used sheet metal stampings for the magazine floorplate. These changes sped production while lowering cost. The critical bolt and receiver which contain the pressure of the burning propellant within the cartridge case retained the same material requirements and design tolerances (ie, were machined from forged steel) in the A and B variations. It is the most commonly encountered version of the M48_. M48B: Additional sheet metal stampings incorporated. M48BO: "Without Markings" these are otherwise similar to the M48A, but without the Yugoslavian crest on the receiver. These were intended to be shipped to the Middle East, but the contract was never finalised. Some BO rifles have been found to incorporate salvaged, scrubbed, and remarked, captured German receivers from World War II.

[edit] Combat Use

Most M48's were put into government storage shortly after they were manufactured. Most M48's that are encountered in the United States and Australia today show only slight wear - usually from storage. They are normally sold coated in the protective grease 'cosmoline' which needs to be cleaned out before the rifle is fired.

As such the M48 only saw limited use in the Yugoslav wars. Often the m48 was used as the basis for a sniper rifle, drilled and tapped for the ZRAK 4x32 scope and mounts.

There is no current data on the number of M48's produced.