How long has Mitchell's Mausers been around?

[gatornick]

I've got a guy at work that says he wants to sell a Mauser he has had for 20+ years. Was Mitchell's around then? Everything i read here and elsewhere says stay away from them, and I know nothing about Mausers. I probably won't get to see it for a couple more weeks, so I do have plenty of time to research it more. I'm more partial to Mosins, but if it ends up being a decent deal I might try collecting something new. He wants $300, which sounds like a good price if it isn't sporterized or a Mitchell's.

 

[yellowsled]

Even as a shooter $300 is ok for a RC or YC, but if it's a MM I wouldn't spend $200

 

[Rem700fan]

According to the Better Business Bureau web site review, they started business 2/1/1996.
http://www.bbb.org/los-angeles/busi...chells-mausers-in-fountain-valley-ca-13150072

 

[Alphabrew]

If its a Yugo mauser that's on the upper end of fair for a 24/47, a little better for a M48.

 

[Sirex]

The only thing I have heard is that they aren't "genuine" in certain aspects. But I have heard they were good shooters, and everyone I have seen has looked very nice. If you are getting into collecting, maybe pass if it's a Mitchell, but if will be a wall hanger/range toy, it may be worth it.

 

[herkybird72]

The only thing I have heard is that they aren't "genuine" in certain aspects. But I have heard they were good shooters, and everyone I have seen has looked very nice. If you are getting into collecting, maybe pass if it's a Mitchell, but if will be a wall hanger/range toy, it may be worth it.

They are excellent safe shooters. A friend has one and it shoots great. I have read for years the comments concerning their RC German 98k's being "fakes" etc. which no one has ever proven or taken them to court on so I withhold judgement on collectability

 

[coopermania]

They have been in business since 1976

 

[gatornick]

Thanks for the responses. I think I am going to take the next couple weeks to research everything Mauser so at least I can make an informed decision. From what I have read so far I do think I will stay away from it if its a Mitchell's, but we shall see.

 

[why2kmax]

long enough to "F-up" a lot of rifles.....

 

[Boom Boom]

Consider every MM a reproduction. Warnings from professional dealers go back at least a decade in regards to dubious markings, scrubbed and re-stamped serial numbers, re-bluing, re-stocking, etc. It's a similar story to a rifle company having something in common with the Bee Gees.

 

[BRONZ]

Haven't they been down to their last guns for years.

 

[why2kmax]

oh and now they are selling Authentic Russian Mosin sniper rifles for $800 (hurry they wont, last, there are no more)

And to top that, "Military Surplus" magazine did an article on the Mosin 91/30 PU in their newest issue, and went to Mitchells for the rilfle to do the story!!

HOW does a mag dedicated to Milsurp and C&R guns go to the biggest maker of Fake guns, and biggest destroyer of collectibility of anything/everything of any historical value they touch??

Wouldnt that be like SAF and MSI going to Owe Malley and Frosh for pro-gun legal advice?

 

[Machodoc]

oh and now they are selling Authentic Russian Mosin sniper rifles for $800 (hurry they wont, last, there are no more)

And to top that, "Military Surplus" magazine did an article on the Mosin 91/30 PU in their newest issue, and went to Mitchells for the rilfle to do the story!!

HOW does a mag dedicated to Milsurp and C&R guns go to the biggest maker of Fake guns, and biggest destroyer of collectibility of anything/everything of any historical value they touch??

Wouldnt that be like SAF and MSI going to Owe Malley and Frosh for pro-gun legal advice?

Let me be the first to guess ... Mitchell's advertises with them?

• Mitchell's Mausers and Mickey Mouse have the same initials.
• "Maus" is "Mouse" in German.

Coincidence? I think NOT!

 

[reverendbeer]

Let me be the first to guess ... Mitchell's advertises with them?

Just picked up that issue today...sure enough, full page ad on inside back cover.

 

[Alphabrew]

There's a Mitchell's Mauser in the classifieds that I'm going to buy Yellowsled for his birthday

 

[yellowsled]

It sure is pretty. I'll take it

 

[Alphabrew]

It sure is pretty. I'll take it

No doubt. I'd go $200 on that one in a second as a shooter.

 

[Vile Shadow]

They are excellent safe shooters. A friend has one and it shoots great. I have read for years the comments concerning their RC German 98k's being "fakes" etc. which no one has ever proven or taken them to court on so I withhold judgement on collectability

Hate is rampant on the interwebz towards Mitchell's. I've seen plenty of it lately while deciding on a certain K98.

From a collector's point of view, Mitchell's rifles are fake without a doubt, with some degree of misrepresentation regarding serial numbers, but given the type of refurbishment that they do, that is to be expected.

Apparently, the Germans did NOT use chrome bolts at any time. My father has a rifle that looks just the ones on Mitchells' website, so it's likely one of theirs. It's a pretty gun and probably shoots well. But it lacks the historic value.

In fairness though, if Mitchell's would only rebuild the rifles the way the Germans originally produced them, I think I would buy one from them myself.

 

[SWO Daddy]

They are excellent safe shooters. A friend has one and it shoots great. I have read for years the comments concerning their RC German 98k's being "fakes" etc. which no one has ever proven or taken them to court on so I withhold judgement on collectability

I know this is an ancient thread, but MM defaces Russian Capture stamps, then grinds off Russian Capture serials before re-stamping them with "matching" german-style serials. They're fake as all hell, but the clever used-car salesman language in their ads has been enough to save them from lawsuits while still selling to unknowing folks.

They should shoot well - my RC does.

 

[Vile Shadow]

Sorry. I bumped it after trying to do some K98 research.