Restoration of German Kar98K WWII Rifle

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Today I'm restoring a WWII era German rifle, a Kar98K made in 1941. It was hidden inside a wall and was found by builders during demolition. The stock had completely fallen apart, and the metal got seriously corroded. How am I supposed to fix this?
A special thanks goes to Michelangelo Neri Orliani for helping in the making of this project
If you can and want to help me making videos like this, you can directly support me on Patreon:
/ backyardballistics
with your help, I can keep making educational content without having to give up my freedom of speech to the advertiser's needs.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

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[@russianbot8423]

You are wrong about VPNs the government owns all VPNs and the servers they connect you to. Try looking up who owns the patton my friend.

[@Carlo99yehey]

sponsorahip starts at 1:50 and ends at 3:38

[@galacticmarine663]

on the privious video I like it but you should add a brass or a copper band where the two pieces meet

[@whitechapel8959]

Nice, you gave it the old imperial setting black steel. My great great grandfather who served in Germany in WW1 would be proud of your work.:)

[@lostwizardcat9910]

i dont know who the old man is at the end, whether its your boss or just some guy, but he's has earned my respect just for dealing with the problems of shooting left handed and not ripping up his thumb with the bolt like i would have.

[@KC-bg1th]

Your restorations are great. I've recently seen a few viral videos where a guy is intentionally rusting firearms, and then 'restoring' them. Thankfully your channel is in the same category as Forgotten Weapons, where everything is factual, and just to the point with no gimmicks or poor attempts at misleading viewers.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

I don't have the kind of budget needed to ruin a good gun just to make a video. 🤣 A good steyr K98k would sell here for 2 grand

[@Jdkieddj]

@@Backyard.Ballistics Are you trying to say this 300k views video hasn't made you 2 grand? Because that seems innacurrate.

[@Jdkieddj]

@Voxellian KZbin partnership. Ad revenue. You are talking out of your ass if you don't think this has made $2k. I'm very weary of fake restoration channels as they are very popular

[@auroraalpha34]

@Voxellian KZbin generally estimates around 3-5 dollars per 1000 views, depending on a variety of factors and not including sponsorships, so 1 dollar every 150 views isn't that far off really

[@shiiiiiion]

@@auroraalpha34 That just tells that he would maybe get paid what he spent, literally gaining nothing out of intentionally rusting the gun.

[@Nudisten1996]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@History-Secrets]

Beautiful, fantastic job saving this historical rifle! The stock having different markings is totally fine, stocks were replaced during WW2 too, so you made it nice and correct! Great job!

[@stuka_bly4t102]

Really nice to find you on this channel nick!

[@Zanniekie]

Hello Nick!

[@History-Secrets]

@@Zanniekie Hey!

[@LeBoomStudios]

Having matching numbers on a 98 easily adds a zero to its value. One day I'm gonna own one...

[@History-Secrets]

@@LeBoomStudios Yes, but the wood doesn't have the number of the rifle on it, it just has inspection stamps, so in this case it doesn't matter. Shooting the K98k is a special experience, a very hard recoil, and extremely accurate rifle.

[@bigDbigDbigD]

I have been wondering how you found guns in the condition for this channel. Your explanation of how guns were ordered and hidden after World War II explains it quite well thank you.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

From next video onwards I'll try to always provide a picture of where the guns actually came from. It's not easy, since they often get delivered to us before I can ask for a picture

[@zachattack0130]

@@Backyard.Ballistics may I ask where you get them. I’d love to restore an old rifle. It’s my dream.

[@anonymous6694]

it would be the most exciting thing ever to find a random gun

[@jakethecake4050]

@@zachattack0130 if he told you he would have a harder time finding them due to hundreds of people buying the guns before him and therefore no more ad money and no more attention for him

[@tophatvideosinc.5858]

@@zachattack0130 make sure you have extensive knowledge about the workings and condition of the gun you work on, as well as all the right tooling and a comprehensive parts list. The one thing you don't want is a Kentucky ballistics moment.

[@MatSpeedle]

One of the few honest and accurate gun restoration channels on KZbin. Amazing work as always!

[@geraldmiller5232]

that guy did an excellent job on that rifle and the stock.

[@dan725]

“miserable skills……” lol, says the best and most knowledgeable gun restorer on youtube. Yet another highly informative, and entertaining video. Thanks again for sharing this to us! I loved the folding-sandpaper tip! I’m now going to use that method! I’ve taped them with duct tape in the past, but that’s such a much simpler solution!

[@evan12697]

Yea really, its this man and Mark Novak as far as I can tell

[@sjoormen1]

@@evan12697 Yes, but more humble.

[@jic1]

I'd put Larry Potterfield up there as well, even if he hasn't posted a gunsmithing video in quite a while. I think sadly KZbin's rules changes for firearms content a few years ago scared a lot of people off.

[@Joe0898]

I think the MP18 that Mark Novack repaired places him firmly in the top spot tbh

[@TheEpictrooper]

@@jic1 his smile scares me a little. XD

[@jgrantrichardson3748]

There is something that makes me inexplicably sad when I see that a gun has been forgotten and rusted over. Never before have I switched moods so quickly. Thank you for restoring this gun so masterfully, it really made my day.

[@pilotbug6100]

That is just me with machinery

[@AN-sf5bm]

This guy is intentionally rusting the guns him self

[@jgrantrichardson3748]

@@AN-sf5bm is he tho?

[@NoSaysJo]

​@@AN-sf5bmno he's not lmao go outside kid

[@AN-sf5bm]

@@NoSaysJo hahahaha ok 👍 you have no idea kid ! 🤣 go do a little research before ya try again

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

It's always a nice thing when YT notifies me of a new upload from you. Beautiful work on that 98K, mate. Glad to see Maurice shooting at the range. Cheers.

[@MrTheBigNoze]

Awesome work! The Kar98 is such an attractive firearm, glad you were able to restore one

[@feuerfrei7070]

What would you do if you found a live cartridge in such a rusted gun?

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

I would force open the bolt at the range, with the muzzle pointed towards the embankment. Luckily it never happened to me yet to have a stuck bolt on a loaded chamber

[@cambargera]

@@Backyard.Ballistics On that note with a seized bolt/action, how would you know or find out if there is a live round?

[@natsuccubus]

@@cambargera he shows it within a minute

[@Nomed38]

@@cambargera use a cleaning rod. First lay the cleaning rod beside the barrel with the patch/wire bristle end at the chamber and tape around the cleaning rod that would be protruding from the muzzle. Run the cleaning rod with tape down the barrel and if the tape is out the muzzle more than it would be on an empty chamber there is a round or at least a spent cartridge in the chamber.

[@nickoloes]

@@cambargera you have to look down the barrel

[@REXOB9]

Your restorations are always fascinating to watch! Thanks for saving yet another piece of history, and for inspiring us to do the same.

[@silviofoj]

Kar98K is one of the most beautiful rifles I've ever seen. Great restoration!

[@sillysongs19]

Love your restorations, truly enjoyable to watch and listen to

[@sheesh6507]

love how the closed bolt is perfectly clean.

[@foehammer9910]

Absolutely beautiful work. Im glad people like you exist to make pieces of history like this into functioning examples.

[@kb1422]

Outstanding job! From rusty looking scrap to a beautiful, historical firearm.

[@eduardocarvalho1547]

Thanks for another great restoration video! The effort you put in shooting/editing and voiceover with detailed steps is also worth of mention. You may not deliver quantity but you deliver quality content!

[@afkafkafk]

What happens to the weapons you restore?

[@redve390]

*police sirens in the background*

[@robloxmanface6969]

@@redve390 *cops shooting sounds*

[@sovysr5301]

@@robloxmanface6969 *explosions all around* *helicopter circling above* “We have you surrounded!”

[@muffinrevived69]

​​@@sovysr5301 "You will never take me alive!" *1911 and Kar98k sounds*

[@lootbox9071]

Probably gets eaten for dinner

[@EinfachFredhaftGaming]

Your Boss looks like the kind of french dude responsible for french people in general not being liked

[@NachuPlays]

Absolutely perfect! No overly shiny or too perfectly shaved wood its a rugged rifle looking like it came straight from the armoury to serve its purpose!

[@samuelb9875]

Love your restorations, there some of the best on KZbin

[@sicotronicypunto7460]

I'm loving your restoration videos, you handle them with so much care that they look awesome afterwards

[@xnorcal831x]

The reason for the extra safety features was the mausers brother was shooting a rifle and it exploded causing damage to eye. He wanted to build a super safe rifle so he added more lugs, thicker pieces to everything that contains pressure. It's why proof rounds are nothing to the rifle. It can handle more then 8mm pressure by a long shot.

[@temosofthecommunistrepubli2637]

When you said you where going to polish it my heart dropped because i thought your boss wanted a mirror polished one

[@harmlesscreationsofthegree1248]

What a gorgeous result! Amazing work. Love the upside down demonstration as well, first time I’ve seen that

[@MatterMadeMoot]

Utterly amazing work. I can never even sarcastically call myself a gunsmith after seeing you restore such a beautiful piece of history

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

Next full restoration of the KMS Prinz Eugen! :D

[@biomewanderer6312]

I always love it when a little bit of history is saved, thank you

[@PrometheusEpimetheus]

Tip: for round cylinders, hook it up to a lathe on the lowest setting and apply the shoe shine technique. You'll be able to cover broad, smooth areas relatively quickly and only really need to dig in by hand for the nooks and crannies. Still, impressive attention to detail for doing it by hand.

[@danielsacks7152]

That was awesome! You know your stuff about these rifles! A few other things about the '98 Mauser is Firstly, they have a 3 position safety. First click (straight up) prevents you from sighting the rifle to remind you its on, and allows you to cycle the bolt with the safety ON to unload. I noticed this wasn't done in the video but rather with live rounds and on "fire" position. The next click locks the bolt, I've used this carrying it on my back because once I fired it with the bolt knocked partway open! All that happens on these is that the firing pin spring actually automatically rolls the bolt down into the locked position before firing! The metal ring in the stock is a bolt assembly tool! If you stand that rifle with the cup style butt on its butt on a flat floor you can walk away from it, looks kinda freaky when you first see it, told a few people a ghost was holding it! they are that balanced. The sight slide has graduations on the back so it can be set without raising your head. I personally love the sights for accuracy and the stock 2 stage triggers can be slicked up pretty good. The stripper clips dont need to be pulled out but rather eject when bolt closes. I can see how the sights are not as fast as some or good in low light. No other rifle until Vietnam had as good and stable of a stock. Each rifle had to be fired with 3 loads at at least double pressure and show no headspace changes. You did a fine job even selecting the correct milled barrel bands for an early one, and I wish I could fire it! Definitely has that 8mm Mauser double clap sound!

[@SongOfDeer]

This is hands-down one of your best works! That rifle looks gorgeous ~

[@Metjas]

Honestly, that transition to the Surfshark ad was smooth af. 😂

[@gottshall03gt]

Definitely been a fan of your work with firearm restoration. I just picked up a Czech k98 that was sporterized and I’m in the process of bringing it back to its military glory. Thank you for the motivation!

[@woodonfire7406]

good! sporterized rifles are a disgrace and the original military looks one hundred percent better

[@domi4531]

Another excellent restoration! I love to see your attention to detail as well as historical accuracy/preservation! Another piece of history saved

[@-Cheif]

Technically preservation is the lack of restoration

[@evi2083]

It is so cool to see you bring these pieces of history back into working condition.

[@Soldunk]

Really impressive my man, beautifully restored and cleaned.

[@RickJZ1973]

Absolutely wonderful job on the restoration. Definitely top notch work!

[@LesperenceVirkov]

fucking flawless, absolutely astounding skills with turning literally a piece of rusted scrap metal into its original glory of what could be the best bolt action rifle of its time. If guns had a soul, this ones could put itself to rest knowing its back how it needed to be.

[@HenrikSherwood]

The K98 was the best bolt action of the time

[@ItchyPilauBoto]

@@HenrikSherwood I find that my VZ24 and my 1903 has a much more smoother bolt than my kar98k but i still love it of course. Theyre all in great condition too, A type 99 Arisaka isn’t quite bad either, since they’re all a copy of the mauser bolt.

[@HenrikSherwood]

@@ItchyPilauBoto I think the 1903 springfield is actually a mauser 1893 type

[@axolotl1973]

Really like your format! I don't have a rusty gun to restore, just enjoying watching skilled people fix old stuff. Subbed.

[@K98hunter]

Such a joy to once again, watch your restoration of old rusty guns. Keep those great videos comming 🙂

[@gonnabeok]

Yet again cracking job! I do like how you restore items without damaging them along the whole process...😅

[@ek8710]

That was a top notch sponsorship spot. Great restoration too as always!

[@josephiacuzio6361]

I'm so jealous. A 98K with all it's markings. It came out beautifully. Love the videos. I just wish that rifle could talk and tell it's history.

[@williamengland6950]

Great to see such a piece of history not only restored, but operational!

[@MrFerdBurfel]

I agree, he did a really good job restoring the rifle, but am I the only one that thought the shooting test fake?

[@williamengland6950]

@@MrFerdBurfel I went back and replayed that part and I see what you’re saying. No muzzle blast.

[@martingehrmann]

Magic, as always! You are a great gunsmith! Amazing what you do with these rusty guns…

[@dumitrucolcova8164]

Amazing, absolutely amazing.You are a young gentleman, but you know so mych about the guns, pistols, rifles, etc.All my respect and admiration for your work.What you do and how you do it's an art, not a simple restoration!

[@atvman12]

Thank you for saving this beautiful piece of military history good sir. I appreciate you and your work.

[@cheesebuger13]

The rifle looks brand new now, great job

[@6-Pho6nix-6]

What a talent, I think it would be really interesting to make videos dedicated to how to redo the bluing of a weapon by presenting the different methods in detail. And also how to restore the woods of a firearm with each different possible techniques to obtain a certain finish 👌🏼

[@PartyPoison3371]

You’re the only channel I’ve seen that talks about the history of the firearms you restore, and I think that’s awesome. Keep it up!

[@benguthrie3286]

check ou the anvil with mark novack

[@gorbalsboy]

Fantastic finish on the rifle, well done sir

[@nqgamer]

The love, care and respect you show for these pieces of history, awesome.

[@User_Brandon]

HOLY COW, this is so satisfying to watch. Great job as always!!

[@mrblack5145]

Beautiful work, as always! I know that quite a few European weapons made their way to the U.S. by way of war trophies or outright purchase by G.I's heading home, but I was surprised to hear that European citizens stashed some away as well despite the law just in case they were needed again. Warms my heart to hear the Right to Self Defense was still supported (if at least subvertly) by my fellows across the pond! Again, amazing work bringing these old relics back into fighting shape!

[@shotgunner3780]

Well the majority of this guns have been stored in Italy by comunist partisans waiting for the right moment to overthrow the democratic government and a lot of this weapons were used by the period of the attacks and massacres perpetrated by comunist armed organization and by the similar massacres done by the various mafias. This till the '90 when the Soviet Union fell and the war to mafia lead to some maxi trial wich landed a huge blows to the mafia leaders.

[@Andrew-sv6zq]

Stunning and amazing! That Mauser came out very nice.

[@fatehsinghbedi9042]

man maurice looked so happy using the k98 it mustve been a treat shooting such an amazing rifle fixed by such an amazing gunsmith.

[@thatonerandompianodude]

This is a beautiful gun. I love your restorations, and you got me into watching restorations with talking in it. You are very skilled. Thank you man. Also I’m wondering, about how long does it usually take to complete a gun?

[@husaynshepard2824]

Thank god someone treats these guns with respect, I just watched a video where a guy took a WWII era kar98 and turned it into a generic hunting rifle, cutting and welding the bolt??? Disgusting

[@husaynshepard2824]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4O0ZaBpa92Hgs0 Here’s the link to the video, go show him some hate please

[@vepr5596]

@@husaynshepard2824 How to turn a 2000 dollar rifle into a worthless piece of shit in nineteen minutes! What a barbaric act.

[@fw1421]

I had never heard of rust bluing before. Amazing workmanship. My compliments!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@notagooglesimp8722]

Thank you for saving these historic arms. My grandpa was stationed in Italy in the 40s and post war spent his life collecting historic inter war arms and odd pistols. He was a cool guy. Thanks for standing up against censorship too. Great transition to your sponsor, smooth just like a Linus Tech Tips sponsor lol.

[@robertish4917]

My favorite bolt action rifle ever You did an amazing job, i could only dream of ever owning one of these Yet another piece of history has be saved, thank you

[@j.peters1222]

What a beautiful rifle. I love your content man and you treat your restorations with respect and almost always do what you can to preserve it. One of my favorite restorations channels on KZbin. Keep up the great work!

[@theunis6681]

That was the smoothest segue into a promo the promo. Top class

[@lukeharper4005]

That was such a great ad setup and transition.

[@TorquilBletchleySmythe]

That was a beautiful restoration. Excellent work, sir.

[@DoctorBobTheReal]

YOU HAVEGROWN THAT MUCH?!? CONGRATS MA MAN! I REMEMBER YOU SITTING ON 10K SUBS! LOVE YOURE CONTENT!

[@0570965]

Good to see the classic Mauser getting another chance, makes a good hunting rifle.

[@74nova36]

Absolutely beautiful. And I learned at least 3 badass techniques of cleaning/restoring. Thanks brother!

[@colinw732]

A very interesting and informative video. Thanks. At the end though, when the rifle is test fired, the shooter was NOT wearing eye protection which is not a good idea.

[@JGR_JoeysGameReviews]

I think your boss is going promotion lol But great job on the k98 the only thing I would do is buy a after market sight hood

[@erik_dk842]

It's a shame that the Germans didn't use peep sights like the British and USA did from WW1 on the Enfields. The Mausers look better with the sleek bolt end, but their sight radius is nearly halved. My late father owned both a long 1916 Chech-made Mauser as well as a German made shorter one exactly like this, also from 1941. Sadly, he got rid of all his weapons long before he passed.

[@Mikolt1911]

I’m a Gunsmith in the US. Your doing what every garage gunsmith does. It is what I did when I started 35 years ago. Your doing good work!👍🏻

[@WSmogpule]

That is one of the most BEAUTIFUL bits of chemistry I have ever seen!

[@andyl18]

The stock is not German made. It is a post-war Yugoslavian stock that someone added fake stamps/markings/waffenampts. Hope you did not pay much for the stock.

[@dunkirchen1940]

Truly jaw-dropping transformation! That beautiful K98 gets to live on in proud form thanks to your skilled hang. Great job!

[@therougeshoppingcart9707]

Extremely professional for a gun restorer In a foreign country with restricted firearms information. Great Job!

[@lucasthompson2375]

Why would supporters need to buy the stock if your doing it for your boss just charge him ??

[@erik_dk842]

That triggered me as well

[@lucasthompson2375]

@@erik_dk842 thank you lol

[@haroldgodwinson832]

The significance of a 'controlled round feed' action, such as a Mauser 98, has nothing at all to do with cycling the action from an inverted position. So why then is CRF action useful, I hear you ask? CRF largely eliminates jamming resulting from 'short-stroking' the bolt. With a push feed action you run the risk, in a stressful situation, of chambering a round and then attempting to extract it and recycle the action without closing the bolt. This typically results in a round being left in the chamber, which is then jammed firmly in place when the shooter attempts to chamber another round. When this happens the rifle is rendered completely inoperable until such time as a cleaning rod can be used to dislodge the stuck cartridge. This situation shouldn't happen in a CRF action because the cartridge rim is firmly engaged by the bolt-head throughout the loading and extraction cycle.

[@joshuaball9094]

absolutely, without a doubt, this is the best gun restoration channel on youtube

[@brucewillis1236]

You sir,are a wizard. You also make the most enjoyable gunsmithing videos on KZbin. The lack of abrasive intro music, and your concentration on the work at hand and not yourself is rare and admirable. By the way, your boss should defer to your advice and not to his own unfounded opinions.

[@samt5716]

Why are you so handsome?

[@Majorowiec]

I am going to be honest here mate. All of your restorations of "rusty" stuff look fake. And what I mean by that is the "rust" itself. I have handled many restored and found/dug out weapons and after 50+ years the rust leaves some major pits, but in every single video of yours, the restored weapon looks brand new. Same with the stock - if it was old and damaged, the chipped wood would not looks nice and fresh.

[@jic1]

He stated quite clearly that the rifle was given to him without a stock, and the broken stock in the video was unrelated and just for display purposes.

[@maledetto1221]

The guns you see were not found in battlefield, they were stacked inside houses, this means usually between walls with a rag and well greased. They can survive decades without even rusting if the job is done correctly

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

The surface looked miserable before I sanded it off, it gets much better after sanding. However, I have to admit that I normally cover guns that I am confident I can save. In other words, and in all honesty, I try to pick stuff that looks worse than it is. I don't have the kind of budget required to buy a good Steyr K98k and ruin it just to make it a video, it's a 2 grand gun here. However, many channels with way more views than me (several millions instead of a few 100K) actually buy them good and rust them on purpose.

[@34three-four]

wow, great job, the satisfied laugh when he loaded that rifle upside down was gold :)

[@dm3stone]

Absolutely beautiful restoration. I find your videos fascinating.

[@richardcolbourne6151]

I spent years doing this sort of work on air rifles. Its a pleasure watching your work 👍

[@stevenicholas5651]

Great video. Your restorations are always professional.

[@mitchellgaston2043]

Impressive work as always my friend, thank you for sharing this project with us, the KAR is such a beautiful firearm and it’s incredible to see how masterfully you’ve brought it back to its original glory

[@TheBattleRabbit860]

Wonderful restoration of a beautiful rifle.

[@ekim000]

Brilliant tip on the folded edges on the paper! For a matt protective finish on an old milsurp stock that looks original, wax toilet sealing rings work remarkably well.

[@semih4827]

ngl the switch to sponsor ad was smooth af

[@marshallwilliams4054]

Wow. Really impressed with the quality of the bluing. It looks fantastic! I would have liked to see the bore again after the rifle had been fired.

[@medinamontana]

A second chance to a beautiful rifle, amazing work!

[@obsidianwinters5857]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching that. Great work, sir. I hope the owner was pleased with the end result.

[@Backyard.Ballistics]

He was😉

[@mechabroski9993]

Love watching a pro go to work. Great stuff.

[@davidjernigan8161]

Always enjoy these because you get a pretty good result with the simplest means possible.

[@Jmike12345]

A beautiful piece of history. Well done.

[@b.santos8804]

Magnificent restoration! Bravo!

[@MarcusBurkenhare]

The end result is magnificent. Well done.

[@jantartu330]

That’s pretty amazing what you did.! The Rifle looks Incredible.!

[@idontcare-ct7jm]

Amazing, great work. You made a beautiful rifle out of an old, rusty tube essentially.