Bolt action Mauser K98 SHOTGUN?
 

I just bought a P08 from a fellow who said that he has what appears to be a Mauser bolt rifle (K98) that was converted, apparently during WW2, to a shotgun, he suspected for close in fighting. Anyone ever hear of such a beast?
Thanks;
DJU

There were several companies that made these shotguns. SHotgun news ran a nice article about them late last year. This is a factory conversion of Mauser actions done by several different companies. The conversions run from excellent to just OK. These were not meant for combat but for hunting on the civilan market.
Google past issues of the shotgun news from either late last year or early this year for an in-depth article on these conversions.

The most commonly seen of these is the GEHA. As Doug states, these were produced in the 20s and 30s for the civilian market.

I have heard the "Gun Show" story that they were made for issue to the military as Forager's, but it's just that, a "Gun Show" story. They used to turn up in shops, and could be had for $125 to $175 for a very clean example. Most are chambered for 2 1/2" shells.

What gauge shotshells???

I would imagine .410 is the commonest, but if you're rethreading (and re-inletting the stock), then 20 ga would be next easiest...bigger [16; 12] would be very strange looking, and require more extensive bolt modifications...

Thanks all...
 

Thank you for your replies.
DJU

Doug,

All of the ones that I have seen were in 12ga. They have oversized bolt faces attached.

Here's a link to some photos.

http://www.texastradingpost.com/militaria/geha.html

Ron

Within just the past year, I have seen several of these at gun shows in Ohio and Michigan. They were 12 gauge, in good condition, and offered at prices slightly over $100. Nobody was buying, including me.

"Within just the past year, I have seen several of these at gun shows in Ohio and Michigan. They were 12 gauge, in good condition, and offered at prices slightly over $100. Nobody was buying, including me."

They are more of a novelty than a collectable. They function fine and are kind of interesting, but not hot sellers.

Ron