Yugo M48 Mauser
Length: 43.5 inches
Barrel Length: 23.25 inches
Caliber: 8mm Mauser
The Yugo M48 Mauser is generally considered to be “the last Mauser.” Production ran clear up until 1965! The rifle features an intermediate action length that is shorter than the K98K. The action itself is based on the FN Mauser 1924 design. The barrel is also about seven inches shorter than the K98K. The M48 can accept K98K bayonets and K98K slings, but most of the part interchangeability ends there because of the differences in the actions and sizes. Most of the rifles have a bent bolt, some of them are straight bolt. The straight bolts are rare and more desirable to collectors. The vast majority of the production was placed into storage and was not initially used by the Yugoslavian Army. In the 1990s a large quantity of M48s were imported to the US as surplus.
This rifle is extremely common, however, some variations exist between the different basic models, none of which are rare:
M48: This is the standard, original model. This model does not have a suffix letter indicated on the receiver markings and is made entirely of machined parts.
M48A: This model contains a stamped magazine floor plate. Some of them contain additional stamped parts, usually the barrel bands, with the exception of the magazine well and the trigger guard. The crest is specifically marked: M48A.
M48B: The most stamped parts were used on this model. An M48B is not marked as such on the crest and is still marked M48A. The M48B has a stamped magazine well and trigger guard where the other models do not.
The only problem associated with this rifle is the same problem that is associated with all surplus rifles from Yugoslavia: none of the barrels were chrome lined, as chrome is not native to Yugoslavia. Bore condition widely varies depending on use. A fair number of unfired examples had been imported into the US, but most of them have dried up. These rifles make excellent shooters and are typically available in the US from $150-275 depending on their condition. At one time, in the 1990s, whole crates of the rifles could be had with consecutive serial numbers, and a new example would cost under $100, but those days are long gone. Examples still can be had that were never shot or that have consecutive numbers, but there is a premium associated with that now. Unscrupulous sellers have been known to try and pass these rifles off as K98Ks. M48s are also often confused for the Yugoslavian M24-47 design, but the markings on the crests can be used to easily tell them apart. The M24-47 also usually features a straight bolt.
These are well built guns for the money, some of the finish can be a little rough, but the actions are generally very smooth and easy to manipulate. Like most other Yugoslavian rifles, they are built heavier than needed, weighing in at 8.6 pounds. Although it is not a true Mauser, much of the quality expected from a Mauser rifle is present.
If you found that information to be of value to you, this guide is even more helpful: