Guns International #: 102604660
Seller's Inventory #: 2402-0186
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Guns International #: 102604660
Category - Zastava Arms Rifles
- Military Rifles - Non-US
Zastava Yugo M48 BO Rifle 8x57 Mauser
Description: This was the standard infantry service rifle of the Yugoslav People’s Army from the 1950’s until the 1960s when it was replaced by the Zastava M59/66, a license-built copy of the Soviet SKS rifle. The M48 was based on the German Karabiner 98K rifle with some influence from the Belgian M24 series of Mauser rifles. The original M48 was produced between 1950 and 1952 with a full crest on the receiver and made from all machined steel parts. The M48A (1952-65) introduced the use of stamped sheet metal in the construction of the rifle, mainly the magazine floor plate. These changes allowed Zastava to speed up the production process and lower the unit cost. The bolt and receiver were still machined from forged steel, however. The M48B (1956-1965) incorporated additional sheet metal stampings. The problem is that these rifles continued to be stamped on the receiver ring “M48A”. There was no change in the markings. Both receiver and bolt were still made from machined steel. The easiest way to tell an M48B from an M48A is in the trigger guard/mag-well. The latter will have one made from a solid billet of steel. The “B” however, will have a new trigger guard with a rib running around the exterior of both sides. The final military model was the Model 48BO (1956-1965). “BO” stands for “bez oznake” which translates roughly as “without markings”. The BO was produced concurrently with the M48B and is essentially identical but lacks any national or manufacturer’s markings (except for a serial number of course). Bear in mind, after 1956, all M48 production was intended for export. The M48BO gave a purchasing nation the option of giving the rifle their own crest and markings without having to pay a foreign country to do it for them. The rifle here is in good condition, though it has most likely gone through an arsenal rebuild at some point. The receiver appears to have had the crest removed. There is a partial patina finish and some light rust on the front band and lower band. The trigger guard exhibits the same wear. All four trigger guard screws are present. The front band, floor plate, and trigger guard/mag-well are all milled parts rather than stamped. It is possible this rifle was once an M48 (the 1950-52 production range) but was converted into an M48BO for all intents and purposes during the rebuild, while retaining the milled parts. This process is usually referred to as “scrubbing” and the rifles themselves as being “scrubbed” since they are “M48BO” rifles converted from an M48 rather than being a new production M48BO. These converted rifles were produced for a foreign military contract (either Syria or Egypt). All of the serial numbered parts do match, although the floor plate looks like it has been double stamped. Please see the pictures. The front sight hood is missing as is the cleaning rod. The bore is in excellent shape and the rifle should prove to be very accurate. The stock has some minor wear but no serious issues like a crack for example. The butt plate has some light pitting. The rear sight is in excellent shape and all the numbers are clearly visible. There are no visible import markings. Author’s Note: When creating the Guns International entry for this rifle, with respect to the ammunition in the “Rifle Calibers” box, the only available options are 8x57 IS and 8x57 JS. BOTH of these are wrong. The correct nomenclature is 8x57 I and 8x57 S. The “I” stands for “Infanterie” or in English, “Infantry”. This was the original 0.318” round nose load used in the German Commission Model 1888 rifle. It was never used in the M48 rifle. The “S” stands for “Spitsgeschoss”, or “Pointed Projectile”. This was the common 0.323” bullet used from the Model 1898 rifle and onwards, including the Yugoslavian M48. Over the years, the “I” in 8x57 I was bastardized to a “J”. There are many explanations for why this occurred with the most common story being that “I” and “J” were used interchangeably at the time. There is no “IS” or “JS”. For this rifle’s entry, I have chosen to use the “JS” option, but it should be clear that this rifle is chambered for the standard 8x57 S or 0.323” cartridge used in a large-ring M98 action. Some American manufacturers load their 8x57 ammo to low pressure levels so that they can safely be used in a Model 1888 rifle. The bullets from these loads may not stabilize properly in the Model 98/K98 or Model 48 rifles. For the best accuracy, European-manufactured 8x57 ammo is the way to go; just remember to not use that ammunition in an older Model 1888! Price: $750.00 Rifle Caliber: 8x57mm JS Manufacturer: Zastava Model: Model 48 BO Serial Number: V38561 Barrel Length: 23.25 inches (597 mm) Bore Info: Rifled, 4 grooves, 1 in 9.45 inches (1:240 mm) RH twist Ejectors: Manual ejection via operation of the bolt Condition: Used - Good Barrels: Nickel steel Barrel Type: Standard military barrel Action: Bolt action, Mauser-’98 style action. Triggers: M98-style trigger, 2-stage Stock: Beech hardwood Fore End: Beech hardwood Butt Pad: Metal plate LOP: Standard V-notch, inverted V front, sight radius 19-13/16 inches (503.25 mm) Finish: Blued Weight: 9.0 lbs. unloaded Sights: 12.875 inches (327 mm) Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102604660
Seller's Inventory #: 2402-0186
Guns International #: 102604660
Seller's Inventory #: 2402-0186