Zastava M48A 8mm Mauser Bolt-Action Rifle with Yugoslav Crest, Matching Numbers, 23.23 in Barrel
This Zastava Arms M48A is a Yugoslav Mauser-pattern bolt-action rifle built on the intermediate-length Model 98 action. It features the Yugoslav socialist coat of arms crest on the receiver ring, Cyrillic roll marks on the receiver wall, and a CAI-import barrel mark. Matching serial numbers are observed on the bolt, receiver, and magazine floorplate, adding to its appeal for collectors of military Mauser variants.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle is solid for its vintage. Expect scattered scratches and blemishes on the metal and wood. The hardwood stock shows notable handling wear but remains structurally sound with no extreme cracks. The bore exhibits some blemishing.
What’s Included
- Zastava Arms M48A bolt-action rifle chambered in 8mm Mauser
The M48A uses an intermediate-length Mauser 98 action with controlled-round feed and a full-length claw extractor. It has a turned-down bolt handle with a round knob, a 5-round internal box magazine designed for stripper-clip loading, and a standard Mauser-pattern bayonet lug with an H-type front barrel band.
Its military configuration includes a full-length hardwood stock with a side sling slot in the butt, a reinforcing crossbolt, and a cupped steel buttplate. A top handguard extends to the receiver ring. The rifle retains a blued finish, a hooded front post, and a tangent rear sight ladder.
Markings are a highlight: the receiver ring bears the Yugoslav socialist coat of arms crest, while the left receiver wall shows Cyrillic roll marks "ФНРЈ" and "ПРЕДУЗЕЋЕ 44." Additional inspection marks, including "BK" and boxed symbols, appear on the front barrel band. The barrel carries an importer mark reading "C.A.I. GEORGIA, VT ... MADE IN YUGOSLAVIA 7.92MM" (partial).
Barrel length is approximately 23.23 inches, and length of pull is 13.0 inches. Safety is the Mauser 98-type flag style. This example’s matching serial numbers on key components and clear national markings make it a strong representative of the Yugoslav M48A pattern.