Zastava M48 8mm Mauser Bolt-Action Rifle, Yugoslav Crest, 23.5 in Barrel, 1950s
This Zastava M48 is a Yugoslav-produced 8mm Mauser bolt-action rifle from the 1950s, built on an intermediate-length Mauser 98–pattern action. It features a gray/green phosphate finish, Factory 44 markings, and a Yugoslav crest over 'M 48'. Matching numbers are observed on multiple components, and it retains its classic full-length hardwood stock and military iron sights.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There is a crack in the wood handguard on top.
What's Included
- Leather sling (installed)
The M48 uses an intermediate-length Mauser 98–pattern action with a turned-down bolt handle and a three-position flag safety. The bolt body is in-the-white, and the rifle feeds from a hinged internal 5-round magazine with a floorplate release.
Sights are traditional military iron: a protected front post paired with a tangent rear sight ladder graduated from 200 to 2000 meters. The 23.5 in barrel supports this setup for practical field adjustments.
The rifle is stocked in hardwood with a full-length profile, cupped steel buttplate with wraparound lip, and a through-slot rear sling attachment. The wood upper handguard overlaps the front receiver ring, a hallmark of the M48 configuration. Length of pull is 13.0 in.
Metalwork carries a gray/green phosphate finish. Markings include the Yugoslav crest over 'M 48', the Cyrillic 'Preduzeće 44' (Factory 44), and 'FNRJ', aligning with Yugoslav production in the 1950s.
Additional details include a smooth-sided fore-end with no finger grooves and the Mauser platform lineage that defines its handling and maintenance characteristics. Matching numbers observed on multiple components add to its appeal for those seeking coherent assembly.