Given the current climate and price hikes for the AR and AK platform, I think its a good time to look into adding vintage "battle rifles" to my collection of arms. Been looking at Mausers and Swiss K31s but have no clue as to either; especially the former. Can anyone offer any pointers on what I should be looking for and direct me to websites that are devoted to this platform?

If your looking for a Mauser I might know someone that's got one for sale.

There's all kinds of Mausers from the last 100 years out there, each has its own charm.

Most  like the various large ring types. And K98s with waffen amps can get pricey.

Given the current climate and price hikes for the AR and AK platform, I think its a good time to look into adding vintage "battle rifles" to my collection of arms. Been looking at Mausers and Swiss K31s but have no clue as to either; especially the former. Can anyone offer any pointers on what I should be looking for and direct me to websites that are devoted to this platform?

+1 on this! Great question! I have been considering adding vintage rifles to my safe.

Does anyone know a good book on the history and availabilities of the Mauser?

+1 on this! Great question! I have been considering adding vintage rifles to my safe.

Does anyone know a good book on the history and availabilities of the Mauser?

A few good books are 'Mauser Military Rifles of the World' (Robert Ball, 5th ed) and 'Mauser Bolt Rifles' (Ludwig Olsen) for starters. There are also excellent books available for specific Mausers, like the K98.

I have three original Mausers that I've had for a very long time...Venezuelan Browning M24/30 (7mm) and two Yugoslavia Zastava M48s (8mm). I may consider selling one of my M48s in the near future when the gun craze calms down a little. Comes with the collector grade authentication paperwork documenting its wartime history and collector grade condition, and all the original trimmings (bayonet, ammo pouch, sling, accessories, etc.). A quality Mauser is a good addition to anyone’s collection.

There are always a few Mausers available at the gun show. There are some good forums talking about Mausers here:

http://forums.gunboards.com/forum.php

http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/

http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforums.yuku.com/directory

Don't go talking about sporterizing or making non-standard "improvements" to any rifles at parallax's site or you'll get a stern warning. 

In addition to the 8mm German, Yugoslavian, and Czech varieties, don't forget about the Swedish 6.5X55, my personal favorite. Sometimes some good deals on auction sites like Gunbroker for these.

Some places to look for 8mm mausers are samcoglobal and AIM Surplus. In addition, get on the email list for places like Allan's Armory and Empire Arms, found on the gunboards site.

Samco delivery may be slow, but their rifles are generally OK. They use a different rating system from the NRA system, so be advised that their "excellent" rifles may not be in mint condition. It's best to get rifles from Samco when they first arrive, as the best ones get sold first. AIM Surplus are good guys.

http://www.samcoglobal.com/

http://www.aimsurplus.com/

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I see I have a lot of reading to do. 

Step 1: buy a Mauser. Any Mauser.
Step 2: cherish it.
Step 3: repeat.

Bro I sent you a pm, but the guys here offered even greater information. Getting a vintage rifle is never a regrettable decision.  I'm choosing to the air/pellet gun route instead. Good luck. I know you will love any rifle you choose.

Thanks guys. All great info. Now all I gotta do is find a benevolent gun collector who feels sorry for me and wants to give me a Mauser so I can share in his enjoyment.

If your looking for a Mauser I might know someone that's got one for sale.

Yep. I'm interested.