I hope this isn’t too long. I’m just seeking advice. I do not know what to I even called them first to confirm… First my E-mail to them, and after that their response. I feel like I have to take the hit and get back what I can. A lie is a lie and so is a fake…

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a historian, business owner and certifiable gun nut with a collection of over 350 firearms. I have purchased so many firearms from RTI that I cannot keep track. My latest purchase is a K98 Sniper with turret mounts. I understand that rebarreled and refinished, via RTI, typically means pitted and reworked. I own two M-1 Garands I purchased from you as such and they are beautiful.

What’s wrong with this rifle:
That being said the K98 “sniper” I purchased is a bcd 43. Bcd designates Gustloff Werke as the original manufacturer. Gustloff utilized the SSR and SLR mounting systems. These side rails are not consistent with the Turret Mounts on the bcd Mauser in question, nor is the stock cut as such for the proper mounting. Additionally, there are no “witness marks” on the receiver. There are no signs of soldering from presumed original mounts or evidence that the screw holes are anything but newly drilled and tapped. Turret Mounts were soldered into place then tapped. When I received the rifle the front turret was so loose I could slide a dime underneath it. I have not fired it, merely inspected it. Why did this take so long? New Mexico has a ridiculous waiting period.

There is a Reddit post dated 2021 that talks about restoring the reputation of RTI. I’ve defended your company even in the face of a French Mas refurb with a barrel that is badly pitted and Lugers with aftermarket mags. Is RTI to become the new Mitchell’s Mausers, Golden State Arms, or even Bannerman’s?

What would I like you to do:
Send me a shipping label to return this thing for a full refund.
Clarity on your listings. Your buyers should know what they are getting for their money.
In my business, we pride ourselves on three things: honesty, integrity, and a superior product. Apply this. If a firearm is junk, part it out, don’t dunk it in a parkerizing tank and call it a diamond. You can’t build the Taj Mahal out of a chicken coop.

I am so sorry. I just expected so much more from RTI.

Their response:

I had some time to sit with Uli and review your email with him. He is willing to accept a return for refund, minus a 20% restocking fee and the reason for that is because in your email, you said you would like more clarity on our listings – that our buyers should know what they are getting for their money.
 
We individually list a lot of our firearms for this reason. And we have descriptions listed for every single item we individually list, which are described as accurately as possible. In this case, we accurately described the rifle and made sure that photos were included for the entire rifle. We did also mention that it had a reproduction scope.
 
Here is the description:
 
We have one(1) last K.98 for sale that was professionally refurbished with brand new Criterion barrel and reproduction ZF39 scope installed. This rifle was completely disassembled and professionally blued by James River Armory.  Please see the photos above for more detail on the numbering, finish, etc. This rifle is 100% guaranteed functional and shootable. Please note there is some pitting on the receiver. Comes with a sight hood and cleaning road.
 
I apologize that there was not more that I could do. If you are content with returning it for a refund, minus the restocking fee, please let me know that way I can send you a return label for the return of the rifle.
 
I will be going on maternity leave next week so if you need any immediate assistance, please reach out to Olga

Based on my experiences dealing with Uli, this is a kind and generous offer from him. You should take him up on it, lick your wounds, and move on.

Who is RTI?

Those 98ks sure can be a minefield!! Let alone The "matching snipers" have noticed matching example unmolested rifles going for big bucks the last few years.

From the listing you quoted, it seems you were aware that it was not an original turret sniper. As you mentioned, BCD utilized a different mounting system for optics.

How much was this rifle? I ask because if it was at the right price you could potentially have a representative shooter at maybe a fraction of the price of a legitimate sniper rifle.

However since at this point you are dissatisfied with what you received, I'd agree with those who recommend returning this item.

I’d return it and move on. I wouldn’t buy a bayonet from RTI much less a rifle.

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Some Might Say.

RTI = Royal Tiger Imports. Royal Tiger Imports - Military Surplus Firearms & More They are 20 miles north of me. Have never been there and do not plan to do so.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

It sounds as if their restocking fee is punitive because you suggested more clarity with their descriptions.

I'd return it for a refund but first would ask if they could wave all of or a portion of the restocking fee since you are a frequent customer. If not, return it anyway and never do business with them again.

K98k snipers are very often faked. You would need to do much research to be sure on one.

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No baby we aint

I have heard of the company, know nothing of their business practices but their prices always seemed…optimistic. Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

So I had no idea it was a bcd until I received it. I even called to verify its authenticity before I purchased.

I believe the advice of “lick your wounds” send it back and move on is the way to go.

I won’t be buying from RTI EVER AGAIN.

Yeah I'd say take the hit and stop dealing with them. Consider the money lost tuition.

Buying a K98K sniper sight unseen from just pictures on the internet is frankly laughable.

These are probably the most likely faked milsurps you can find. There are probably more “K98K sniper” fakes in this country than ever were carried by nazis in real life.