WW2 German K-98k Mauser Rifle

German Model 98k Mauser Rifle

 

Mine is made by Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf  am Neckar, Wurttemberg with code “42”

Was made in 1940, mine as is a Russian capture rifle has the Russian crossed rifles on it, then has numbers electro-penciled on the action by the Russians when they captured this rifle when surrendered by the soldier that gave it up/ then a whole bunch of Waffen marks on it,

 

Length: 43.60in/1.107Meter 

Weight: 8.6lbs/3.900 KG

Barrel: 23.62in/599.948mm

Caliber: 7.92 X 57mm

Rifling: 4-grove, r/h

Operation: Turn-bolt action 

Feed: 5-round, staggard column, flush, box magazine

Sights: Tangent leaf rear sight graduated to 2000 meters

Cool stuff: Letter or number code of manufactures over the date on the receiver ring, with various proof marks on the left and right side of the receiver ring. The model designation is on the left side rail.

 

This carbine, in actually a short rifle, was the standard shoulder arm of the German armed forces in WW2, with approximately 11.5 million carbines made, was the most produced of all the Mauser rifles.

 

A direct descendent of the Model 98 Rifle, which it superficially resembles expect for size, the Kar 98k incorporates those changes that were deemed necessary after the lessons learned during the WW1. The intervening years also played a hand in the development of the K98k, with quantity production going into full operation in 1935 when Hitler undertook the complete rearmament of Germany.

 

Made under strict quality control, the K98k has a stepped down barrel like the Model 98 Rifle, a side positioned sling, a compact turned down bolt handle, a wide lower barrel band, and a tangent leaf rear sight. As the war progressed, manufacturing standards were modified and a simplified to save production time and material, but quality control never declined, with the “Kreigsmodell” introduced in 1942. This rifle was distinguished from early production models by a stamped nose cap, barrel bands, and butt plates.  Trigger guards were crudely finished, and most of the stocks used were of laminated woods, which had been shown to withstand warping much better than the conventional walnut one-piece stocks used initially. As war ground on to its inexorable end, production methods declined rapidly, with shortcuts taken in many of the manufacturing steps. By 1945, bayonet lugs were done away with and barrel bands were held on the stocks by means of wooden screws.

 

A rare piece of equipment for the German K98k Rifle that is seldom seen, is canvas webbing and leather action cover. This was an important item, especially when the rifle was being transported in areas that dirt and debris can foul the action.

 

Another cool item was for the K98k rifle is a leather rear sight cover, used when the weapon is being transported to protect it.