Kar 98k "Mauser"

[Panzermacher]

Here is a personal favorite of mine, the Kar 98k. I own an original, and shoot it regularly.....a fine Firearm to shoot...but not for the weak-shouldered! (she kicks like a mule!) The following text is from Wikipedia....quicker to copy then have me muddle thru typing it!

Karabiner 98k
Mauser Karabiner 98k
Mauser Karabiner 98k

Main article: Karabiner 98k

The Karabiner 98k "Mauser" (often abbreviated "K98k" or "Kar98k") was adopted in the mid 1930s and would be the most common infantry rifle in service within the German Army during World War II. The design was based on developed from the Karabiner 98b, one of the carbines developed from the Model 1898 mentioned before. The K98k was first adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1935 to be their standard issue rifle, with many older versions being converted and shortened as well as the design itself entering production. Made by Gewehren begrenzt

In the name K98k, the first "K" stands for karabiner (carbine) and the second "k" for kurz (short). The "98" is derived from the earlier rifle's year of adoption (1898), though the carbine itself was adopted in 1935. The K98k is often confused as being the earlier Model 98 design; however, there are notable differences between them. The easiest to spot are its shorter length, and bent, rather than straight bolt handle. Less obvious are that it has different, simpler sights. It was intended to be a "universal rifle" for all parts of the Heer rather than having both Carbine and full length versions.

The rifle has a bolt-action and uses 7.92 x 57 mm rounds (referred to as 8 mm Mauser). It has an effective range of about 800 metres, but when fitted with a high-quality rifle scope, its range increases to 1,000 metres. The K98k has a 5 round internal magazine and is loaded from either 5 round stripper clips that are inserted into a slot in front of the opened bolt and pushed into the magazine with the thumb, or, rounds may be loaded one at a time, allowing for topping off a partially empty magazine. A trench magazine was also produced that could be attached to the bottom of the internal magazine by removing the floor plate, increasing capacity to 20 rounds, though it still required loading with 5 round stripper clips. Over 14 million of these rifles were produced by various manufacturers. However, this number includes versions of the rifle other than the K98k, such as the Czech vz-24. From 1950 to 1965, Yugoslavia produced a near-copy of the K98k called the Model 1948, which differed only from the German rifle in that it had the shorter bolt-action of the Model 1924 series of Mauser rifles. In addition, in 1953, the Spanish were manufacturing a slightly modified version, but with a straight bolt handle. CZ and FN also produced new K98k rifles after the war, many of which were assembled from leftover German parts.

[Jim O]

One little note of irony is that Jewish resistance fighters in the then British mandate of Palestine obtained quite a number of former German Army issue Kar98k's and used them in their fight for independence.

Here's a pic of German sniper aiming his Kar98k with 4x Zeiss ZF42 telescopic sight.

German_sniper_screenshot.jpg

[Pirate-Drakk]

The bolt design of the K98k is still the standard of excellence for bolt action rifles even after 100+ years. Modified versions of the design are still used in many modern weapons and are refered to as "Mauser Style".

[Panzermacher]

I once owned a Shotgun (.20 Ga.) that had a "Mauser turned" bolt. made its operation very smooth! I also own a Moison-Nagant M90/31, it's bolt operation is Nothing like the Mauser....

[KG_Panzerschreck]

Ive owned and shot all the bolt actions from WWII. My two favorites are the K98 & .303 Enfield. Ive killed plenty of Deer with both of those guns, great shooters over open sights.

[Aussie Dave]

Here is a colour video that displays the Mauser and its features.

World War II Zone Forums - German infantry weapons of WWII

This video also features other various WWII German Infantry weapons as well.


Cheers,
Dave

[Horch]

Originally Posted by Panzermacher

I once owned a Shotgun (.20 Ga.) that had a "Mauser turned" bolt. made its operation very smooth! I also own a Moison-Nagant M90/31, it's bolt operation is Nothing like the Mauser....

Was it a GEHA? I have one also. It has pretty much the same features as my other Mausers.
The name GEHA is embossed on the stock.

[Panzermacher]

GEHA is a POST-WAR Mauser. I don't know alot about those...but I have read they used to make a crummy shotgun!

[Commander Waffle]

Didn't the germans prefer the Nagant over the 98K?

[Panzermacher]

Originally Posted by Commander Waffle

Didn't the germans prefer the Nagant over the 98K?

Waffle, you ever fire a Nagant? They are not nearly as good as the Mauser. They are accurate...but the bolt tolerances (When mine heats up, after about 25 rounds, it get tough to work!) and action is no where as smooth as the Mauser and the small butt plate make it a shoulder killer!