History of Kar98k

[Nickw]

I just purchased a Kar98k and was wondering where i can go to find the history of the firearm. I've searched many places but have had no luck in finding a website where i can enter the model number. I was told this rifle was made in 1942 and im curios just what i can find out about it. -thanks

[emcon5]

This is a good place to start:

http://mauser98k.internetdsl.pl/kodyen.html

[Milsurp Collector]

What is the maker code on the receiver ring? In 1942 they used a 2 or 3 letter code above the year.

[Rem222]

A few other ideas.. Have fun with your K98....

https://www.Surplusrifle.com

https://www.gunboards.com

https://www.gk43forum.com

[Vladimir]

The book Backbone of the Wehrmacht has a lot of info on k98's

[Milsurp Collector]

I was told this rifle was made in 1942...

Does the receiver ring have 1942, or is there a "42" code and a year like 1939?

[Nickw]

no, my rilfe doesn't have any markings that i could see on the outside that would be of any help. I'm wondering if there's a website i can just enter the serial number into to find out about it.

[Milsurp Collector]

I'm wondering if there's a website i can just enter the serial number into to find out about it.

The German system of serial numbering is a complicated subject, but the bottom line is no.

If it has no markings, how do you know it is a Kar98k? If you posted pictures of it we might be able to help you more.

[Nickw]

i know it's a Kar98, i'll try posting some pictures of it tomarrow, maybe that will help.

[Rogerbutthead]

Depending on the year, there are numerous manufacturers of Kar98k's.

Thus numerous rifles could have the same serial number each year, not counting the rifles made in other years.

A serial number by itself is not that helpful.

[coop44]

The German system of serial numbering is a complicated subject, but the bottom line is no.

If it has no markings, how do you know it is a Kar98k? If you posted pictures of it we might be able to help you more.

Very correct, numbering of german guns, and other europeans for that matter, is indeed a complicated subject.

I heard a long time ago that the 4 digit # was a way for the plant to keep track and when they got to 9999, they reset and started over. Probably more complex than that, but, in a way it makes sense. They built so many they were somewhat disposable, at least in the military's view. To say, the infantryman (along with his rifle)was the least valuable commodity on the battle field.

[Milsurp Collector]

Very correct, numbering of german guns, and other europeans for that matter, is indeed a complicated subject.

I heard a long time ago that the 4 digit # was a way for the plant to keep track and when they got to 9999, they reset and started over. Probably more complex than that, but, in a way it makes sense.

Yes, the ID consisted of the maker code, year, and serial number. The serial numbering started at the beginning of the year with 1 and went to 9999, then a letter suffix was added, so the next block was 1a, 2a, etc. up to 9999a, then the next block was 1b, 2b, up to 9999b, then 1c, 2c, up to 9999c, and so on. This continued until the new year, then the year stamped was advanced and they started over with 1, 2, etc.

Also, each manufacturer was using the same scheme, so in 1943 for example Mauser Oberndorf made a rifle numbered 1234f, Sauer made a rifle numbered 1234f, Steyr made a rifle numbered 1234f, etc.

To make it even more complicated some manufacturers cranked out so many rifles in one year they used up all the 4-digit number + 1-letter suffix combinations and they went to 5-digit numbers and/or 2-letter suffixes.



So to identify a K98k or any other Nazi small arm you can't just use the serial number, it's a combination of the maker code (byf, dot, bnz, ar, etc.) and the year and the serial number with suffix(es).

[Nickw]

ok this may be a dumb question, but what is the fastest way for me to post pictures from my desktop on here?

[courteousgavin]

ok this may be a dumb question, but what is the fastest way for me to post pictures from my desktop on here?

There is a thread in the "New To Calguns" forum that explains all about posting pictures. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ad.php?t=86685

[Nickw]

thanks anyways, but i just found out that what i bought is a crappy Yugo knock off. an M48. i feel like such an idiot for not recognizing that when i bought it. But the store i bought it from also lied to me, i asked if they were sure it was German and made in 1942. so now im stuck with a piece of garbage.