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The K98k Mauser in Pictures

Author's K98k. This is a Russian-captured rifle, mismatched with a fresh bluing and shellac finish. There is no cleaning rod or trigger guard screws, and some swastikas on proof marks have been peened out.

Detail photos. Click any picture for a larger view.

Bolt takedown disk. This was used as a place to apply pressure to unscrew the firing pin. Also note flat buttplate.

Field strip view. The magazine floorplate, follower, and spring are removed. The bolt body is unscrewed.

Bolt removal. The lever on the left of the receiver is pulled back, allowing the bolt to be removed.

Top of action. Rifle is 1938 dated with a "42" code, indicating manufacturer at Mauser-Werke, Oberndorf. Details are found here: WWII Buff's Site.

Rear view of bolt. The wing safety is in the vertical position, preventing discharge but allowing the bolt to rotate. Right locks the bolt, left is the "fire" position.

Side view of receiver. Note the prominent "Mod. 98" on the receiver ridge. Also note serial number. It is four-digit with a letter extension. This letter was supposedly to hide the large production numbers of the rifle prohibited by the Treaty of Versailles.

Rear sight. Adjustable from 100-2000 meters. The notch is very small compared to other rifles, therefore very precise but harder to see in low-light conditions.

Bottom of action. Note the elector-penciled serial numbers (done by the Russians). To remove the floorplate of the magazine, the pin in the hole by the trigger guard is depressed, and the floorplate pushed rearward.

Font sight. Note the absence of a hood. These were only featured on later production rifles as field experience showed the necessity of them.

Loading of rifle. A five round stripper clip is placed in the guides and pushed into the magazine. The stripper clip is then removed by hand or by pushing the bolt forward (although the second method does not seem to be very practical. After the last round is ejected, the floorplate stops the bolt from going forward to alert the shooter that the magazine is empty.