Matched bnz4 Steyr K98k

majspud

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I've now sold 5 rifles, with 2 more on consignment. I've decided to get one K98k from each of the 10 main production facilities, and this one filled the 6th slot - a bnz4, or a Steyr, Austria, produced K98k. I'll try for the 7th slot at Amoskeag this Saturday. This rifle is completely matching, with the hand guard, firing pin, and band spring unmarked. This particular piece is a good representation of the chaos within German manufacturing by the summer of 1944. The Steyr plant was bombed in January and April of 1944, drastically curtailing production. Steyr production decreased from 220,000 rifles in 1943, to 170,000 in 1944, and finally to 32,000 pieces in 1945. Steyr was heavily dependent on the Radon, Poland, facilities for parts - especially after the bombings. Recycled and previously rejected parts now begin to show up in production. Radom was lost to Steyr in September of 1944 when captured during the Russian advance. This rifle is a mix of parts: the bolt, receiver (Steyr receivers were marked bnz44), floor plate (milled) are Radom marked. The rear sight and leaf are serialed and Radom proofed, while the sight spring and slide are just proofed. The rear band is milled and the front band is stamped. The stock is an oversized subcontract "C" stock from Gustloffwerke. The trigger guard (stamped) and follower (milled) are Mauser marked. Neat production history of this rifle showing the use of both milled and stamped parts as well as multiple subcontractors. The Kriegsmodel would start to show up in the p-block, or about 70,000 pieces after this one.

T
 

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There were 10 manufacturers that produced K98s at one point or an other during WW2. Only Mauser made the full run from 1934-1945. Others folded in as some faded out to concentrate on semi- and full automatic weapons. The 10 are Mauser Obendorf, Sauer, Berlin-Borsigwalde, Erma (Erfurt), Berlin-Lubecker, BSW (Berlin-Suhler-Waffen) 1937-1939 when merged into Gustloffwerke, Steyr, and Brunn I and II (Bystrica) Czechoslavakia.

Here is a full list from 1934-1945 with all manufacturers and their different codes by year. For example Obendorf Mausers displayed 8 different codes during that time; S/42K, S/42G, S/42, 42, byf, byf45, svw45, and svwMB. I suppose someone out there actually goes all in for the 8 and/or every year of that manufacturer's production. I'll be happy with one of each in general.

The 4 makers I still need are bSw, Erma, DOU, and Borsigwalde. Then I need the 12 makers of the Gew98, of which I have 2. Then comes a lifetime of trading/selling up to better examples. For some reason, early and late war pieces are easier to find; '42 is a hard year to find as Germany had started reducing K98 production
that year as 'victory' seemed near.

T

1935 S/42G (Mauser)
1939 237 (Lubecker) Luftwaffe
1939 147 (Sauer)
1941 bcd (Gustloffwerke)
1944 bnz4 (Steyr)
1944 DOT (Brunn I)
1945 svwMB (Mauser)
 

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Range report: the last 30 rounds of my '92 Yugo surplus. 68 degrees, sunny, gusty wind, 100 yards. 1st round was the high right scratch. Next 4 were 7's on the right, then the 5th as a 9 at 2:00. Then fire for effect. If you discount the 5 test shots, score was 212/250. Stiff action. Cleaned a lot of grease out of the bolt.

T
 
Another really nice one!

Sometime after I eventually find a P08, I'd like to get a German Mauser. #1 criteria for me is nice shooter, then decent appearance, then mostly correct. I'll bet I can find some good help in this forum!

Thanks for the post.
 
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