I have several K98 Mausers. The early war models were milled. They had a metal plate on the butt of the rifle.
1943 onwards Mausers were stamped. The metal on the butt plate wrapped around the stock.
I only point this out as it seems all 1/35th scale mausers are of the late variety. I was making an early war soldier when I noticed this. I hope that some of you will find this helpfull
Mark
And don’t forget that the older K98’s also used the older style bayonets with the fixed lug as well.
Mine’s Israeli, stamped 1945, and chambered for 7.62 NATO…[:D]
And I bet it has the detachable magazine too.
My 98 Mauser was converted by the Spaniards to a Spanish FR-8 7.62x51 (.308). These were the forruners of the “Cetme” built by H&K when they first started up which later was developed into the G-3. This was after WWII when Germany was not allowed to make weapons so “H&K” relocated to “ESPANIA” for weapons development.
And so this is where the superb family of H&K assault weapons and submachine guns came from the highly esteemed “Mauser 98” line.
doc
I want one
Also don’t forget that quite a few troops were issued Czech Vz24 rifles as well as the venerable K98…shame you don’t see those in sets either but then I guess the K98 is the more recognizable as a “generic” weapon. I’ve got one on the wall that was originally used by the Romanian army and has quite a provenance associated with it…still has the original serial number as well as a bayonet and ammunition pouches and clips. It’s like holding history in your hands…and makes me wonder how many other hands it passed through before it ended up in mine. [;)]
Do not also forget that as the war went on, there were more nd more prodution cuts to speed time. For instance, I have an early war gun with flat buttplate and very nicely finished metal parts. i also have a late 1944 Czech gun with stamped parts of various colors, and a painted/baked metal finish is flat black, and it exhibits many chips. Lstly, many or the late-war guns had laminate stocks that exhibit heavy light/dark streaking that I never see modelers replicating, so that is an important factor to consider.
For a good pic of a late war gun, Google SAMCO Global, and look at thier Czech guns. You can also Google Eary Mauser and Late Mauser under Google pictures
Speaking of late war guns, a Kriegs model can be made with a slight modification of the stock and deleting the bayo lug. Gustloff (factory designator BCD) had some phosphated finishes on some of the 1944-45 models ranging from dull grey, dull dark green and grey/silver. My BCD4 has the grey/silver phosphated finish with a worn blued bolt, the stock is a light laminated wood. While on the subject of weapons, I see the modelers weather the heck out of their weapons. In reality, they were in brand new condition at the time that is being represented. What some modelers are doing is showing the wear after 60+ years on a model reperesenting the past. Remember the ‘Lost’ episode when John Locke picks up an M1 Garand, looks at it and says “this is brand new”. That’s because they went back in time to the early 1950’s. [:O]
Looks like it was chopped down to be more like a carbine…
Manny, The SP/FR-8 was the test bed mauser for “Cetme” assault rifles by H&K. It had the same front end as the Cetme except the tube below the barrel is for a cleaning kit whereas on the Cetme AR it was turned 180’ and was actually the gas chamber. The sighting systems were also the same.
Anyhow, it’s a great little Mauser.
Interesting info guys. Does anyone know of any AM kits that have different types of Mausers? I’m surprised Dragon doesn’t. They pay pretty good attention to details I think. Why not the guns?
On a side note, I just got back from the range earlier today. My dad and I shot our German made Mauser for the first time. It is so much better than the Nagants we have!
Erik
Actually the Nagant model 91 was based on the Mauser model 1891.
The US .30/06 round was based on the 98 Mauser 8mm round. And how many cases/cartridges have been born from that?!?!? Including the 7.62 NATO. Lots and lots, my friends!
60
I know. I was just comparing the two rifles since they fought against each other.
Erik
I was told the Mauser 91 never saw action in WWII since it was sold to Argentina though I’m not sure. And the 7.62mm ammo was actually based on the 7.65mm ammo used by the 1891 Mauser which was only .03mm larger than the 7.62mm ammo which theoretically you could fire from a 1891 mauser.
I used the M-48 variant in the navy during the basic firearm training, before switching to semiauto and then the AK.
My Kar98 is dated 1917. Could be a two war vet! One of my best friends has the '98 his dad brought back from WWII.
The first time I ever fired mine, was at a standard one US gallon paint can. (empty) I had stepped off 100 yards. Fired three times, aiming dead center. It appeared I was missing, maybe slightly high. E. Tx. sand was kicking up after each shot, apparently above/behind the can.
My buddy fired once at his can, sending it flying and spinning bottom over top. Darn! We went to check the cans. He had hit his low, on the rim. That hit caused the nice flying act. My three shots were DEAD CENTER! Hitting no major parts and therefore, not moving the can. I venture to say the group was about 3/4’’ to an inch, at the MOST!!! Iron sights. Federal 170 grain anemic factory ammo. I fell in love with my $35.00 Mauser that day!!
60
Mine’s so shot-out that the bullets go through the targets sideways… Swear I can hear the slug rattle in the barrel…
Wow…that is one accurate rifle…