German
Guns
98 K Home
| Country Of Origin: | Germany | Length: | 1.110 kg |
| Designation: | Bolt Action Rifle | Barrel: | 600 mm |
| Cartridge: | 7.92 x 57 mm Mauser | Weight: | 3.92 kg |
| Production Date: | 1935-1945 | Rifling: | 4 grooves, rh |
| Mag Capacity: | 5 rounds | ||
| Muzzle Velocity: | 745mps (2450fps) | ||
|
|||
Because of the hectic pace of rearmament during the early thirties, and the need to focus resources on the development of tanks, aircraft and other military hardware, it was decided by the German High Command that there was no need to replace the Gew 98 and that a shortened version would serve as the basic infantry weapon. Because of commercial production, Mauser was quickly able to supply prototype that met the armies specifications. Thus in 1935 the Kar98k was accepted as the standard infantry weapon. The designation translates to: short carbine 1898 model.
The Kar98k served the Wehrmacht well, and under went several changes during the 10 year period that it was produced. These changes were made in an attempt to reduce production costs and to increase actual production During the 10 years that they were in service, it is estimated that a total of 14 million rifles were produced.
Despite
its excellent track record, it was quickly recognised that the bolt action
rifle was becoming out dated, and work was done on the development of
a semi auto rifle to replace the Mauser.
This lead to the introduction of the Gew 41(m), Gew 41(w), the Gew
43 and ultimately the MP44
series. However because production of these weapons was never enough to
meet demands, the Kar98k continued to be produced throughout the war.