98k

The Karabiner 98k, commonly abbreviated as 98k or K98k, is a bolt‑action rifle that served as the standard infantry weapon of the German Wehrmacht during World War II. It is the shortened, improved successor to the Gewehr 98 and is built around the Mauser 98 action, renowned for its strength and reliability.

The 98k is chambered for the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge and feeds from a 5‑round internal magazine that is loaded with stripper clips. It uses a controlled‑feed bolt action, a robust extractor, and a protection for the bolt handle. Typical features include a fixed blade front sight, a rear tangent sight calibrated for long range, a wood stock, a bayonet lug, and a cleaning rod. The rifle employs a 4‑groove, right‑hand rifling barrel and standard safety mechanisms consistent with the Mauser 98 family.

Production and service history: The 98k entered service in 1935 and was produced throughout the war by multiple German manufacturers, with total output commonly cited around 14 million examples. It remained the Wehrmacht’s principal service rifle for the duration of the conflict and continued to see use in various postwar contexts, transfer to other states, and in police forces, as well as in collecting and reenactment circles.

Variants and legacy: Several variants existed, including sniper configurations that mounted optical sights such as Zf 41 or Zf 42 scopes for long‑range engagement. The 98k’s reputation for durability and the Mauser 98 action influenced many later rifles and left a lasting imprint on small‑arms design. It remains a prominent example of standard‑issue bolt‑action infantry rifles of the 20th century.