Walther Sportmodell V………………..(f 679) SOLD

Untouched excellent example of the pre-war Sportmodell Bolt Action Rifle

These rifle were a direct result of the strict terms of the Versailles Treaty put in place by the allies, which restricted the use and production of full bore ammunition and rifles for the German army.  Under a number of paper-thin disguises the Wehrmacht was quietly training its troops in basic marksmanship.  The rifles they used were specifically designed to mimic the size and weight of the K98 which had been selected to equip the Third Reich.  The sights were almost exactly the same.  The same action was used, though obviously only as a single shot.  It is no coincidence that this example has a heavy barrel; it has been carefully calculated to simulate the weight of the K.  As have the position of the sights, the flag safety and build quality.  When in the aim, this incongruous looking “Sporter” is practically the same rifle as its big brother.  Most of the pre-war German National Socialist recruits trained on these rifles – it turned most of them into fairly deadly marksmen.

This actual example is a single shot .22 calibre Mauser bolt action measuring 44.3/4″ in overall length.  The substantial barrel is 25.9/16″ long which in metric terms comes out at 650mm.  Other dimensions which might interest are approximate diameter (measured while in the stock) 18mm at the muzzle.  21.6mm at the nose of the for-end.  23.9mm at the receiver front edge.  A long and strong barrel I thing anybody would agree.  The trigger pull length is 14.1/8″ to center.  The rifle is stocked in a one piece European walnut stock with a sporting curved pistol-grip stock.  The pistol grip is chequered  and the fore-end has finger groves of 5.1/2″ length either side.  The stock is in wonderful collectors condition, natural in colour, undamaged with signs of usage in the surface.  There is some tiger-strip in the butt with some grain pattern.  The rifle has two sling swivels in the style of the sporting rifle.  Both the butt-plate and the trigger guard are a dense plastic like material ( not Bakelite)  I have seen this before on pre-war Walther models of this ilk and now believe this to be as originally issued.

The action is of a standard Mauser small-bore configuration with a flag safety bolt.  The stem of the bolt is numbered on the underside “319.”  The serial number of the rifle being “78319” marked on the receiver LHS.  The top of the action is marked as follows in a superb Gothic script; “Waffenfabrik Walther / Zella-Mehlis Thüringen”  There is a scope rain which makes up the top of the receiver on both front and rear portions of the structure.  A conventional bolt release is located at the rear LHS of the action.  Numerous “BUG” Imperial commercial proof-marks for Nitro are on the barrel and receiver.

Between the rear sight and receiver the barrel is marked with the maker and model designation.  “WALTHER” within is flag-type banner and “Sportmodell V” once again in the Gothic script.  The almost identical K98 rear sights have the addition of windage adjustment and are graduated from 25 to 200 meters.  The front sight is mounted on a long front ramp and is interchangeable by depression of a spring clip. The front and rear sight produce and excellent sight picture which is easy to use.  Blueing all over the rifle is in fine condition with only the lightest high edge wear around the loading area.  Mechanically excellent with an extremely good bore containing RH twist rifling.

Unfortunately, being in the business of selling classic collectible firearms, by logical deduction I have to offer this for sale.  This is one of those moments which I will regret and if just a collector then this would definitely stay in my collection as the civilian version of the famous Nazi trainer.  It would grace any collection and provide worthwhile practice to any shooter, young or old.

Stock No’  f 679

£ 575.    SOLD

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