Imperial German Karabiner 98 AZ as a 410 shotgun…………(S 76)

Interesting Karabiner 98 AZ as a Shotgun

Perfect for the WW1 German Re-enactor this K 98 az looks the perfect example of the famous WW1 version of the short rifle issued to many troops.  The only discernable difference is the smooth-bored barrel and the .410 caliber.  Another interesting possibility, could be a complete re-barrel with a brand new barrel and re-birth as a fully matching carbine, as issued, in the original caliber.  If any of the numbers didn’t match then it might not be worth the effort and time in converting it back to its original specification but, they all do.

Developed because the German Army was realising the change in meathods of warfare and the use of mechanised troops.  Also, the lack of en-mass fixed bayonet charges, the new length carbine was far better suited to the more modern meathods of warfare.  Overall it measures 44″ in length.  The barrel is 24.3/4″ long and the trigger Pull 13″ to centre.  It can easily be recognised for its full-length woodwork and distinctive stacking hook under the muzzle.  Also, instantly apparent against other rifles in the field at the time, is the turned-down bolt handle and half flattened bolt head with chequered inner surface.  Beneath the bolt, when closed is a depression in the stock, let out to enable easier use of the bolt and grasping grooves were added in the fore-end.

The rear sights are the later, flatter profile, tangent sights and the fore-sight is guarded by protective “ears”.  The sling is attached by a side mount on the mid-band and a transverse slot through the butt.  The rifle also sports a bolt strip-down disc in the butt-stock for field stripping.  Between that disc and the butt-plate are all the normal ownership cartouches including an additional 1/2″ tall “B”.  Includes good reproduction leather sling.

The receiver ring is clearly marked with the “Imperial crown / ERFURT / 1918.”  Erfurt was one of the three Prussian Arsenals.  The outer action sidewall is clearly marked with the model designation of “Kar 98.” in a strong Gothic script.  Bayonet mounting bar and hindged nose cap to fore-end.  Steel shapped butt plate also numbered to rifle correctly.  Pale Beech stock and full length hand guard.  Everything matches, even the stock, so this rifle has managed to remain together for its entire existance of 106 years – quite an achievement, considering it was on the loosing side.  The serial number is “872 n.”  Currently the main action fixing screws are welded to the trigger guard as per regulation but, if a re-conversion was considered, these could be rectified.  The first incarnation of the iconic K98 k of WW2.

Stock No S 76,  Shotgun certificate required

£ 900.

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