K98k Rifle: Backbone of the Wehrmacht
by
Alex C.
Published: June 14th, 2016
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The German K98k served Nazi Germany from the mid 1930s until the end of World War II, and was by far the most prolific German small arm during the conflict. The rifle is essentially a shorter, lighter, and handier version of the old Gewehr 98 rifles with some tweaks and modifications to make it more suitable for use by the German war machine. In this video, we take out one of these old workhorses and do a bit of shooting.
Alex is a Senior Writer for The Firearm Blog and Director of TFBTV.
More by Alex C.
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Like the K-98K is far more handy and likeable than the LONG G-98 from WW1. One I shot was made in 1938 and was in the regular Wehrmacht rifle. Cool thing is I do know this was brought to the US by a USGI and its used in the West. One way to find out as if you look at the German markings. The Russian and later the east Europeans who used them briefly in the 50s ground out most German markings on the rifle. Most captured by US and UK forces kept there proof marks.
The K-98K also was used after WW2 in the 50s and 60s by East German, Romanian and Army reserve and auxiliary units till the number of AK-47s could replace them. Still found in Syria Iraq and Afghanistain by enemy forces today.
Just watched the video on youtube and I just want to say, Alex that has to be the most beautiful K98k I've ever laid eyes upon. My grandfather has two that hes had since after the war, I'm not sure how he got a hold of them, as one is mainly all matching numbers aside from the rear sight. He's never shot them and I've never understood why.