I just recently got my first German K98, 1943 model. No import marks and has been scrubbed thoroughly of Swastikas but there’s a faint outline of two eagles left. Nice bore, all matching rifle aside from barrel band. I have yet to check for a duffle cut but just recently getting into Mausers and learning. I inherited a 1909 Argentine that’s been in the family 40 plus years, then purchased a Spanish M43, Czech VZ-24, Swedish M96, and of course found a great deal on a Steyr M95 carbine. So much to learn but love collecting military surplus
I built a Kar98K starting with a Gew98 receiver, it was a fun project, Mauser 98 parts are very plentiful, mine is a hodge-podge of parts from all sorts of different countries and it’s my favorite rifle
Mauser 98 parts indeed are very plentiful. But not the first three versions of the Kar 98, except the front hook and the trigger guard block, identical to the Kar 98 AZ. The other parts are nearly impossible to find
@@RUSTYCHEVYTRUCK And that's a huge problem. I remember that 35 years ago, I found some parts of the Kar 98 Rakum tries to recreate, I never found the others. But when I found a Kar 98AZ reworked by the Poles, I had no problem to find the parts necessary to give it its original shape again
For the k99k type guns yes, but an actual Kar. 98 (not the Kar. 98AZ or K98k, etc.) are exceedingly rare. It’s hard to even find info on them outside of dedicated reference books or knowing exactly how to search for them online.
Glad to see you did the work to conserve the parts the right way! its good to see you are saving a cut down barrelled action as well, as that barrel was never going to be full length again like some people will forget when complaining about you making a mutt of a rifle. if it is safe to shoot, its better than a wall hanger.
Fantastic video. I have been doing a lot of research on these Kar.98's. Here is a little wirte up on the Karabiners. "With the German Army adopting the Mauser designed Gewehr 1898 in April, 1898, is well known. Also in 1898-1902 two different carbines models appeared. The M98 cavalry known as the Kav.Kar.98 and the M98 artillery carbine also known as the Art.Kar.98. These two carbines replaced the M88 carbine and M91 rifle. With the world watching the second Boer War, in which mounted Infantry played a key rule in the war. This may have encouraged the ideas to issue a carbine with a attachable bayonet to the cavalry. This carbine design is now known as the Kar.98 1st variant was introduced in Prussia by an Imperial Cabinet Order of the 6th of February 1902 and would be manufactured till 1905. In October 1903 the Ministry oreder MG detachment to be equipped with a new pattern of carbine. This model would become known as Kar.98 2nd model and also would be manufactured till 1905. However the new carbines for S rounds evinced such great flaws that the Prussian War Ministry ordered the their production to be discontinued as early as January 1905. According to the numbers ascertained by Heinz Lehner, more than 20,000 short carbines were constructed and at least 16,000 of them standard carbines adapted for the S ammunition. These carbines can be seen in arms museums and private collections.On the other hand, early military Model 98 carbines are generally unknown. The reason is that only a small number was manufactured, from 1898-1905, and most of them went to the Kaiserliche Schutztruppe in Africa and the Deutsches Ostasiatische Expeditionskorps. When Germany lost Great War in 1918 those arms remained in Africa, and only a few have survived to this very day." I catalog them. www.k98kforum.com/threads/known-surviving-kav-kar-98-art-kar-98-and-kar-98-1st-variant-and-2nd-model.48781/
Thanks for the info! I saw your post previously when researching this topic. The survival rate of these rifles has got to be less than average which goes to show how handy they are. When considered obsolete, they must have continued to be heavily used instead of being stored away.
@rakumprojects a large majority of them were used in the East asian expeditionary corps and later east asian Occupation brigade. They were also used in the colonies by Kaiserliche Schutztruppe.
Awesome video! Im actually from Erfurt, the city this rifle was manufactured. I could take a look at the books in the city library some time and see wether theres some more information
don't get your hope up, the second world war was pretty hard on german infrustructure, and I have found ww2 is where a TON of paperwork just vanishes in regards to germany
Not gonna lie. You’re honestly making a better version of what the Germans had in mind already. The only issue is that the rear sight’s numbered range isn’t going to be *completely accurate* considering that you’ve shortened the barrel. But regardless, the work you’re doing is very beautiful.
Awesome project. I regret not buying an Argentine carbine years ago. Happy with my 88 commission and 94 Swed though. Next Christmas ask the wife for a brass hammer, some brass punches, a plastic hammer (Saco), and a 2 oz. Ball peen.
So the only other mention I've seen of this rifle in any kind of detail is in C&Rsenal's Primer 008 on the 98AZ. This Kar 98 is mentioned briefly and Othias gives basically the same overview you give (he probably had access to the same sources you used) as well the history of the Kar 98 name. According to Othias' sources, a Kar 98 Cavalry and a Kar 98 Artillery were developed. They were basically the same weapon and the designs were "standardized" as the Kar 98 "A" with "A" being an abbreviation for "Auf pflanz vorrichtung fur das seitengewehr 98" which just means "with attachment for bayonet 98". So the Kar 98 Cavalry and the Kar 98 Artillery did not have bayonet attachments while the slightly modified Kar 98 A did have a bayonet lug.
I have a Kar98a, made in Erfurt 1915. Sadly somebody sporterized it, because Finnish law prohibited military weapons for civilian use after ww2. They also changed the barrel to 6,5x54 but somebody changed the original barrel back. I have both of those barrels👌🏻
When you finish this, you should try to get in touch with Ian from forgotten weapons, he Shows lots of self reproduced copies of obscure model guns. He'd probably feature it on the channel.
I wouldn't know the first thing about building a rifle, but have been absolutely intrigued for years and have watched many videos, i love when people use different parts from different firearms, weither its done properly with proper tools or with the tools you've got, not the Darwin award worthy ones, but the ones that have had actual thought process put into them, awesome work, awesome firearm 👌🏾
To move the rear sight back find someone with a small lathe that will accept the full length of the barrel. Place the barrel in the chuck nearest the area to be machined. Indicate the barrel true and turn off the amount you need. It is only a few thousandths and I do not think it will not harm the strength of the barrel. If you have a true carbine measure the barrel diameters in this area and see if there is any difference if you are not comfortable with it.
Additive welding might help with fabrication of the short/shortened rear sight, Backyard Ballistics has used this method to replace lost material, while the tools to do this may be cost prohibitive it would help with moving the pivot point back as the guide channel is too long on the full length sight, you would theoretically be able to move the pivot point back and fill the excess channel length to better match the carbine models, if it were me and I had the money I’d maybe have someone custom make a base and sight with the closest extrapolated measurements possible, but that’s less fun. Awesome project look forward to the next video
I think that's how I'm going to have to build the rear sight. Unfortunately I only have a MIG welder. A TIG would be more precise but I think I'll be able to do it.
@@rakumprojects you’ve shown your ability to adapt so with a little patience and possibly some practice if you have some extra parts, you’ll do just fine, where there’s a will there’s a way.
Awesome Bro! Can't wait to see how you convert this rifle. Unfortunately, I don't have any suggestions of how to modify the rear site. I've only restored and old 1916 French Berthier in 8mm Lebel. That's as much knowledge as I have with European rifles of WW1. You might want to reach out to Mark Novak. Great video as always. God Bless
I always thought the 1888 commission carbines were very cool. Now you got me thinking about building one of these. I have most of the parts from a slightly bubba'ed Erfurt 98. Just what I needed, another project! Thanks for sharing, Rat
That is going to be an interesting project. I just recently finished similar projects myself. Two 1903 Springfield's. One a 1903 MK1 and the other a Smith Corona 1903A3.
I have a Kar98 Erfurt 1905, with the Muzzle Front Sight Cap missing; also the narrow wood between the Bayonet band-lug is missing. Whilst not exact, a Kar88 muzzle cap is not exact, it will have to do. ( CNC copy)
Commission 1888 Carbine is my favorite. I realize the magazine looks a bit bulky... I feel in love when gibbons rifles rebuilt them in the late 1990's. Always a smart looking rifle; great smithing on your carbine.
Hello and thank you very much for this video. About the information on some details about this project, please try to get some research on the book ''The German Rifle'' from John Walter. I do not remember who is the editor. There was a german company who used to deal with W.W.s militaria and rifle parts. They closed and another one took over it. But I can not remember the name, I am very sorry! This text is really stupid I know, and I am sorry for this, but I hope i will return with some more truly help!!
I have a book named Mauser Bolt Rifles by Ludwig Olson, Third edition 1988, on page 112 there is a picture of a German Model 98 short carbine with a flat bolt handle. Photo by Robert F. Rubendunst. 7.9MM 7.7 lbs. 17.32" barrel length 37.4" w/o bayonet 1:9.45" twist 4 groves. On the next page is a picture of a 98a carbine, 23.62" barrel 43.3 w/o bayonet 8.0lbs.
Nice, but it will be hard. The Lange Vizier and the barrel band you found are standard ones, and can't be used on an early Kar 98, even heavily modified. I'm affraid you'll have to recreate these parts. You could avoid the problem of the barrel band by making one of the two versions without bayonet (which has a hook, very similar to the hook used on the Kar 98 AZ we all know. Before the Kar 98 AZ, there were three different versions). The trigger guard block is wrong too, yours is a G98's, very recognizable has it has a hole for the mobile sling swivel when used during parades. You'll have to find a Kar 98 AZ trigger guard block, which hasn't this hole and was already used on the first versions of the Kar 98, that should be quite easy. Good luck !
That's a good point regarding the trigger guard. I was thinking about plugging the hole and milling it flush in a later video, if anyone noticed! And I've seen the versions of the Kar 98 that closely resemble the Kar 88 and Gew 91. Replicating one of those would certainly be a lot easier, but there's just something so unique about the versions with the bayonet that I decided to go in that direction.
@@rakumprojects I fully agree, the version with bayonet is indeed unique in shape. Your idea about the trigger guard, why not, but it's a lot of work. You may look for an original Kar 98 AZ one, I'm sure you can find one
Had a Dutch police carbine, with 18" barrel years ago. Very handy fun little gun, until you shot it. Muzzle blast and recoil were terrible. OK as a wall hanger, but as a shooter forget it. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. It was even worse than the Polish M-N type 1944 carbine, ( the one with the folding bayonet. I admire your project for building a replica Mauser 98 carbine. But it's use as a shooter will be problematical, due to the above.
I love this , I really want to build a classic k98 into a hunting rifle in 8mm. I enjoy the video putting a plan into action. I'm looking for parts nothing that is perfect or perfect enough that can be bought back to original of coarse . I value history to much to do that one. This gives me a basic direction something with a 18 to 20 in barrel FS.
If there's anything in there regarding dimensions, that would be very helpful. I'm still not entirely sure of the exact barrel length, 440mm seems slightly short considering the Kar 88 measures 450mm.
@@rakumprojects the books state the same barrel length, with an overall length similar to the kar 88 at 95cm. The most interesting piece of measurement in the book is the measurement tables for the rear sight base (this one is graduated from 200 to 1800 meters). If you need it fully I think sending you a picture would be more useful than me trying to describe it.
Cool down and wait, mate ! There is still a lot of work to do, in particular with the parts we see here, which are different from the original Kar 98 (I'm speaking of the Lange Vizier, the trigger guard block and the front barrel band)
Since filming I found a K98k bolt. Other than that I have all the parts I need. To clarify, I'm not even attempting to find original Kar 98 parts since they're exceedingly rare. I'll be making from scratch or modifying existing parts to make the Kar 98 specific parts.
I'm a huge Model 1898 enthusiast. I thought there was the Gew.98, the Gew.98m (buttstock modifications), the Kar98a, Kar98b, and then the Kar98az before finally ending with the Kar98k series. Kar98a, is that what this is? Or is this the predecessor to the Kar98a I've never heard of, simply called Kar98? Because knowing Mauser, it can be both or either.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think the Kar 98 was renamed to the Kar 98a after the Kar 98az was adopted. German rifle naming is certainly confusing, which is why I'm sticking with simply Kar 98.
@@rakumprojects I looked it up and I remembered my Kar's incorrectly. There was the Kar98A (Kar98 capital-A) with the excessive recoil and muzzle flash that it seems you have in this video. Next, the Kar98AZ in 1908 with the 60cm barrel, renamed to Kar98a (Kar98 lowercase-A) in 1923 to distinguish between that and the 98b. The 98b got a 74cm barrel due to the Treaty of Versailles allowing Germany only to create "carbines," and that's a story in itself. Then, we got the 98k in 1935 which was apparently derived from the 98b. That was something I didn't know! It is therefore completely reasonable to call the Kar98A just the Kar98, and continue calling the Kar98AZ as it is.
All in all, there was four versions of the Kar 98 prior to 1918. One version without bayonet but with a front hook (same as the Kar 98 AZ) and a stock which goes to the front barrel band, for artillery. One version without hook but still with a long stock, for cavalry, and the third version with a bayonet Rakum Projects tries to recreate. The last version, the Kar 98 AZ, we all know what it is (and this version also had several "sub-versions" with only minor changes). And among the Gew 98, a specific version was made for the German Africa troops, given to camel units. A very very rare version
A very interesting and unique project. I definitely look forward to following the progress. By the way, give me a call as I have something for you. Reid
I have a old G98 that was sporterized a long time ago, cut barrel and chopped up stock sadly (was all matching too) and Ive been very tempted to convert it to a k98 like your doing, nice to see someone else is going down this way aswell
WARNING: Barrel Measurements Do NOT Include The Rifles Chamber. Barrel Measurements MUST Begin At End Of Rifles Chamber 55- 57mm.Must Be Removed From Overall Length Of Barrel.
@@rakumprojects I Stand Corrected. In 1982 A Shotgun Was Brought In To My Local Gun Smith.. It Was Cut Measuring From Bolt Face... Our Trusted Smith Said This Was Wrong.. Did Not Even Want To Know Whose Shot Gun It Was.. As He Was Required By Law To Report To ATF.. As Per Google: The ATF procedure for measuring barrel length is to measure from the closed bolt (or breech-face) to the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device.
Could I politely ask how come you changed the way you narrated your videos? I really love all of your work, however as I was working my way back through your older videos and it seems like approx a year or so ago they shifted from having a much more natural human cadence versus your newer ones where you seem to use the same inflection methodically, almost like a metronome. I don't mean to be critical and I don't know if it's intentional so if it's not my apologies, but I was just curious. I really appreciate all of the extra effort you put into sharing as much info as possible so thanks!
Forgotten carbine? This is one of the least forgotten carbines in history. This is the carbine that all future battle rifles were modeled after until WWII, and even then most beligerients used a rifle almost exactly like the Kar98K.
Except it’s not a k98k, that’s the issue. You really have to tailor your Google-fu to find pictures or any information as you will typically just get the really common k98k or k98az. The actual very early true carbine Kar. 98 and variants are exceedingly rare and frankly had little to do with German rifle development other than to make it clear that this short of a gun had excessive blast and recoil with the modernized 7,92x57. The later “short rifle” Kar. 98AZ was much more influential as was the Mauser “Standard Modell”.
