View source for Karabiner 98k

{{Short description|German bolt-action rifle}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name            = Karabiner 98k
| image           = File:Kar 98K AM021488 noBG.png
| image_size      = 300
| caption         = Karabiner 98k made in 1940 from the collections of the [[Swedish Army Museum]]
| origin          = [[Nazi Germany]]
| type            = [[Bolt-action]] [[rifle]]
| service         = 1934–present
| used_by         = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| manufacturer    = [[Mauser]] (augmented by several other makers)
| unit_cost       = {{Reichsmark|55|link=yes}} (1935)<br />{{Inflation|DE|55|1935|r=-1}}&nbsp;[[EUR]] current equivalent
| wars            = See [[#Usage history|List of conflicts and wars]]
| is_ranged       = yes
| design_date     = 1934
| production_date = 1934–1945
| number          = 14,600,000<sup>+</sup><ref name="mausershooters" /><ref>[http://tirmilitairefabrice.ifrance.com/site%20mauser1/Kar%2098%20k.htm French K98k and G40k Page—go to "sommaire" at the bottom of the page to use the index {{in lang|fr}}] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202165720/http://tirmilitairefabrice.ifrance.com/site%20mauser1/Kar%2098%20k.htm |date=2008-02-02 }}</ref>
| variants        = ''See [[#Variants|Variants]]''
| weight          = {{convert|3.7|-|4.1|kg|abbr=on|lk=on}}<ref name=giwarchive/>
| length          = {{convert|1110|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}
| part_length     = {{convert|600|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}
| cartridge       = [[7.92×57mm Mauser]]<ref name=giwarchive/>
| action          = [[Bolt-action]]<ref name=giwarchive/>
| velocity        = {{convert|760|m/s|0|abbr=on}}
| range           = {{convert|500|m|yd|abbr=on}} with iron sights<br />{{convert|800|or|1000|m|yd|abbr=on}} with telescopic sight
| max_range       = {{convert|4700|m|yd|abbr=on}} with ''s.S. Patrone''
| feed            = 5-round [[stripper clip]], internal [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]]
| sights          = [[Iron sights]] or [[telescopic sight]].
}}

The '''Karabiner 98 kurz''' ({{IPA|de|kaʁaˈbiːnɐ ˌʔaxtʔʊntˈnɔʏntsɪç ˈkʊɐ̯ts|lang}}; {{gloss|[[carbine]] 98 short}}), often abbreviated '''Karabiner 98k''', '''Kar98k''' or '''K98k''' and also sometimes incorrectly referred to as a '''K98''' ([[Karabinek wz. 1898|K98]] is a Polish copy of the Kar98a), is a [[bolt-action]] [[rifle]] chambered for the [[7.92×57mm Mauser]] cartridge. It was adopted on 21 June 1935 as the standard [[service rifle]] by the German ''[[Wehrmacht]].''<ref name="mausershooters">[http://www.mausershooters.org/k98k/k98kframe.html K98k Mauser Page] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329051340/http://www.mausershooters.org/k98k/k98kframe.html |date=2007-03-29 }} Retrieved 28 March 2007.</ref> It was one of the final developments in the long line of [[Mauser]] military rifles.

Although supplemented by semi-automatic and fully automatic rifles during World War II, the Karabiner 98k remained the primary [[German military rifles|German service rifle]] until the end of the war in 1945.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Klein|first=Christopher|title=What and when did WWII end|url=https://www.history.com/news/world-war-ii-end-events|website=History.Com|date=13 June 2023 }}</ref> Millions were captured by the Soviets at the conclusion of World War II and were widely distributed as [[military aid]]. The Karabiner 98k therefore continues to appear in conflicts across the world as they are taken out of storage during times of strife.

==History==
In February 1934, the ''[[Waffenamt|Heereswaffenamt]]'' (Army Weapons Agency) ordered the adoption of a new military rifle. The Karabiner 98k was derived from earlier rifles, namely the Mauser [[Standardmodell rifle|''Standardmodell'' of 1924]] and the Karabiner 98b, which in turn had both been developed from the [[Gewehr 98]]. Since the Karabiner 98k rifle was shorter than the earlier Karabiner 98b (the 98b was a [[carbine]] in name only, as it was in reality a version of the Gewehr 98 long rifle designated a carbine to adhere to the Treaty of Versailles; the 98b was additionally fitted with a tangent rear sight rather than the more claustrophobic "Lange" ramp sight), the new rifle was given the designation ''Karabiner 98 kurz'', meaning "Carbine 98 Short". Just like its predecessor, the rifle was noted for its reliability, safety and an effective range of up to {{convert|500|m|yards|-1}} with iron sights  and {{convert|1000|m|yards|-1}} with an 8× [[telescopic sight]].<ref name="bishop1998">{{cite book |last=Bishop |first=Chris |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JZ9cSQNeK9cC&pg=PA216 |title=The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II |publisher=MetroBooks |year=1998 |isbn=1-58663-762-2 |location=New York |page=216 |access-date=28 April 2018 |via=Google Books}}</ref>

The desire for adopting new shorter barreled rifles and the introduction of the Karabiner 98k, featuring a {{convert|600|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} long barrel, were reasons for changing the standard German service ball rifle cartridge. The 1903 pattern 7.92×57mm Mauser ''S Patrone'' produced excessive muzzle flash when fired from arms that did not have a long barrel like the Gewehr 98. It was found that the ''s.S. Patrone'', originally designed for long range machine gun use, produced less muzzle flash out of rifles that had a shorter barrel and also provided better accuracy. Because of this, the ''S Patrone'' was phased out in 1933 and the ''s.S. Patrone'' became the standard German service ball cartridge in the 1930s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.waffen-welt.de/bilder/DiePatrone7.92x57.pdf|title=Die Patrone 7.92mm (8x57)|website=waffen-welt.de
|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822032655/http://www.waffen-welt.de/bilder/DiePatrone7.92x57.pdf|archive-date=22 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rifleshootermag.com/historical/20th-century-german-military-arms/|title=20th Century German Military Arms and Ammo - RifleShooter|date=18 February 2016|website=rifleshootermag.com
|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611031322/http://www.rifleshootermag.com/historical/20th-century-german-military-arms/|archive-date=11 June 2017}}</ref>

==Design details==
{{More citations needed|date=August 2021}}

===Features===
[[File:K98kclip.jpg|thumb|right|Karabiner 98k stripper clip with five 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridges]]
[[File:Disassembled mauser long action.jpg|thumb|right|A disassembled Karabiner 98k action]]

The Karabiner 98k is a controlled-feed bolt-action rifle based on the [[Gewehr 98#M98 controlled-feed bolt-action system|Mauser M98 system]]. Its internal [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]] can be loaded with five [[7.92×57mm Mauser]] cartridges from a [[stripper clip]] or one-by-one.<ref name=giwarchive>{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=German Infantry Weapons|url=https://archive.org/stream/GermanInfantryWeapons#page/n35/mode/2up|publisher=United States War Department|page=23|date=May 25, 1943}}</ref> After loading, the empty clip is ejected when the bolt is closed. The straight bolt handle found on the Gewehr 98 bolt was replaced by a turned-down bolt handle on the Karabiner 98k. This change made it easier to rapidly operate the bolt, reduced the amount the handle projected beyond the receiver, and enabled mounting of aiming optics directly above the [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]]. Each rifle was furnished with a short length of cleaning rod, fitted through the bayonet stud. The joined rods from 3 rifles provided one full-length cleaning rod.

The metal parts of the rifle were [[Bluing (steel)|blued]], a process in which steel is partially protected against rust by a layer of [[magnetite]] (Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>). Such a thin [[black oxide]] layer provides only minimal protection against rust or corrosion, unless also treated with a water-displacing oil to reduce wetting and [[galvanic corrosion]]. From 1944 onwards [[phosphate conversion coating|phosphating]]/[[Parkerizing]] was introduced as a more effective metal surface treatment.<ref name="Karabiner 98k at www.waffenhq.de"/>

===Sights===
The impractical ''Langevisier'' or "rollercoaster" rear sight of the Mauser Gewehr 1898 was replaced with a conventional [[tangent sight|tangent leaf sight]]. The Karabiner 98k rear tangent sight was comparatively flatter and did not obstruct the view to the sides during aiming as the ''Langevisier''. Originally, the Karabiner 98k [[iron sight]] line had an open-pointed-post-type (barleycorn) front sight, and a tangent-type rear sight with a V-shaped rear notch.<ref name=giwarchive/> From 1939 onwards the post front sight was hooded to reduce [[glare (vision)|glare]] under unfavourable light conditions and add protection for the post. These standard sight lines consisted of somewhat coarse aiming elements, making it suitable for rough field handling, aiming at distant area fire targets and low-light usage, but less suitable for precise aiming at distant or small point targets.  It is graduated for 7.92×57mm Mauser ''s.S. Patrone'' cartridges loaded with 12.8 g (197 gr) s.S. (''schweres Spitzgeschoß'' – "heavy pointed bullet") ball bullets from {{convert|100|to|2000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} in {{convert|100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} increments. The sight line of early productions rifles have the ranging scale copied at the bottom of the tangent aiming element for setting the range whilst lying down. The Karabiner 98k has a {{convert|500|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} sight radius. The sight lines were factory zeroed (''Anschießen'') as part of the [[acceptance testing|acceptance]] process before issue. The non user adjustable windage was factory set by horizontally drifting the front sight in a dovetail. It was discouraged to (re)zero the iron sight line by non-armorers.

During World War II, ''s.S. Patrone'' ball ammunition was gradually replaced by ''S.m.E.'' - ''Spitzgeschoß mit Eisenkern'' ("spitzer with iron core") mild steel cored projectile ammunition and later by ''S.m.E. lg'' - ''Spitzgeschoß mit Eisenkern lang'' ("spitzer with iron core long") ammunition to save on lead and other metals that became scarce in Germany during the war. Within the Karabiner 98k effective range the external ballistic behavior of these rounds were practically identical to s.S. ammunition, so the iron sight line range graduation could be retained.<ref name="waffen-welt.de">{{cite web|url=http://www.waffen-welt.de/bilder/DiePatrone7.92x57.pdf|title=Die Patrone 7.92mm (8x57)|website=waffen-welt.de|access-date=8 May 2018|archive-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822032655/http://www.waffen-welt.de/bilder/DiePatrone7.92x57.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Stock===
Early Karabiner 98k rifles had solid [[Stock (firearm)#Wood stocks|one-piece stocks]]. From 1937 onwards, the rifles had [[Stock (firearm)#Laminated wood|laminated stocks]], the result of trials that had stretched through the 1930s.<ref name="Karabiner 98k at www.waffenhq.de"/> [[Plywood]] [[laminates]] are stronger and resisted warping better than the conventional one-piece patterns, did not require lengthy maturing, and were cheaper. The laminated stocks were, due to their dense composite structure, somewhat heavier compared to one-piece stocks.<ref name=mmrw2>{{cite book|title=Mauser Military Rifles of the World |first=Robert W.D.|last= Ball |edition =5|publisher= Gun Digest Books|year= 2011 |pages=222, 227|isbn=978-1-4402-1544-5}}</ref> In addition to the use of walnut and [[beech]] laminate, [[elm]] was used in small quantities. The butts of the [[pistol grip|semi-pistol grip]] Karabiner 98k stocks were not uniform. Until early 1940 the stocks had a flat buttplate. After 1940, some stocks had a cupped buttplate to prevent the separation of the butt stock. All stocks had a steel buttplate.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}}

===Accessories===
[[File:German, maintenance box for weapons.JPG|thumb|''Reinigungsgerät 34'' ("Cleaning Kit 34") for field maintenance]]
[[File:Bagnet wyjęty z pochwy.JPG|thumb|left|S84/98 III bayonet and scabbard]]

When issued, the Karabiner 98k came accompanied with assorted accessory items including a [[Sling (firearms)|sling]], a protective muzzle cover, and for field maintenance a ''Reinigungsgerät 34'' ("Cleaning Kit 34") or RG34 kit. Introduced in 1934, the ''Reinigungsgerät 34'' consisted of a flat {{convert|85|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wide by {{convert|135|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} long sheet metal container with two hinged lids carried on the person, which held an oiler, a take down tool for removing the floorplate and cleaning the receiver of the rifle, an aluminum barrel pull-through chain, a cleaning and an oiling brush, and short lengths of tow used as cleaning patches.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mp44.nl/equipment/rg34.htm |title=Rifle Cleaning Kit 34 (Reinigungsgerät 34) |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113041615/http://www.mp44.nl/equipment/rg34.htm |archive-date=2012-01-13 }}</ref> From 1905 until 1945, the German military used [[Ballistol]] intended for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting metallic, wooden and leather firearms parts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ballistol.com/about-us/|title=About Us - Ballistol|website=ballistol.com|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909132449/https://ballistol.com/about-us/|archive-date=9 September 2017}}</ref>

The Karabiner 98k rifle was designed to be used with an [[S84/98 III bayonet]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/arms/blade/armbay.htm#304|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403044329/http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/arms/blade/armbay.htm#304|url-status=dead|title=REME Museum Page S84/98 III bayonet|archive-date=April 3, 2007}}</ref> The S84/98 III had a blade length of {{convert|252|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and an overall length of {{convert|385|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and was accompanied by a bayonet frog.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/98bayonets/98bayonets3.htm |title=German Bayonets for the Mauser 98-system used 1914-1945 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611065741/http://gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/98bayonets/98bayonets3.htm |archive-date=2011-06-11 }}</ref> The ''[[Seitengewehr 42]]'' or SG 42 was a shorter multi tool [[combat knife]] that could also be mounted as a bayonet on the Karabiner 98k rifle. The SG 42 was issued in small numbers.

====Rifle grenade launcher====
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-732-0123-15, Russland, Soldat der Div. »Großdeutschland«.jpg|thumb| Private of the [[Panzer-Grenadier-Division Großdeutschland]] with Karabiner 98k and mounted ''Schießbecher'']]

In 1942, an attachable [[rifle grenade]] launcher called the ''Gewehrgranatengerät'' or ''[[Schiessbecher]]'' ("shooting cup") was introduced that was developed based on rifle grenade launcher models designed during World War I. The 30&nbsp;mm ''Schiessbecher'' cup-type rifle grenade launcher could be mounted on any Karabiner 98k and was intended to replace all previous rifle grenade launcher models. The rifle grenade launcher could be used against infantry, fortifications and light armored vehicles up to a range of 280 m (306 yd). For these differing tasks, several specialized grenades with accompanying special propelling cartridges were developed for the 1,450,113 produced ''Schiessbecher'' rifle grenade launchers. The rifle grenade-propelling cartridges fired a wooden projectile through the barrel to the rifle grenade that, upon impact, automatically primed the rifle grenade. The ''Schiessbecher'' could be mounted on the [[Gewehr 98#Karabiner 98a|Karabiner 98a]], [[G98/40]], [[StG 44]] and [[FG 42]].

====ZF41 long eye relief optical sight====
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-455-0013-15, Russland, Scharfschützen.jpg|thumb|[[Luftwaffe Field Divisions]] soldier with Karabiner 98K and mounted ZF41 in Russia, 1942]]

Starting from 1941, the short 1.5× [[ZF41|Zielfernrohr 41]] (ZF41) long eye relief telescopic sight was fitted over the rear iron sight element to some Karabiner 98k rifles for [[designated marksman]] use. Adding the ZF41 to the rifle turned the Karabiner 98k essentially into an early somewhat big and heavy [[scout rifle]], though that concept did not exist at that time. The ZF41 was in fact the first attempt to provide the ordinary infantryman with a rifle capable of being used for sharpshooting. Early production ZF41 were matched, zeroed and fitted on Karabiner 98k rifles selected for being exceptionally accurate at the factory before issue. After the development of a field replaceable mount the ZF41 sights were issued to be mounted on random Karabiner 98k rifles by field armorers. This led to an inevitable reduction in accuracy in lots of these field fitted rifles. By the end of the war in 1945, more than 100,000 ZF41 sights had been produced, the largest production of German optical sights during the war.<ref>[https://www.rjmilitaria.com/ZF41/ The ZF41 Sharp Shooter A brief history & collectors guide – part 1]</ref><ref>[https://www.rjmilitaria.com/collecting-the-ZF41-part2/ The ZF41 Sharp Shooter A brief history & collectors guide – part 2]</ref>

====Suppressor====
A removable, muzzle-mounted HUB-23 [[suppressor]], visually resembling the ''Schießbecher,'' was manufactured for the Karabiner 98k. After several suppressor proposals from the firearms industry and the ''SS-Waffenakademie'' (SS Weapons Academy), the HUB-23 was produced based on a design proposal by Unteroffizier Schätzle. The HUB-23 weighs {{convert|0.5|kg|abbr=on|lk=on}} and is {{convert|180|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} long. The maximum effective range of a Karbiner 98k with a HUB-23 mounted and firing special subsonic ''Nahpatrone'' ("near cartridge") reduced load ammunition with a muzzle velocity of {{convert|220|m/s|0|abbr=on}} was {{convert|300|m|yd|abbr=on}}. The use of the HUB-23 suppressor and subsonic ammunition resulted in a sound signature reduction by 75%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Waffen/gewehre.htm |title=Lexicon der Wehrmacht Gewehre |language=de |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717074605/http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Waffen/gewehre.htm |archive-date=2011-07-17 }}</ref> The HUB-23 suppressor and the special subsonic ammunition were mainly used by special forces units such as the [[Brandenburgers]] and snipers.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}}

==Variants==
[[File:Karabiner 98 kurz.jpg|thumb|Karabiner 98k featuring simplified non-critical parts from the collections of the [[Swedish Army Museum]]]]

=== ''Kriegsmodell'' ===
Starting in late 1944, Karabiner 98k production began transition to the ''{{lang|de|Kriegsmodell}}'' ("war model") variant. This version was simplified to increase the rate of production, removing the bayonet lug, cleaning rod, stock disc (which functions as a bolt disassembly tool), and other features deemed unnecessary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/uniforms_firearms/firearms/98k/k98index.htm|title=Firearms and Uniforms of the Wehrmacht|website=www.wehrmacht-awards.com|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005042855/http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/uniforms_firearms/firearms/98k/k98index.htm|archive-date=5 October 2017}}{{bsn|date=February 2024}}</ref> Non-critical parts like the stock were finished to lower standards and metal parts like the nose cap, barrel band, floor plate and trigger guard (lacking the small locking screw provision) were simplified stamped parts and less elaborately mounted to the rifle. The M98 bolt was also simplified by no longer milling the two oval-shaped emergency gas relief holes in the bottom of the bolt. Instead, two emergency gas relief holes were drilled and the bolt guide was omitted from the bolt body. It had fewer serial numbered parts, a phosphate metal surface finish, and a hole at the bottom end of the butt plate that replaced the stock disk. At least two transitional variants existed, which incorporated only some {{lang|de|Kriegsmodell}} features, and some factories never switched to {{lang|de|Kriegsmodell}} production at all.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.latewar.com/html/kriegsmodel.htm|title=Kriegsmodell|access-date=20 May 2023|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124093852/http://www.latewar.com/html/kriegsmodel.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Sniper variants ===
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-216-0417-19, Russland, Soldaten in Stellung.jpg|thumb|right|German sniper aiming his Karabiner 98k with [[Carl Zeiss AG|Zeiss]] ZF39 4×36 [[telescopic sight]] during the [[Battle of Voronezh (1942)|Battle of Voronezh]] in 1942]]
[[File:Wehrmacht sniper team in position 1943.jpg|thumb|German sniper team with Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle fitted with a Dialytan RH36 4×32 telescopic sight in position among the rubble on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]]]]

Despite the [[Sniper rifle#20th century|experiences of World War I]], prior to the outbreak of World War II the German military command believed [[sniper rifle]]s with [[telescopic sight]]s were not necessary due to military technology advances in connection with new resulting tactics. Partly for that reason, the Karabiner 98k was not designed for use with aiming optics and the German military did not standardize a particular telescopic sight or mounting system and fielded many variants of sniper rifles.<ref name=Senich>{{cite book |last=Senich|first=Peter R.| title = The German sniper, 1914–1945|edition=1982|year=1982| publisher = [[Paladin Press]]| isbn=978-0-87364-223-1}}</ref> Already in the Poland campaign, and especially in the Russian campaign, it became apparent that specialist [[Sniper#World War II|sniper]]s were urgently needed as substantial losses were suffered caused by enemy snipers.
For snipers, Karabiner 98k rifles selected for being exceptionally accurate during factory tests were fitted with a telescopic sight and issued as [[sniper rifle]]s. The sniper rifles with Zeiss Zielvier 4× (ZF39) telescopic sights were expected to be capable of head or chest shots up to {{convert|400|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} and to hit a standing man at {{convert|600|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} when used by a skilled sniper. Regarding effective support/harassment fire ranges of up to {{convert|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} were achievable. The German Zeiss Zielvier 4× (ZF39) telescopic sight had [[bullet drop compensation]] in {{convert|50|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} increments for ranges from {{convert|100|to|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} or in some variations from {{convert|100|to|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}. It was not windage adjustable. There were also Zeiss Zielsechs 6× and Zielacht 8× telescopic sights and sights by various other manufacturers like the Ajack 4× and 6×, Hensoldt Dialytan 4×, Kahles Heliavier 4× and Opticotechna Dialytan 4× with similar features employed on Karabiner 98k sniper rifles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chevallet.eu/Documents/Lunettes+98k.pdf|title=chevallet.eu|website=www.chevallet.eu|access-date=20 May 2023}}</ref> Several different mountings produced by various manufacturers were used.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.frankonia.de/images/cms/de/pdf/Mauser_2.pdf|title=Übe Auge und Hand fürs Vaterland, Die Waffen der Deutsche Jäger und Scharfschützen, Teil 3 |language=de |website=frankonia.de|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021053316/http://www.frankonia.de/images/cms/de/pdf/Mauser_2.pdf|archive-date=21 October 2016}}</ref> Attaching telescopic sights to a Karabiner 98k required [[machining]] by a skilled armourer. A telescopic sight mounted low above the center axis of the receiver will not leave enough space between the rifle and the telescopic sight body for unimpaired operation of the bolt handle or the three-position [[safety (firearms)|safety catch lever]]. This ergonomic problem was solved by mounting the telescopic sight relatively high above the receiver and sometimes modifying or replacing the safety operating lever or using an offset mounting to position the telescopic sight axis to the left side in relation to the receiver center axis.<ref>[https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/world-war-ii-german-sniper-systems-rifles-optics-ammo/ World War II German Sniper Systems: Rifles, Optics & Ammo] americanrifleman.org January 7, 2021</ref> A common minor modification was replacing the stock buttplate with a waffled anti-slip "sniper" buttplate. Approximately 132,000 Karabiner 98k sniper rifles were produced by Germany.<ref name="French K98k and G40k Page">[http://tirmilitairefabrice.ifrance.com/site%20mauser1/Kar%2098%20k.htm French K98k and G40k Page] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202165720/http://tirmilitairefabrice.ifrance.com/site%20mauser1/Kar%2098%20k.htm |date=2008-02-02 }}</ref>

=== Paratrooper variants ===
Experimental versions of the Karabiner 98k intended for the [[Fallschirmjäger (Nazi Germany)|German paratroopers]] that could be transported in shortened modes were produced. The standard Karabiner 98k was too long to be carried in a parachute drop. However, the German paratroopers made only limited combat drops after the 1941 [[Battle of Crete]]; there was therefore little need for these rifles. Specimens with folding stocks (''Klappschaft'') and with detachable barrels (''Abnehmbarer Lauf'') are known to have been produced at Mauser Oberndorf.<ref name="Karabiner 98k at www.waffenhq.de">{{cite web|title=waffenHQ.de ........ die Welt der Waffen|url=http://www.waffenhq.de/index1280.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020011214/http://www.waffenhq.de/index1280.html|archive-date=20 October 2017|access-date=28 April 2018|website=www.waffenhq.de}}</ref>

=== G40k ===
The '''G40k''' with a total length of {{convert|1000|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} and a barrel length of {{convert|490|mm|in|2|abbr=on}} and {{convert|3.2|kg|abbr=on}} weight was a shortened experimental version of the Karabiner 98k.<ref name="Karabiner 98k at www.waffenhq.de"/><ref name="French K98k and G40k Page"/> The rear tangent sight of the G40k was graduated for ''s.S. Patrone'' cartridges from 100 m to 1000 m in 100 m increments. A batch of 82 G40k rifles was produced in 1941 at Mauser Oberndorf.<ref name=mmrw>{{harvnb|Ball|2011|p=222}}</ref>

=== Mauser KKW cadet rifle ===
The '''Mauser KKW (''Klein Kaliber Wehrsportgewehr'') cadet rifle''' is a single shot, [[.22 Long Rifle|.22]] caliber rifle that was introduced in 1938. Its operation is virtually identical to the Karabiner 98k. These [[cadet rifle]]s were used by all German military, paramilitary and police organizations, especially the [[Hitler Youth]] for basic firearms and marksmanship training.{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}

== Receiver codes ==
[[File:Herstellercode 98k.JPG|thumb|Karabiner 98k with code S/42 1937 stamped on the receiver denoting it was made in 1937 by Mauser in Oberndorf am Neckar]]

Karabiner 98k receivers were stamped with a factory code indicating date and location of manufacture. These codes were originally prefixed with "S/" and suffixed with "K" for 1934 or "G" for 1935. The [[German ordnance codes|intervening numeric code]] indicated location. The two- or four-digit year of manufacture was stamped on the receiver ring instead of a letter suffix after 1935.  The numeric codes were:
* 27 for [[Erma Werke|Erfurter Maschinen- und Werkzeugfabrik (ERMA)]] in [[Erfurt]]
* 42 for [[Mauser]] in [[Oberndorf am Neckar]]
* 147 for [[Sauer & Sohn]] in [[Suhl]]
* 237 for [[Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik]] in [[Lübeck]]
* 243 for Mauser in [[Borsigwalde]]
* 337 for Gustloff Werke in [[Weimar]]
* 660 for [[Steyr-Daimler-Puch]] in [[Steyr]]
* 945 for Waffenwerke Brünn in [[Brno]]
The "S/" prefix was dropped and letters were used for location codes beginning in 1937, although some manufacturers retained the numeric codes past that date. The letter codes were:
* ar for Mauser in Borsigwalde
* ax for Erma Werke
* bcd for Gustloff Werke
* bnz for Steyr-Daimler-Puch
* BSW for Berlin-Suhler Waffen und Fahrzeugwerke (BSW is abbreviation not letter code
* byf for Mauser in Oberndorf am Neckar
* ce for Sauer & Sohn
* dot for Waffenwerke Brünn in Brno
* dou for Waffenwerke Brünn in Bystrica
* duv for Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik
* svw45 for Mauser 1945 production in Oberndorf am Neckar
* swp45 for Waffenwerke Brünn 1945 production in Brno
Combined production by multiple manufacturers are indicated by two codes separated by a slash.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gilbert |first1=Glenn M. |year=2006 |title=Mauser Kar. 98k Receiver Codes |journal=[[American Rifleman]] |volume=154 |issue=September |pages=22&24 |publisher=National Rifle Association of America |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/mauser-kar-98k-receiver-codes/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806032014/https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/mauser-kar-98k-receiver-codes/ |archive-date=6 August 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Usage history==
{{More citations needed|date=August 2021}}

===Pre–World War II export===
Though most Karabiner 98k rifles went to the German armed forces, the weapon was sold abroad in the years prior to World War II. In Portugal, a large quantity of Karabiner 98k rifles made by Mauser Werke were adopted as the '''Espingarda 7,92&nbsp;mm m/937 Mauser''' infantry rifle.<ref>Reynolds, Dan, ''The Rifles of Portugal 1880–1980'', {{cite web |url=http://www.carbinesforcollectors.com/port.html |title=Port |access-date=2008-09-09 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005230128/http://www.carbinesforcollectors.com/port.html |archive-date=2008-10-05 }}</ref> They were later used during the [[Portuguese Colonial War]].<ref>Abbott, Peter, and Rodrigues, Manuel, ''Modern African Wars 2: Angola and Mozambique 1961–74'', Osprey Publishing (1998), p.17</ref> Other pre-war exports of Karabiner 98ks were to China (an unknown number of rifles 1935 - 38),<ref>Law, Richard D., "Backbone of the Wehrmacht, Collector Grade Publications, Ontario, 1993, pp. 308–9</ref> and 20,000 in 1937 to Japan.<ref>Law, Richard D., "Backbone of the Wehrmacht, Collector Grade Publications, Ontario, 1993, p. 310</ref> Exports of Karabiner 98ks decreased as war drew closer, as all available production capacity was needed to equip the German Armed Forces.

===World War II use===
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-584-2159-20, Frankreich, Soldat mit Gewehr in Stellung.jpg|thumb|right|A concealed German soldier in northern France, 1944. His Karabiner 98k is equipped with a ''Gewehrgranatgerät'' [[Rifle grenade|cup-type grenade launcher attachment]].]]

The Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle was widely used by all branches of the armed forces of Germany during [[World War II]]. It saw action in every theatre of war involving German forces, including occupied Europe, North Africa, the Soviet Union, Finland, and Norway. Although comparable to the weapons fielded by Germany's enemies at the beginning of the War, its disadvantages in rate of fire became more apparent as American and Soviet armies began to field more semi-automatic rifles and submachine guns for their troops. Still, it continued to be the main infantry rifle of the Wehrmacht until the end of the war, and about between 900 thousand and 2 million of them were produced annually.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Waffen/gewehre.htm | title=Lexikon der Wehrmacht - Gewehre }}</ref> Resistance forces in German-occupied Europe made frequent use of captured German Karabiner 98k rifles. The [[Soviet Union]] also made extensive use of captured Karabiner 98k rifles and other German infantry weapons due to the [[Red Army]] experiencing a critical shortage of small arms during the early years of World War II. Many German soldiers used the verbal expression "Kars" as the slang name for the rifle.

Sweden ordered 5,000 Karabiner 98ks that were provided from the regular production run in 1939<ref>Law, Richard D., "Backbone of the Wehrmacht, Collector Grade Publications, Ontario, 1993, p. 320</ref> for use as light [[anti-tank rifle]]s under the designation '''''gevär m/39''''' (rifle m/39) but it was soon evident that the penetration offered by the 7.92×57mm Mauser was inadequate and thus the gevär m/39 were rechambered to the [[8×63mm patron m/32]], which was a more powerful 8&nbsp;mm cartridge specifically designed for long-range machinegun fire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.guns.ru/ammunition/rifle-cartridges-e.html#8bofors|title=8x63 M32 Bofors|website=guns.ru|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207121939/http://world.guns.ru/ammunition/rifle-cartridges-e.html#8bofors|archive-date=7 December 2010}}</ref> Accordingly, the Karabiner 98ks were rechambered in Sweden for the 8×63mm patron m/32 and the [[Magazine (firearm)#Bolt action magazine rifle|internal box magazine]] of the M 98 system was adapted to match the dimensionally larger 8×63mm patron m/32 cartridge, reducing the capacity to 4 rounds and accepted into service as '''''pansarvärnsgevär m/40'''''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.evhf.se/EVHF/Texter_files/Fra%CC%8Agor%20samt%20fo%CC%88rso%CC%88k%20till%20svar.pdf|title=Urdrag ur besiktningsbestämmelser fastställda av KATD den 27/6 1942 för 8 mm sk ptr m/32|website=evhf.se|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922194028/http://www.evhf.se/EVHF/Texter_files/Fra%CC%8Agor%20samt%20fo%CC%88rso%CC%88k%20till%20svar.pdf|archive-date=22 September 2017}}</ref> A [[muzzle brake]] was installed to reduce the excessive [[free recoil]], and the resulting weapon was designated '''''gevär m/40''''' in Swedish service. They were however also found to be unsatisfactory and were soon withdrawn from service, and sold off after WW II.<ref>[http://gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/kar98k/kar98k.htm Den tyska karbinen modell 98 K. Göta Vapenhistoriska Sällskap.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611065823/http://gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/kar98k/kar98k.htm |date=2011-06-11 }} Retrieved 7 October 2012.</ref>

=== Post–World War II use ===
==== Soviet capture ====
[[File:Bolt517.jpg|thumb|A close up of the action of a Karabiner 98k. The electro-penciled bolt and the X on the left side of the receiver are indicators of a Russian-captured weapon.]]

During World War II, the Soviet Union captured millions of Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles and re-furbished them in various arms factories in the late 1940s and early 1950s. These rifles, referred to by collectors as RC ("Russian Capture") Mausers, can be identified by an "X" stamp on the left side of the receiver. The Soviet arsenals made no effort to match the rifle's original parts by serial number when reassembling them, and some metal parts (the cleaning rod, sight hood, and locking screws) were omitted after rebuilding, and instead were melted down and recycled, presumably with the other parts that weren't suitable for re-use.

Many of these rifles (along with the [[Mosin–Nagant]] rifle) served in conflicts after World War II. One example of Soviet-captured Mauser Kar98k rifles being used in post-WWII conflicts is the [[Korean War]], where a number of these rifles were provided by the Soviet Union (along with Soviet-made small arms) to Chinese Communist forces to supplement their supply of [[Type Zhongzheng]] rifles. Both the Soviet-capture Kar98k rifle and the Chinese Type Zhongzheng rifle were used extensively by the [[People's Volunteer Army]] throughout the course of the Korean War.

The Korean War would not be the only conflict where Soviet-capture Kar98k rifles and WWII German small arms were provided to the allies of the Soviet Union. The [[Vietnam War]] would become another example with Soviet-capture Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles being provided to [[North Vietnam]] by the USSR as military aid. Many Soviet-capture Karabiner 98k rifles (as well as some Karabiner 98k rifles that were left behind by the French after the [[First Indochina War]] and Type Zhongzheng rifles provided by the People's Republic of China) were found in the hands of [[Viet Cong]] guerrillas and [[Vietnam People's Army|People's Army of Vietnam]] (NVA) soldiers by US, South Vietnamese, South Korean, Australian and New Zealand forces alongside Soviet-bloc rifles like the Mosin–Nagant, the [[SKS]], and the [[AK-47]].<ref>[http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/394026.pdf/ Operation Denver After Action Report, 1966 ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220233817/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/394026.pdf |date=2017-02-20 }} Pg. 6, Retrieved Feb 15, 2018</ref>

==== Post-occupation service ====
In the years after World War II, several European nations on both sides of the Iron Curtain that were invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany used the Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle as their standard-issue infantry rifle, due to the large number of German weapons that were left behind by the Germans at the end of World War II.

Nations like France and Norway used the Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle and other German weapons in the years after World War II. France produced a slightly modified version of the Kar 98k in the [[French occupation zone]] of Germany in the immediate post-war period. The new manufacture Kar 98ks equipped some French units that used them in [[French Indochina|Indochina]] for a limited time.<ref name="Grant 50"/> Some of these rifles were also used by pro-French second-line units and Algerian independentists during [[Algerian War]].<ref name="Algeria">{{cite magazine|language=fr|magazine=Gazette des Armes|issue=220|date=March 1992|title=L'armement français en A.F.N.|pages=12–16|url=http://fr.1001mags.com/parution/gazette-des-armes/numero-220-mars-1992/page-14-15-texte-integral|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=17 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217220157/http://fr.1001mags.com/parution/gazette-des-armes/numero-220-mars-1992/page-14-15-texte-integral|url-status=dead}}</ref> French Police forces, the [[Paris Police Prefecture]] and the [[Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité]], used 98ks from 1945 to 1992, to fire [[Tear gas|lachrymator]] and [[smoke grenade]]s.<ref name="CRS">{{cite web|title=Les armes du soulèvement|url=https://www.prefecturedepolice.interieur.gouv.fr/Soulevement/Paroles/Temoignages/A-voir-les-armes-du-soulevement|website=prefecturedepolice.interieur.gouv.fr|publisher=[[Paris Police Prefecture]]|date=31 July 2014|language=fr}}</ref> These rifles were also used by West German border guards.{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=135}}

[[File:Karabiner-98k-nazi-eagle.jpg|thumb|right|The emblem of Nazi Germany, eagle with [[swastika]], is still visible on many of the rifles that were used by the Norwegian military. The "FLY" prefix to the serial number denotes that this rifle was issued to Flyvåpenet (Air Force).]]

Norway's captured Karabiner 98k rifles were soon superseded as a standard-issue weapon by the US M1 Garand, but remained in service as Norwegian Home Guard weapons until the 1990s, in which role they were rebarreled for the [[.30-06 Springfield]] round used by the M1, with a small cutout in the receiver so that the slightly longer US round could still be loaded with stripper clips. These Norwegian conversions had a section of the receiver flattened on the upper left side, where a new serial number (with a prefix denoting the branch of service) was stamped. Some of these rifles conversions were rechambered again to [[7.62×51mm NATO]],<ref name="Grant 50"/> but this program was canceled with only a few thousand converted when Norway adopted the [[AG-3|AG-3 (H&K G3)]] as a replacement for both the M1 and the K98k. Some actions from Mauser Karabiner 98k left by German armed forces in 1945 were used by Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk (currently Kongsberg Small Arms) for building both military and civilian sniper/target rifles under the [[Mauser M59|Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk Skarpskyttergevær M59 - Mauser M59]] and [[Mauser M67|Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk Skarpskyttergevær M67 - Mauser M67]] designations. These rifles were used by the Norwegian armed forces up to the 2000s. Karabiner 98k rifles rechambered to .30-06 Springfield are still used by the [[Svalbard Global Seed Vault]] security guards mainly as a last resort against polar bear attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/03/05/norways-svalbard-arctic-seed-vault-defended-rifles-world-war-two/|title=Norway's Svalbard Arctic Seed Vault is Defended by Rifles from World War Two |date=March 5, 2018|website=www.thefirearmblog.com}}</ref>

In West Germany, the Karabiner 98k were issued to the [[Bundesgrenzschutz]] (BGS; {{langx|en|[[Federalism|Federal]] [[Border guard|Border Guard]]}}), which was originally organized along paramilitary lines and armed as light infantry; in the 1950s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-25657503.html|title=BUNDESGRENZSCHUTZ: Bitte Einmarsch|newspaper=Der Spiegel|date=9 September 1953|access-date=28 April 2018|via=Spiegel Online|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427205357/http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-25657503.html|archive-date=27 April 2017}}</ref>

Former German Karabiner 98k rifles were widely distributed throughout the Eastern Bloc, some being refurbished two or three times by different factories. They were used by military and para-military forces (such as the [[East Germany|East German]] [[Combat Groups of the Working Class]]), and were replaced by Soviet weapons in the 1960s.

During the [[Greek Civil War]], the Greek pro-communist factions were equipped with large numbers of Kar 98k rifles, captured from the Germans or supplied by Yugoslavia.{{sfn|Bloomfield|Leiss|1967|p=765}} Later, during the [[Cyprus Emergency]], the Cypriot [[EOKA]] smuggled several dozens of these rifles from Greece.{{sfn|Bloomfield|Leiss|1967|p=853}}

[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-85458-0003, Berlin, Mauerbau, Kampfgruppen, NVA, VP.jpg|thumb|[[East Germany|East German]] members of the [[Combat Groups of the Working Class]], [[Border Troops of the German Democratic Republic|Border Troops]] and the [[Volkspolizei]] at the border of the Berlin sector in 1961. The Combat Group members are equipped with Karabiner 98k rifles.]]

East German refurbished Karabiner 98ks featured Russian-style thicker blue finish, a 'sunburst' proof mark and sometimes had the factory designation '1001' applied, which was the factory where the refurbishment was carried out. Numbers were re-stamped to match the receiver and old numbers barred out. Numbers of East German and Czech refurbished Karabiner 98ks were exported to the West in the late 1980s and early 1990s and are now in the hands of collectors. Russian Capture Karabiner 98ks were exported to the West in large numbers in the early and mid-2000s.

==== Yugoslavian postwar refurbishment ====
{{main|Zastava M 98/48}}
Because of the lack of weapons after World War II, the [[Yugoslavia]]n arms producer Crvena Zastava (Nowadays [[Zastava Arms]]) refurbished German Karabiner 98k rifles that were left over or captured during the war. These rifles are readily identifiable as the German factory code markings have been scrubbed from the receiver and replaced with the Yugoslavian communist crest and the marking "Preduzeće 44" on the receiver's ring. In addition to this, if the refurbishment took place after 1950, the marking "/48" was added to the "Mod. 98" originally present on the left side of the receiver, becoming "Mod. 98/48". The refurbished rifles were known also as [[Zastava M 98/48]]. The refurbished Prеduzeće 44 Karabiner 98k rifles were still being used in the [[Yugoslav Wars]] of the 1990s.

====Austrian modification and use as SSG 98k sniper rifle====
By modifying and accurizing surplus Karabiner 98K rifles, the [[Military of Austria|Austrian Army]] created and adopted the '''SSG 98k''' ('''''S'''charf'''s'''chützen'''g'''ewehr 98k'', literally Sharpshooter Rifle 98k) in 1958 as their standard sniper rifle. Modifications and updates included rechambering to the at the time recently introduced 7.62×51mm NATO with new {{convert|600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} free floating barrels, sporterizing the original stock and adding a rubber Pachmayr recoil pad. The rechambering matched the adoption in 1958 of the 7.62×51mm NATO [[FN FAL#Sturmgewehr 58|Sturmgewehr 58]] by the Austrian military. The SSG 98k was issued with the Kahles ZF 58 4×41 telescopic sight that could be quickly user detached and attached from their mounts, but retained iron sights for back up purposes. The ZF 58 optical sight featured a [[Telescopic sight#Bullet drop compensation|Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) elevation turret]] tuned for the [[external ballistics|ballistic trajectory]] of the gun-[[cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] combination with a predefined [[projectile]] weight/type, [[muzzle velocity]] and [[air density]] at ranges. The Austrian military ZF 58 sight's BDC was calibrated from {{convert|100|-|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} in {{convert|100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} increments. For storage and transport, the ZF 58 sights were issued with a leather carrying pouch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/ssg-98k-austria-repurposes-german-sniper-rifles/|title=SSG-98k: Austria Repurposes German Sniper Rifles|first=Ian|last=McCollum|date=27 February 2023|website=www.forgottenweapons.com|access-date=20 May 2023}}</ref> In Austrian service, the SSG 98k started to be replaced from 1969 when the [[Steyr SSG 69]] sniper rifle was adopted.

==Accuracy potential==
The following table lists minimum expected accuracy statistics for typical in service Karabiner 98k rifles firing ''s.S. Patrone'' ball service ammunition. The statistics were computed under the 1930s German method for determining accuracy, which is more complex than Western methods which usually involve firing a group of shots and then measuring the overall diameter of the group.  The German method differs in that after a group of shots are fired into the target, hits on the outer part of the target are disregarded, while only half of the hits on the inner part of the circles are counted (50% or R<sub>50</sub>). This significantly reduces the overall diameter of the groups. The vertical and horizontal measurements of the reduced groups are then used to measure accuracy. This [[circular error probable]] method used by the German and other European militaries cannot be converted and is not comparable to US military methods for determining rifle accuracy. When the R<sub>50</sub> results are doubled the hit probability increases to 93.7%.

[[File:Circular error probable - example.png|thumb|right|Circular error probable 20 hits distribution example]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
!colspan="5"|Karabiner 98k average dispersion with ''s.S. Patrone'' 7.92×57mm service ammunition<ref>H.Dv.240: Schiessvorschrift für Gewehr (Karabiner) leichtes Maschinengewehr und Pistole und Bestimmungen für das Werken scharfer Handgranaten. 30 Juni 1934. Berlin, E.g.Mittler, 1937, page 28</ref><br />
|-
!Range||Vertical accuracy of fire (R<sub>50</sub>)||Horizontal accuracy of fire (R<sub>50</sub>)||Radius (R<sub>50</sub>)||Diameter of group (R<sub>93.7</sub>)
|-
|{{convert|0|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|0|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|0|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|0|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|0|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|4|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|3|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|3|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|12|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|200|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|8|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|6|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|6|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|24|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|300|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|12|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|10|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|10|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|40|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|400|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|16|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|14|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|14|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|56|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|500|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|22|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|18|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|18|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|72|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|-
|{{convert|600|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|28|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|23|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|-
|{{convert|700|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|34|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|27|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|-
|{{convert|800|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|40|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|32|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|-
|{{convert|900|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|50|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|39|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|-
|{{convert|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|60|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|45|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|-
|{{convert|1100|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|70|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|52|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|-
|{{convert|1200|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|82|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|60|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|-
|{{convert|1300|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|95|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|69|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|-
|{{convert|1400|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|110|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|79|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|-
|{{convert|1500|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|125|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||{{convert|90|cm|in|1|abbr=on}}||-||-
|}

* <small>R<sub>50</sub> means the closest 50 percent of the shot group will all be within a circle of the mentioned diameter.</small>
* <small>R<sub>93.7</sub> means the closest 93.7 percent of the shot group will all be within a circle of the mentioned diameter.</small>
* <small>The [[Gewehr 98]] and [[MG 13]] in semi-automatic firing mode performed similar with ''s.S. Patrone'' 7.92×57mm service ammunition.</small>

===Acceptance standard===
The minimum accuracy acceptance standard for the Karabiner 98k was putting three out of five shots inside an {{convert|8|×|12|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} wide and high rectangle at a distance of {{convert|100|m|yd|1|abbr=on}} during the factory zeroing (''Anschießen'') of the sight line and firing test with no marking or observation between rounds. If a fired round touched the edge of the rectangle it was considered inside. All five shots had to be inside a {{convert|12|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} circle at {{convert|100|m|yd|1|abbr=on}}, which translates into 4.1 MOA as the minimum standard. The rifle manufacturer had two attempts to pass the accuracy acceptance standard and was allowed to correct the rifle between the attempts. If a rifle did not pass the first test firing submission, the unsatisfactory target was kept to compare it to the second test firing submission.<ref>Backbone of the Wehrmacht The German K98k Rifle, 1934-1945 Richard D. Law {{ISBN|9780889351394}} p. 128</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.schuetzenverein1990-hoyerswerda.de/mauser-98-k.html|title=Mauser 98 k - Schützenverein 1990 e.V. Hoyerswerda|website=www.schuetzenverein1990-hoyerswerda.de}}</ref>

== Post–World War II derivatives ==
{{more citations needed section|date=February 2020}}

Many of the liberated European countries continued production of rifles similar to the Karabiner 98k, for example [[Fabrique Nationale de Herstal|Fabrique Nationale]] (FN) in Belgium<ref name="FN Israel">{{cite web|title= Karabiner 98k (Israel)|url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30029770|website=iwm.org.uk|publisher=[[Imperial War Museum]]}}</ref> and [[Česká zbrojovka firearms|Česká Zbrojovka]] (CZ) in [[Czechoslovakia]] produced both their proprietary older models and brand new Karabiner 98k rifles, many of which were assembled from leftover German parts or using captured machinery.

As with post-Nazi occupation service post-war production of derivatives was a stop-gap solution until enough numbers of more modern automatic rifles could be developed and produced. The vast majority of the 98k pattern rifles were soon stored as reserve weapons or given for very low prices to various fledgling states or rebel movements throughout the developing world. For instance, between 1950 and 1952, a hybrid of Kar 98k and [[Vz 24]] was produced by [[Zbrojovka Brno]] for [[Bolivia]], as ''Fusil Modelo Boliviano Serie B-50''.{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=61}}

Both FN and CZ utilized a modified {{lang|de|Kriegsmodell}} design, with the cleaning rod and stock disk omitted, but the bayonet lug restored. In Czechoslovakia it was known as P-18 or puška vz.98N, the first being the manufacturer's cover designation of the type, the second official army designation - rifle model 98, N for německá - German.

=== Yugoslavian M48 ===
From 1948 to 1965, Yugoslavian Zastava Arms produced a close copy of the Karabiner 98k imported between the wars from [[Fabrique Nationale]] called the [[M48 Mauser|Model 1948]], which differed from the German rifle in that it had the shorter bolt-action of the [[FN Model 24 and Model 30#Yugoslavia 2|Yugoslav M1924]] series of rifles (not to be confused with the widely distributed Czech Vz 24, which had a standard length action), a thicker barrel profile (Yugoslavia had low [[chromium]] iron ore deposits, so they could not produce steel as hardened as the [[Krupp]] or Swedish steel used in other variants, and made up for it in adding extra material),{{citation needed|date=January 2013}} and a rear sight enclosed in the wooden hand guard (the German-style hand guard began in front of the rear sight, unlike e.g. exports to [[South America]] that had a handguard and rear sight like the M48).

A hunting variant of the Yugoslavian M48 is still produced by Zastava Arms, it is designated as the Zastava Arms M70 Bolt Action Rifle now.

=== Spanish M43 ===
[[File:M43 Spanish Mauser Fabrica De Armas De La Coruña.JPG|thumb|M43 Spanish Mauser - Fábrica de Armas de la Coruña]]
The Spanish M43, produced in [[A Coruña]] from 1944 to 1958,{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=433}} was a variant of the Karabiner 98k with a straight bolt handle, no front sight guard and a handle groove in the front stock much like the earlier {{lang|de|Reichspostgewehr}}.{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=358}} It was chambered in 7.92×57mm Mauser calibre. It was the standard rifle of the Spanish units during the [[Ifni War]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Guerra y armas en Ifni-Sáhara (1957-1958)|url=https://descubrirlahistoria.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DlH4_Ifni.pdf|first=Ismael López|last=Domínguez|magazine=Descubrir la Historia|pages=32–33|issue=4|date=January 2016}}</ref> Some were rebuilt from Gewehr 98 or Republican wz. 29 rifles.{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=433}}{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=434}} The Spanish Air Force had a slightly modified version with front sight guards, the M44.{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=434}} When Spain began switching to the CETME automatic rifle, many M43 were converted to [[FR8]] rifles for military training purposes and [[Guardia Civil]] service.{{sfn|Ball|2011|pp=359–360}}

===Israeli Mauser===
[[File:IDF women soldiers in basic training 1954 (טירוניות בבה).jpg|thumb|Israeli soldiers training with the Karabiner 98k in 1954]]

[[File:Mauser-K98-7.62.jpg|thumb|Israeli Mauser Karabiner 98k (7.62×51mm NATO)]]

A number of non-European nations used the Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle as well as a few guerrilla organizations in conflicts to establish new nation-states. Israel issued Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles from the late 1940s until the 1970s, which are today sought after by collectors. Many were acquired under [[Operation Balak]].<ref name="SR">{{Cite web|url=https://silahreport.com/2019/12/26/operation-balak-the-idfs-star-of-david-on-nazi-rifles/|title=Operation Balak: The IDF's Star of David on Nazi Rifles|date=December 26, 2019}}</ref>

Many Jewish organizations in [[Mandatory Palestine]] acquired them from Europe after World War II to both defend themselves and carry out operations against Arabs and British forces in the region.

The [[Haganah]], which later evolved into the modern-day [[Israel Defense Forces]], was one of the Jewish armed groups in Palestine that brought large numbers of Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles and other surplus arms (namely the British Lee–Enfield bolt-action rifle, which was used on a large scale by these groups) and the Mosin–Nagant from Europe after World War II. Many, though not all, Israeli-used German surplus Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles have had their [[Nazism|Nazi]] Waffenamt markings and emblems stamped over with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and [[Hebrew alphabet|Hebrew]] arsenal markings.

As the Arab-Israeli conflict approached and the British Mandate set to expire, the Haganah and other Jewish forces in [[Mandatory Palestine|The British Mandate of Palestine]] tried to get hold of as many weapons as they could in the face of an arms embargo by British colonial authorities. One of the most important purchases was a secret January 14, 1948, $12,280,000 worth contract with [[Arms shipments from Czechoslovakia to Israel 1947-1949|Czechoslovak Government]] including 4,500 P-18 rifles, as well as 50,400,000 rounds of ammunition. Later, the newly established Israel Defense Forces ordered more Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles, produced this time by Fabrique Nationale.<ref name="FN Israel"/> These have Israeli and Belgian markings on the rifle as well as the emblem of the IDF on the top of the rifle's receiver. The FN-made Karabiner 98k rifles with the IDF markings and emblem on the rifle were produced and sold to Israel after it established itself as an independent nation in 1948. At some point, Israel converted all other Mauser 98-pattern rifles in their inventory (most commonly Czechoslovak [[vz. 24]] rifles, but small numbers of contract Mausers from sources ranging from Ethiopia to Mexico were also known to have come into Israeli hands) to the now standardized Karabiner 98k configuration. The original receiver markings of these conversions were not altered, making it easy for collectors to identify their origin. The Israeli Karabiner 98k utilized the same bayonet design as in German service, with a barrel ring added.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} Swedish Gevär m/40 rifles were converted to the 7.92×57mm Mauser round.<ref name="ArmsControl">{{cite book|title=The Control of local conflict : a design study on arms control and limited war in the developing areas|volume=3|last1=Bloomfield|first1= Lincoln P.|last2=Leiss|first2=Amelia Catherine<!--|last3=Legere|first3= Laurence J.|last4= Barringer|first4= Richard E.|last5=Fisher|first5= R. Lucas|last6= Hoagland|first6= John H.|last7=Fraser|first7= Janet|last8=Ramers|first8=Robert K-->|publisher=Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Center for International Studies|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA324492.pdf#page=680|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804022404/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA324492.pdf#page=680|url-status=live|archive-date=August 4, 2020|date=30 June 1967|hdl=2027/uiug.30112064404368|page=699}}</ref>  The Israeli bayonets were a mix of converted German production and domestically produced examples.

During the late 1950s, the IDF converted the calibre of their Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles from the original German 7.92×57mm Mauser round to 7.62×51mm NATO following the adoption of the [[FN FAL]] rifle as their primary rifle in 1958.{{sfn|Grant|2015|p=51}} The Israeli Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles that were converted have "7.62" stamped on the rifle receiver. Rifles with original German stocks have "7.62" burned into the heel of the rifle stock for identification and to separate the 7.62×51mm NATO rifles from the original 7.92×57mm Mauser versions of the weapon still in service or held in reserve. Some Karabiner 98k rifles were fitted with new, unnumbered beech stocks of recent manufacture, while others retained their original furniture. All of these converted rifles were proof-fired for service. The IDF employed a [[22 mm grenade|22 mm rifle grenade]] adapter for the Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bukvoed.livejournal.com/274610.html?thread=2172850 | title = Images of Israeli use of rifle grenades from 1956 onwards|date = 24 October 2014| access-date = 13 April 2017}}</ref>

The Karabiner 98k rifle was used by the reserve branches of the IDF well into the 1960s and 1970s and saw action in the hands of various support and line-of-communications troops during the [[Six-Day War|1967 Six-Day War]] and the [[Yom Kippur War|1973 Arab-Israeli War]].{{sfn|Grant|2015|p=51}} After the rifle was retired from reserve military service, the Israeli Mauser Karabiner 98k was given to a number of third-world nations as military aid by Israel during the 1970s and 1980s, and sold as ex-military surplus on the open market, with many Israeli Mausers being exported to Australia (the Israeli Mauser is the most predominant variant of the Mauser Kar98k rifle on the Australian surplus firearms market today) and North America during the 1970s and 1980s. The Israeli Mausers provided to third world armies began to be exported for civilian sale, and tend to be in significantly worse condition than those sold directly out of Israeli storage.

==Contemporary use==
[[File:2june 2007 187.jpg|thumb|[[Wachbataillon]] soldiers marching with Karabiner 98k rifles in 2007]]
The [[Bundeswehr]] still uses the Karabiner 98k in the [[Wachbataillon]] for military parades and show acts. In 1995, remaining swastikas and other Nazi-era markings were removed from these rifles, after criticism regarding the presence of such symbols on Wachbataillon kit by the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic Party]].<ref>[http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-9221356.html?name=Hakenkreuze+pr%26auml%3Bsentiert DER SPIEGEL 38/1995 Seite 16a vom 18. September 1995, Staatsbesuche - Hakenkreuze präsentiert] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129133720/http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-9221356.html?name=Hakenkreuze+pr%26auml%3Bsentiert |date=2012-01-29 }} accessed 6 May 2008</ref>

During the 1990s, the Yugoslav Karabiner 98k rifles and the Yugoslav [[Zastava M48|M48 Mauser]] and M48A rifles were used alongside modern automatic and semi-automatic rifles by all the warring factions of the Yugoslav Wars. There are a number of photographs taken during the war in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]], showing combatants and snipers using Yugoslavian-made Mauser rifles from high-rise buildings in the Bosnian city of [[Sarajevo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texastradingpost.com/yugosniper/m48sniper.html|title=Yugoslavia M48 Sniper Rifle|website=www.texastradingpost.com|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107040642/http://www.texastradingpost.com/yugosniper/m48sniper.html|archive-date=7 November 2015}}</ref>

After 2003, the Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle (along with the Mosin–Nagant, the Lee–Enfield and the Yugoslavian M48 Mauser) was encountered in [[Iraq]] by US and Allied forces with [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)|Iraqi insurgents]] making use of the Karabiner 98k and other bolt-action rifles alongside more modern infantry weapons like the AK-47 series rifles and the SKS carbine.<ref name ='SAS 2012 10'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2012/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2012-Chapter-10-EN.pdf|chapter=Surveying the Battlefield: Illicit Arms In Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia|title=Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2012|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|pages=320–321|isbn=978-0-521-19714-4|access-date=2018-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002411/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|archive-date=2018-08-31|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Many [[Third World]] nations still have Karabiner 98k rifles in their arsenals and it will most likely be encountered in regional conflicts for many years to come. For instance, [[Tuareg]]s of the [[People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad]] used the rifle during the [[Tuareg rebellion (1990–1995)]].<ref name ='SAS 2005'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109192749/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 9, 2010|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2005/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2005-Chapter-06-EN.pdf|chapter=Sourcing the Tools of War: Small Arms Supplies to Conflict Zones|title=Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2005|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=166|isbn=978-0-19-928085-8}}</ref>

==Civil use==
{{more citations needed section|date=February 2020}}

[[File:En-Mauser 98k based hunting rifle.jpg|thumb|right|Mauser Karabiner 98k based hunting rifle]]
[[File:Mauser Kar. 98k hunting rifle.jpg|thumb|right|Privately owned Mauser Karabiner 98 kurz modified as hunting rifle, modifications have probably been made shortly after World War II]]
[[File:Hunting with a rifle Mauser 98.JPG|thumb|right|Hunter in [[Zakarpattia Oblast]] with a Karabiner 98k in 2010]]

The Karabiner 98k rifles that were used by Germany during World War II are highly sought after collector's items in many circles. The Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle remains popular among many rifle shooters and military rifle collectors due to the rifle's historical background, as well as the availability of both new and surplus 7.92×57mm IS ammunition. {{As of|2010}}, the Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles that were captured by the Soviets during World War II and refurbished during the late 1940s and early 1950s have appeared in large numbers on the military [[Surplus store|surplus]] rifle market. These have proven popular with buyers in the United States and Canada, ranging from ex-military rifle collectors to target shooters and survivalists, due to the unique history behind the Soviet capture of Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles.

The widespread availability of surplus Mauser 98k rifles and the fact that these rifles could, with relative ease, be adapted for hunting and other sport purposes made the Mauser 98k popular amongst civilian riflemen. When German hunters after World War II were allowed again to own and hunt with full bore rifles they generally started to "rearm" themselves with the then abundant and cheap former [[Wehrmacht]] service rifles. Civilian users [[sporterising|changed]] these service rifles often quite extensively by mounting telescopic sights, aftermarket hunting stocks, aftermarket triggers and other accessories and changing the original military chambering. Gunsmiths rebarreled or rechambered Mauser 98K rifles for European and American sporting chamberings such as the [[6.5×55mm|6.5×55mm Swedish Mauser]], [[7×57mm Mauser]], [[7×64mm]], [[.270 Winchester]], [[.308 Winchester]], .30-06 Springfield, [[8×60mm S]], [[8×64mm S]], etc. The magnum hunting cartridges [[6.5×68mm]], [[8×68mm S]] and [[9.3×64mm Brenneke]] were even specially developed by German gunsmiths for the standard military Mauser 98 action.

Surplus Mauser 98K actions were used by [[Schultz & Larsen]] in Denmark as the basis for [[Schultz & Larsen M52 target rifle|target rifles]]. The actions had the German markings removed, were refinished in gray phosphate, and new serial numbers and proof marks applied. The Schultz & Larsen M52 and M58 Target Rifles used shortened and refurbished Karabiner 98k stocks. Later versions had new target stocks fitted and were available in .30-06, 6.5×55mm and 7.62mm NATO. Some of these rifles are still in competitive use today although with the benefit of new barrels. Besides conversions of original Karabiner 98k rifles, other sporter variants made by a number of manufacturers such as FN Herstal, Zastava, Santa Barbara (Spain), and many others have been available at various times in a wide variety of chamberings, but most are large-bore hunting calibres.

===Modern civilian offspring===
The Mauser-type action is widely held to be the pinnacle of bolt-action rifle design, and the vast majority of modern weapons of this type, both military and civilian, are still based on it to this day. The safety offered by its three-lug bolt and the added reliability of controlled feed (especially favored by dangerous game hunters) are considerable refinements not found in other designs.

Throughout the design's history, standard sized and enlarged versions of the Mauser M 98 system have been produced for the civil market.

[[John Rigby & Company|John Rigby & Co.]] commissioned Mauser to develop the M 98 magnum action in the early 1900s. It was designed to function with the large sized cartridges normally used to hunt [[Big Five game]] and other species. For this specialized type of hunting, where absolute reliability of the rifle under adverse conditions is very important, the controlled-feed M 98 system remains the standard by which other action designs are judged.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.johnrigbyandco.com/html/AfricanExpressBoltRifle.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713115537/http://www.johnrigbyandco.com/html/AfricanExpressBoltRifle.html|url-status=dead|title=John Rigby & Co. - Rigby African Express Bolt Rifle|archive-date=July 13, 2011}}</ref> In 1911, John Rigby & Co. introduced the [[.416 Rigby]] cartridge that due to its dimensions could only be used in the M 98 magnum action.<ref name=vanWyk-MRRIGBY>{{cite journal|last=van Wyk |first=Johan |title=Mr Rigby and the Mauser |journal=African Outfitter |date=October–November 2007 |volume=2/6 |url=http://www.huntinglegends.com/rigby-and-mauser/ |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status = usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530003208/http://www.huntinglegends.com/rigby-and-mauser |archive-date=May 30, 2011 }}</ref>

As of 2010, Zastava Arms manufactured the M48/63 sporting rifle, which is a short-barreled variant of the Model 1948 military rifle and the [[Zastava M07]] sniper rifle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zastava-arms.rs/cms/index.php?id=248|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310000823/http://www.zastava-arms.rs/cms/index.php?id=248|url-status=dead|title=SPORTING RIFLE M48/63|archive-date=March 10, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zastava-arms.rs/cms/index.php?id=184|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310001020/http://www.zastava-arms.rs/cms/index.php?id=184|url-status=dead|title=Sniper Rifle 07|archive-date=March 10, 2012}}</ref>

Since 1999, the production of [[Mauser M 98]] and M 98 Magnum rifles has been resumed in Germany by ''Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mauserwaffen.de/Home.home.0.html?&L=1|title=Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH|website=mauserwaffen.de|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519015940/http://mauserwaffen.de/Home.home.0.html?&L=1|archive-date=19 May 2011}}</ref> (Mauser Huntingweapons Ltd.) according to original drawings of 1936 and the respective Mauser patents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.all4shooters.com/en/specials/trade-shows-2015/SHOT-show-2015/shotguns/mauser-m98-magnum/ |title=Mauser M98 Magnum |website=all4shooters.com |access-date=23 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206085213/http://www.all4shooters.com/en/specials/trade-shows-2015/SHOT-show-2015/shotguns/mauser-m98-magnum/ |archive-date=6 February 2015 }}</ref>

==Users==
[[File:Pal s bento guarda.jpg|thumb|A [[National Republican Guard (Portugal)|Portuguese Republican National Guard]] honor guard with a Kar98k-type Mauser]]
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
*{{flag|Algeria}}: Used by [[Armée de Libération Nationale]] guerrillas<ref>{{cite book|title=The Algerian War, 1954-62|series= Men-at Arms 312|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|place= London |year=1997|isbn=978-1-85532-658-3|first= Martin |last=Windrow|page=10}}</ref>
* {{flag|Austria}}: Used in both regular ''karabiner'' and marksman ''SSG 98k'' with a 4x Kahles scope ''Zf58'' variants.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Die Bewaffnung des österreichischen Bundesheeres: 1918 - 1990 |date=1990 |publisher=Weishaupt |isbn=978-3-900310-53-0 |editor-last=Urrisk-Obertyński |editor-first=Rolf M. |edition=1. Aufl |location=Graz}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Hungarian Revolution 1956|series=Elite 148|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|first1= Erwin |last1=Schmidl|first2= László |last2=Ritter|date=10 Nov 2006|isbn=9781846030796|page=63}}</ref>
* {{flag|Bolivia}}: Czech-made Modelo B-50{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=61}}
* {{flag|Republic of China}}: The [[Kuomintang|Chinese Nationalist Government]] imported Karabiner 98k rifle, as they had with the [[Standardmodell rifle|Mauser ''Standardmodell'']] before it, also [[Chiang Kai-shek rifle|producing a licensed copy]] of it domestically.{{sfn|Ball|2011|pp=98-99}}
**Used by [[National Revolutionary Army]], various [[Warlord era|Chinese Warlords]] and pro-Japanese [[Collaborationist Chinese Army]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Jowett|first=Philip S.|title=Rays of the Rising Sun: Armed Forces of Japan's Asian Allies 1931-45: Volume 1: China and Manchukuo|year=2004|publisher=Helion & Company Limited|isbn= 9781906033781|page= 75}}</ref>
* {{flag|People's Republic of China}}: Used by the [[People's Volunteer Army]] in the [[Korean War]]. Some of the Kar98k rifles the PVA used in Korea were provided as military aid by the USSR.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.koreanwaronline.com/history/Enemy%20Weapons/Frames/31.htm|title=7.92mm Rifle, KAR 98K (China and Germany)|access-date=20 May 2023}}</ref>
* {{flag|Independent State of Croatia}}: Used in large numbers by both [[Ustaše Militia]] and [[Croatian Home Guard (Independent State of Croatia)|Croatian Home Guard]]<ref name="bishop1998"/>
* {{flag|Czechoslovakia}}: Used post-1945<ref name="Ludwig Olsen p. 126">"Mauser Bolt Rifles by Ludwig Olsen, 3rd edition, F. Brownell and Son, Publisher, p. 126</ref>
* {{flag|Denmark}}<ref name="Ludwig Olsen p. 126"/>
* {{flag|East Timor}}: Inherited ex-Portuguese m/937 from the [[FALINTIL]].<ref name="TLAVA Issue 1">{{cite report |last=Rees |first=Edward |date=October 2008 |title=Dealing with the kilat: An historical overview of small arms availability and arms control in Timor-Leste (TLAVA Issue Brief 1) |url=https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/resource/dealing-kilat-historical-overview-small-arms-availability-and-arms-control-timor-leste |location=Geneva, Switzerland |publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]] |access-date=27 May 2025}}</ref>
* {{flag|Egypt|1922}}: obtained from Czechoslovakia<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Military rifle cartridges of Egypt from Khartoum to the Sinai.|last=Scarlata|first= Paul|magazine=Shotgun News|date=March 2013|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Military+rifle+cartridges+of+Egypt+from+Khartoum+to+the+Sinai.-a0322330605}}</ref>
* {{flag|El Salvador}}: Kar 98k converted to 7.62×51mm NATO bought before receiving surplus US weapons.{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=131}}
* {{flag|Ethiopian Empire}}: Received from  [[Nazi Germany]] as military aid during the [[Second Italo-Ethiopian War]]. Also purchased from the [[Zbrojovka Brno]] factory after WWII and marked with special disk in buttstock.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/a-unique-partnership-czech-mausers-for-ethiopia-after-wwii/|title=A Unique Partnership: Czech Mausers for Ethiopia after WWII|first=Ian|last=McCollum|date=19 February 2020|website=www.forgottenweapons.com|access-date=20 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220172857/https://www.forgottenweapons.com/a-unique-partnership-czech-mausers-for-ethiopia-after-wwii/|archive-date=20 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/last-of-the-czech-mausers-the-east-german-tgf1950-goes-to-ethiopia/|title=Last of the Czech Mausers: the East German TGF1950 Goes to Ethiopia|first=Ian|last=McCollum|date=26 February 2020|website=www.forgottenweapons.com|access-date=20 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226224604/https://www.forgottenweapons.com/last-of-the-czech-mausers-the-east-german-tgf1950-goes-to-ethiopia/|archive-date=26 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Finland}}: Ordered 600 rifles with rifle grenade launchers during World War II as the Finns lacked a domestic rifle grenade launcher for their Mosin–Nagants. Only 100 were used in combat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaegerplatoon.net/RIFLES6.htm|title=FINNISH ARMY 1918 - 1945: RIFLES PART 6|website=www.jaegerplatoon.net|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003021153/http://www.jaegerplatoon.net/RIFLES6.htm|archive-date=3 October 2017}}</ref>
* {{flag|France}}: Used during and after the war.<ref name="Ludwig Olsen p. 126" />
* {{flag|Nazi Germany}}: Used as the standard-issue rifle for the [[Wehrmacht]].<ref name="bishop1998" />
* {{flag|West Germany}}: Used by the [[Bundeswehr]]'s [[Wachbataillon]]<ref name="Ludwig Olsen p. 126" />
* {{flagicon|East Germany}} [[East Germany]]: In standard use by the [[Land Forces of the National People's Army|''Landstreitkräfte'']] until the 1960s, in occasional use after this. Some also used by the [[Combat Groups of the Working Class|Kampfgruppen der Arbeiterklasse]], in addition to some being sent as aid to the [[Derg|Ethiopian Derg Government]].<ref name="Ludwig Olsen p. 126" />
* {{flag|Guatemala}}: Bought from Czechoslovakia during [[Jacobo Árbenz|Jacobo Arbenz]]'s presidency. During the civil war surplus Israeli rifles were bought and issued to civilian defence patrols<ref>{{Cite web |title=The military rifle cartridges of Guatemala. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Guatemala.-a0261731332 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=The Free Library|author-first1=Paul|author-last1=Scarlata}}</ref>
* {{flag|Iceland}}{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}
* {{flag|Indonesia}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=Joseph E.|title=Small Arms of the World|url=https://archive.org/details/smallarmsofworld00smit|url-access=registration|edition =11|location=Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|publisher= The Stackpole Company|year=1969|page=461|isbn=978-0-8117-1566-9 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Iraq|1932}}{{sfn|Ball|2011|p=241-242}}
* {{flag|Israel}}<ref name="Ludwig Olsen p. 126"/>
* {{flagcountry|Kingdom of Italy}}: some captured by [[Italian resistance movement|Italian partisans]]<ref>{{cite book|title=World War II Partisan Warfare in Italy|series= Elite 207 |first1= Pier Paolo |last1=Battistelli|first2= Piero|last2= Crociani|date=2015|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781472808936|page=9}}</ref>
* {{flag|Japan}}: Used by the [[Imperial Japanese Navy]]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=From Arisaka to assault rifle: The military rifle cartridges of Japan part 2|first=Paul|last=Scarlata|magazine=[[Shotgun News]]|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/From+Arisaka+to+assault+rifle%3A+in+Part+1+(10%2F1+issue),+Scarlata...-a0349000555|date=November 2013}}</ref>
* {{flag|Libya}}: Used after World War II.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Libya.-a0300062836|title=The military rifle cartridges of Libya|last1=Scarlata |first1=Paul |date=August 2012|magazine=[[Shotgun News]]}}</ref> Fielded by Libyan Rebels during [[Libyan Civil War (2011)|Libyan Civil War]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://silahreport.com/2017/02/25/ww-ii-small-arms-in-libya/ |title=WW II Small Arms in Libya |date=25 February 2017 |access-date=2017-07-21 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519042057/https://silahreport.com/2017/02/25/ww-ii-small-arms-in-libya/ |archive-date=2017-05-19 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Lithuania}}: Kar98k and other variants of the Mauser 98 were used by Lithuanian anti-soviet partisans (1944-1953). often modified into "obrez" pistols.
* {{flag|Luxembourg}}: The [[Grand Ducal Guard]] used captured German K98ks in 1945, later replaced by [[Ross rifle]]s in the same year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mnhm.lu/pageshtml/virtualmuseumtour.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306182651/http://www.mnhm.lu/pageshtml/virtualmuseumtour.php|url-status=dead|title=GRAND-DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG|archive-date=March 6, 2012}}</ref>
* {{flag|Mauritania|1959}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Le monitoring des armes au sahel: Les institutions forensiques nationales|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/T-Briefing-Papers/SANA-BP-Forensics-Sahel-FR.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041846/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/T-Briefing-Papers/SANA-BP-Forensics-Sahel-FR.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2018|date=June 2018|first=André|last=Desmarais|language=fr|page=13}}</ref>
*{{flag|Manchukuo}}: used rifles captured from the Chinese forces<ref>{{cite book|title=Rays of the rising sun : armed forces of Japan's Asian allies, 1931-45|volume= 1, China & Manchukuo| publisher=Helion|year=2010|first=Philip S.|last= Jowett|isbn=9781906033781|pages=15, 27}}</ref>
* {{flag|Netherlands}}: Post-World War II use.<ref name="Brassey, 1975, p. 57">''Brassey's Infantry Weapons of the World, 1950–1975'', J.I.H Owen (1975), p. 57</ref>
* {{flag|Norway}}<ref name=Ball_296/> Some later converted to K98kF1<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5cDEUyxrdO0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200302041145/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cDEUyxrdO0 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web|title=Norwegian K98kF1 Repurposed Mauser|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cDEUyxrdO0|last=McCollum|first=Ian|date=4 June 2017|website=YouTube|access-date=19 May 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* {{flag|Poland}}: (captured use)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ww2db.com/images/weapon_mauser98k_8.jpg|title=Weapon Mauser98|website=ww2db.com
|access-date=20 May 2023}}</ref>
* {{flag|Portugal}} designated m/937<ref name=Ball_296>{{harvnb|Ball|2011|p=296}}</ref>
* {{flag|Kingdom of Romania}}: 27,000 received from Germany in 1943<ref>{{cite book|title= Third axis, fourth ally : Romanian armed forces in the European war, 1941-1945|last1=Axworthy|first1= Mark|last2=Scafes|first2= Cornel I.|last3=Craciunoiu|first3= Cristian|location= London |publisher=Arms and Armour|isbn=1854092677|year=1995|page=148}}</ref>
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}: bought 1,000 Kar 98ks in the 1960s, probably to supply proxy forces.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
* {{flag|Serbia}}<ref name="bishop1998"/>
** {{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_Government_of_National_Salvation_(occupied_Yugoslavia).svg}} [[Government of National Salvation]]
* {{flagicon|Slovakia|1938}} [[Slovak Republic (1939–45)|First Slovak Republic]]<ref>Axworthy, Mark W. (2002), ''Axis Slovakia: Hitler's Slavic Wedge 1938–1945'', Europa Books Inc., {{ISBN|1-891227-41-6}}</ref>
* {{flag|Soviet Union}}: (captured use)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ww2incolor.com/gallery/soviet-forces/35882/german-k98-rifle|title=German k98 rifle - Soviet Forces &#124; Gallery|website=www.ww2incolor.com}}</ref>
* {{flag|Sweden}}: Imported 5,000 Kar 98k rifles in 1939.<ref>[http://gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/rifles_se/gev39_40.htm Swedish rifles - Gev m/39 and m/40] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306130401/http://www.gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/rifles_se/gev39_40.htm |date=2013-03-06 }} gotavapen.se</ref>
* {{SYR}}<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The military rifle cartridges of Syria.|last=Scarlata|first= Paul|magazine=Shotgun News|date=February 2010|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Military+rifle+Cartridges+of+Syria.-a0218660414}}</ref>{{sfn|Ball|2011|pp=368–370}}
* {{flag|Tunisia|1959}}<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Military rifle cartridges of Tunisia: from Phoenicians to today.|last=Scarlata|first= Paul|magazine=Shotgun News|date=November 2012|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Military+rifle+cartridges+of+Tunisia%3A+from+Phoenicians+to+today.-a0308600819}}</ref>
* {{flag|Turkey}}<ref name="Brassey, 1975, p. 57"/>
* {{flag|North Vietnam}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Mauser Kar 98k Rifle : North Vietnamese Forces|url=http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RELAWM40801/|publisher=Australian War Memorial|access-date=2014-04-02|url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407075616/http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RELAWM40801/|archive-date=2014-04-07}}</ref>
* {{flag|Yemen}}<ref name ='SAS 2003'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112154702/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 12, 2010|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2003/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2003-Chapter-05-EN.pdf|chapter=Living with Weapons: Small Arms in Yemen|title=Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2003|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|pages=173–174}}</ref>
* {{flag|Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia}}<ref name="Ludwig Olsen p. 126"/>

===Non-state users===
* {{flagicon image|Flag of FRETILIN (East Timor).svg}} [[Falintil|Armed Forces for the National Liberation of East Timor]] (FALINTIL): Used ex-Portuguese m/937s.<ref name="TLAVA Issue 1"/>
* {{flagicon|Ethiopian Empire}} [[Italian guerrilla war in Ethiopia|Ethiopian insurgents]]: Used captured K 98ks against the Italians from 1941 onwards.<ref name="mcnab2002">{{cite book | last=McNab |first=Chris|title=20th Century Military Uniforms |year=2002 |edition=2nd |publisher=Grange Books |location=Kent |isbn=1-84013-476-3|page=14}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Mozambique|1967}} [[FRELIMO]]: Delivery of 4,800 Karabiner 98k from the German Democratic Republic in 1967<ref name="Stokmann2012">{{cite book |last=Storkmann |first=Klaus P. |title=Geheime Solidarität: Militärbeziehungen und Militärhilfen der DDR in die "Dritte Welt" |date=June 2012 |publisher=Ch. Links Verlag GmbH |isbn=978-3-86153-676-5 |page=246 |language=de}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Israel}} [[Haganah]] (in Mandate Palestine)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vanderlinden |first1=Anthony |date=19 October 2018|title=FN Mausers And The Fight For Israel |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/fn-mausers-and-the-fight-for-israel/ |website=American Rifleman|publisher=National Rifle Association}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Indonesia|Indonesian insurgents]]: Used Kar98ks captured from the Dutch during the [[Indonesian National Revolution]].<ref name="Brassey, 1975, p. 57"/>
* {{flagicon|Iraq|1963}} [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)|Iraqi insurgents]]<ref name ='SAS 2012 10'/> 
* {{flag|ISIL}}: Used by ISIL insurgents in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2019 |title=Covert Operations: The Arms of ISIS Insurgents in Syria (2019) |url=https://www.calibreobscura.com/covert-operations-the-arms-of-isis-insurgents-in-syria-2019/ |website=www.calibreobscura.com}}</ref> 
* {{flagicon|Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea}} [[Korean Liberation Army]]<ref name="Ludwig Olsen p. 126"/>
* {{flagicon|Angola|1967}} [[MPLA]]: Delivery of 1,600 Karabiner 98k from the German Democratic Republic in 1967<ref name="Stokmann2012" />
* {{Flagicon|People's Socialist Republic of Albania}} [[National Liberation Movement (Albania)|National Liberation Front]]
* [[People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad]]<ref name ='SAS 2005'/>
* [[Pro-Indonesia militia|Pro-Indonesia militias in East Timor]]<ref name="TLAVA Issue 1"/>
* {{flagicon|Syrian Republic}} [[Syrian opposition]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Syrian rebels show off Nazi howitzer in video |url=https://www.thelocal.de/20150521/syrian-rebels-seen-using-nazi-howitzer |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=The Local Germany |date=21 May 2015}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the UDT Party.svg}} [[Timorese Democratic Union]] (UDT): Used ex-Portuguese m/937s.<ref name="TLAVA Issue 1"/>
*{{flagicon image|FNL Flag.svg}} [[Viet Cong]]: Some were ex-French leftovers from the [[First Indochina War|Indochina War]], others were Soviet aid provided during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Mauser Kar98k / NAM 64-75 |url=http://www.nam-valka.cz/zbrane/mauser_98.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322014200/http://www.nam-valka.cz/zbrane/mauser_98.html |archive-date=22 March 2017 |access-date=28 April 2018 |website=www.nam-valka.cz}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|North Vietnam|1945}} [[Viet Minh]]<ref name="Grant 50">{{cite book|title=Mauser Military Rifles|series=Weapon 39|first=Neil |last=Grant|date=20 Mar 2015 |isbn=9781472805942 |publisher=Osprey Publishing|page=50}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Yugoslav Partisans flag (1942-1945).svg}} [[Yugoslav Partisans]]: Some later had the receiver markings removed, and the [[Emblem of Yugoslavia|SFRY crest]] applied postwar.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Scarlata |first=Paul |date=1 October 2017 |title=Yugoslav Part II: World War II small arms: an assortment of small arms from friends and foe alike |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/YUGOSLAV+PART+II%3A+WORLD+WAR+II+SMALL+ARMS%3A+AN+ASSORTMENT+OF+SMALL...-a0510936519 |magazine=Firearms News}}</ref><ref name="Vukšić2003">{{cite book |last=Vukšić |first=Velimir |title=Tito's partisans 1941–45 |date=July 2003 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1-84176-675-1 |series=Warrior 73 |page=59}}</ref>
* [[Zimbabwe African People's Union]]: Delivery of 3,200 Karabiner 98k from the German Democratic Republic in 1967<ref name="Stokmann2012" />

==See also==
* [[Chiang Kai-shek rifle]]
* [[Karabinek wz. 1929]]
* [[M24 series]]
* [[vz. 24]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igNcDEEl5to How a Kar98k Works] YouTube

{{Clip-fed firearms}}
{{WWIIGermanInfWeapons}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1935]]
[[Category:7.92×57mm Mauser rifles]]
[[Category:Bolt-action rifles]]
[[Category:Carbines]]
[[Category:Clip-fed firearms]]
[[Category:Mauser rifles]]
[[Category:Rifles of Germany]]
[[Category:Rifles of the Cold War]]
[[Category:World War II infantry weapons of Germany]]
[[Category:World War II infantry weapons of China]]
[[Category:World War II rifles]]