WWII German K98 Nzi SS Steyr bnz 43 8mm Mauser SSZZA4 Bolt Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $4000

LSB#: 230326TG004

Make: Steyr, Austria. In 1943 “bnz” was the N@zi wartime code for Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG.
The rifle is marked “SSZZA4” on the left side of the barrel shank above the wood. This rifle was made with a new receiver produced by Steyr and acquired by the SS.
Model: K98
Serial Number: 8301
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: 8mm Mauser
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 3/4 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted V post set atop a ramped base. The rear sight is a V notched blade attached to a sliding sight escalator.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The laminate stock has a pistol grip, scallop for the bolt handle, nosecap with bayonet lug, hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band with sling bar, through bolt, sling well, sling pass through, domed washer and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes and surface erosion. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Some of these marks have damaged small areas of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are dark. The rifling is deep; less pronounced at the muzzle. There is erosion in the bore. It is heavier in the grooves.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 6 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: The metal retains about 95% of its finish as refinished. Areas of surface erosion show through the new finish. The bottom metal has small dents and scratches showing through the new finish. The metal shows scrapes and scratches. The top of the barrel shows an areas with several light thin scratches from aggressive cleaning. This area also shows light thinning and discoloration. The bottom metal shows remnants of a lacquer finish. The screw heads show heavy use. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None   

Our Assessment: This SS marked German K98 Mauser was produced in 1943. The SS made it a point to acquire weapons outside of normal channels as they were not provided with all the weapons they requested. This K98 is made with a receiver that was produced by Steyr and acquired by the SS. The rifle has since been rebuilt and refinished. Backbone shows only 9,091 made with this stamp.
The rifle is marked with an eagle / swastika and SSZZA4 on the left side of the barrel shank above the wood. This stands for SS Zentral Zeugant 4 (SS Central Ordnance Depot No 4). There are no military Waffenamts on the barrel or receiver.
The markings on the barrel shank & receiver as well as the lack of military Waffenampts are consistent with a 1943 dated Steyr K98 acquired by the SS.
For more info see pages 299-303 of Robert Law’s book, Backbone of the Wehrmacht The German K98k Rifle.

…Now go shoot something!