Polish PFK K98 Mauser Bolt Action Rifle In 8mm W/ Bayonet, 1928 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,976.00
WOA#: WY240524CJ003
Make: Panstwowa Fabryka Karabinów, Poland
Model: K98
Serial Number: 5603B
Year of Manufacture: 1928
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with a polish crest and, “P.F.K. WARSZAW 1928” The left side of the receiver is marked, “5603B / K98” The bolt handle is marked, “5603” with a matching housing, firing pin, and safety flag. The bottom metal is marked, “5803 / 03” The endcap is marked, “3615” The stock is marked, “5603 / SPR” There are several proofs throughout. The bayonet is marked, “W.P.” with a Polish crest and, “PERKIN / 259506”
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a chevron post set atop a ramped base with protective wings. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, nose cap with bayonet lug and cleaning rod, hole for a cleaning rod, barrel band, barrel band with two sling loops, through bolts, left side mounted sling loop, underside mounted sling loop, and a metal buttplate. There are pressure dents, scratches, and small chips throughout. There is a crack at the front of the reviver by the through bolt and a crack on the top handguard. The LOP measures 12 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in at about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is worn. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8/10.
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: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is thinning throughout. There are impact marks, scratches, and scuffs throughout. The action has wear. The bayonet is in Fair condition. The screw heads show signs of moderate use. The markings are clear, with some of the smaller ones being a bit fuzzy. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Bayonet.
Our Assessment: The Polish PFK K98 Mauser is a bolt-action rifle that represents a significant part of Poland’s military history and its association with the Mauser rifle lineage. The PFK K98 was a product of the state-owned Fabryka Broni Lucznik (Archer Arms Factory) in Radom, Poland, under the PFK (Panstwowa Fabryka Karabinów) designation. This rifle was a continuation of the well-known Mauser K98k (Karabiner 98k) design, which was the standard service rifle of the German Wehrmacht during World War II. The PFK K98 Mauser is chambered in the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge, also known as the 8mm Mauser. This powerful cartridge was widely used by European militaries and was known for its excellent ballistics, providing a good balance of range, accuracy, and stopping power. The rifle features a classic Mauser bolt-action mechanism with a controlled-feed design, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction of cartridges. The straight bolt handle, a hallmark of Mauser rifles, allows for efficient operation and quick cycling of rounds. The production of the PFK K98 Mauser in Poland was influenced by the country’s post-war situation and the need to equip its military with reliable small arms. After World War II, Poland fell under Soviet influence and began producing firearms that were often direct copies or adaptations of Soviet and German designs. These rifles were used by the Polish military and various paramilitary forces during the post-war period. They were appreciated for their ruggedness, reliability, and the familiarity of the Mauser design, which had been widely used throughout Europe. The PFK K98 Mauser served in various roles, from standard infantry service to training purposes, until eventually being replaced by more modern firearms, such as semi-automatic and automatic rifles. -R.E.
