German bnz Code Mauser K98k 7.92×57 23.5” Bolt Action Rifle, 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,250.00
LSB#: LSB260618MR016
Make: Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, Austria
Model: K98k
Serial Number: 5723 p
Year of Manufacture: 1943 / C&R
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “bnz / 43” The left side of the receiver is marked “Mod. 98”. The barrel is marked with the serial number 5723 p”. There are many various Waffenamt and Reichsadler throughout. There is no import mark.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn post set atop a serrated ramped base with a protective hood. The rear sight is a sliding u-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece laminate wood set with a capped forend/bayonet lug & hole for the included cleaning rod, barrel band w/ sling bar, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, sling well & passthrough, bolt disassembly disc, straight comb, and cupped steel buttplate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks, but there are a few small chips. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates at about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is light stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. There are moderate scratches, nicks, spots of thinning, and heavy patina throughout. There is light rust freckling. The leading edges have light thinning. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled. The markings are worn and blurry. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair to 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: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: The K98k was the principal German service rifle of World War II, and Steyr-Daimler-Puch was one of the major manufacturers contributing to wartime production. Steyr rifles are identified by the “bnz” manufacturer code, with this 1943 example representing mid-war production as German industry increasingly emphasized output and manufacturing efficiency. This rifle retains the characteristic laminated stock, cupped buttplate, hooded front sight, tangent rear sight, bayonet mounting hardware, and full military-length configuration associated with the K98k. This rifle remains in Fair to Good condition, retaining approximately 45% of its original blued metal finish. The balance shows moderate scratches, nicks, finish thinning, heavy patina, and light rust freckling, with additional thinning along the leading edges. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled, and the markings show noticeable wear and softness. The laminated stock has been refinished and exhibits light scratches, pressure dents, and several small chips but no cracks, rating in Very Good condition. Particularly noteworthy is the bore, which remains bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, showing only light stubborn fouling and rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly.
For collectors of German WWII military rifles, a 1943 bnz-coded K98k offers a representative example of Steyr’s wartime production and carries considerable historical interest despite its finish loss and refinished stock. The strong bore is a significant positive feature, while the surviving military furniture, sight hood, cleaning rod, sling, and original metal finish preserve much of the rifle’s period character. With its clear wartime maker and date code, complete military configuration, and sound mechanical function, this remains an appealing service-worn example of a Steyr-produced K98k. -R.E.