Mauser Servicemen’s Gewehr 98 Bolt Action Rifle In 8.15x46mmR, 1911 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,725.00

WOA#: WY240526BJ167

Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A/N, Germany

Model: Gewehr 98

Serial Number: 88897

Year of Manufacture: 1911

Caliber: 8.15x46mmR

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A/N / 1911” The left side of the receiver is marked, “88897 / Gew.98” The bolt locking tab is marked, “97” The bolt handle is marked, “8925” the firing pin housing is marked, “25” the safety flag is marked, “25” the firing pin is marked, “25” the floor plate is marked, “97” the bottom metal is marked, “8897” The barrel is marked, “88897 / BLG / Sch.H” the barrel band is marked, “925” the forend cap is marked, “950” There are various proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 29”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular blade post set atop a ramped base. The rear sight is a sliding u-notch roller coaster assembly marked out to 20.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a caped forend/bayonet lug w/ cleaning rod & parade sling hook, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, sling loop, semi-pistol grip, sling stud, straight wrist, and steel buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 10/10

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. There are scratches and scuffs and light surface rust throughout the metal surfaces. There is light patina throughout. The screw heads show light to moderate use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine 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 Mauser Servicemen’s Gewehr 98 in 8.15x46mmR is a unique and specialized version of the legendary Gewehr 98 rifle, tailored for use in shooting competitions by servicemen and veterans. The Gewehr 98, originally adopted by the German military in 1898, is renowned for its strong and reliable bolt-action mechanism, which set the standard for bolt-action rifles around the world. The Servicemen’s version, however, was not intended for military service but rather for civilian and sporting purposes, particularly in the context of competitive shooting. Chambered in the 8.15x46mmR cartridge, this rifle was designed for accuracy and precision rather than battlefield performance. The 8.15x46mmR was a popular target shooting cartridge in Germany and other parts of Europe during the early 20th century. It is a rimmed, straight-walled cartridge known for its moderate recoil and exceptional accuracy, making it ideal for use in competitions where precision was paramount. These rifles were popular among former servicemen who participated in organized shooting events, which were a significant part of German culture in the early 20th century. Shooting clubs, or “Schützenvereine,” were common, and many veterans used their skills honed in military service to compete in these events. The Mauser Servicemen’s Gewehr 98 in 8.15x46mmR was a preferred choice for these shooters, offering a combination of familiar handling, reliability, and accuracy.

While not as widely known as the military-issue Gewehr 98, the Servicemen’s version in 8.15x46mmR holds a special place in the history of sport shooting and firearms. Today, these rifles are highly collectible, particularly among enthusiasts of Mauser rifles and vintage European sporting arms. Their historical significance, combined with their exceptional build quality, makes them prized items for collectors and shooters alike, preserving the legacy of both the Gewehr 98 and the culture of competitive shooting in which they played a key role. -R.E.