Is it German?

[Hook]

Acquired a new rifle today and am hoping y'all can help me ID it. More pics will be needed of the underside of the metal but it will be tomorrow before I can get then. Here is what I have right now:













Here are the only markings showing above the wood. Caliber is 8X57. As before, any help will be appreciated.






Last two images to follow:

[Hook]

[sharps4590]

Yes, it's German. I believe "Stutzen" is the correct word, built on a 98 Mauser. Pull it down and there should be more proofs on the bottom of the barrel and action.

[mike ford]

Hook,
It is built on a small ring 98, likely a Kar98 (with sidewall markings removed) but when you remove the stock you may find the telltale cuts of a G33-40 or CZ33. If you are really lucky it may be transition model, re worked. It has a Bavarian cheekpiece, I believe the rib is an add on rather than being integral. The sling is upside down, the buckle will scratch the rifle in that position. I'm curious whether the peep sight is welded to the tang, or is held by a notch and screw? You seem to have a knack for finding unusual "stuff". Let us see the bottom of the receiver as well as all markings. For want of a better term, I would say it is in the Alpine style.
Mike

[Hook]

Well, I didn't find anything that gave ME a clue as to it's origins. Maybe, y'all can decipher what little is on the metal. There is no serial number, but the # 7 is repeated all over it. The bottom metal has a #7 and the follower a #37.

[Hook]

[Hook]

Took it out this morning to see how it shoots. Using Prvi 196 gr ammo and my 68 yr old eyes, it shot 2" at 50 yds. Elevation was dead on and impact was about 2" left. That's about as good as I can do with open sights any more.

Also took a couple of pics in better light. I don't think too much info on it's origin can be deduced from what marking are on it, but maybe someone can make some educated guesses. Can't help but wonder if some pertinent markings got covered up by the rib on the barrel.

[mike ford]

Hook,
The proof date is June of 1922, so that eliminates the possibility of a G 33-40, or VZ 33. The low serial number( if it is the serial number) leaves the possibility of a transition action or Kar 98. The stippling on the receiver ring was likely done to hide the action makers name. You would think they would be more likely to hide an arsenal name than Mauser Oberndorff a/n. It's interesting that the stock magazine is cut for a stripper clip of ammo, I have not seen that before. I suspected the peep sight might not be attached to the tang, and it isn't. There is a proofhouse log number, and normally this would show proof at Zella-Mehlis, but I think Suhl also marked them at that time. It would be interesting if you would take the striker assy. out and let us see if there is a shroud lock and see the front of the firing pin. I would be interested in Axel's opinion of the action.
Mike
I just saw the last two photos. It does have a shroud lock, which makes it more likely to be a Kar 98. I don't think much info would be under the rib, more would have been on the receiver ring.
Mike

[Hook]

A couple of pictures of the end cap (?) on the rifle. What is this.....paint? Could it be a thin shell of bakelite or such? It does not attract a magnet. I have not seen anything like this treatment for the end. Common for the era or something added at some point? Inquiring minds want to know.

[mike ford]

Hook,
I believe the "end cap" is original to the rebuilt rifle. As to the material utilized, testing would be necessary to know for a scientific certainty. My entirely unscientific opinion is that it is not Bakelite, but rather horn or some dark wood like ebony or rosewood. I lean toward rosewood, because of the lighter areas, but as always, I can be wrong. Maybe, if you bring it to the pond, we can work it out.
Mike

[Hook]

Yep, I'm still planning to come up there when it cools off. At the rate it's going, that might not be long. Still have those heavy .459 bullets I'd like to find a home for.

I'll be checking with you to verify when y'all will be holding court....

[Axel E]

The rifle was certainly built on a scrubbed WW1 Kar 98 A action. In some of the photos you can make out the typical carbine triggerguard, smaller, rounder and more forward than all other Mauser triggerguards. Note the distance from rear of bow to the screw, leaving something like a lower tang. The Kar 98 AZ was a complete redesign of the M98 Mauser. To make it as light and short as possible with a given barrel length and a minimum length of pull, it was given a small ring receiver and a slim, tapered barrel. To scrounge a few millimeters oal, a straighter trigger was added, the triggerguard positioned more forward and the pistolgrip shaped closer.

[Hook]

Again, I am appreciative of the insights from this group. It certainly is nice to have such a group available and this is the third old Mauser you have helped me with. As a follow-up, would anyone hazard a guess, based on the pictures and markings, as to when this rifle was put into it's present configuration?

[mike ford]

Hook,
That would have been 1922, the proof date is in June of that year. The military arsenal didn't apply proof marks; that doesn't mean they didn't proof test and inspect them. Unless there is a gunshow, someone will be there most every Saturday( maybe not the weekend Charlie's nephew Brandon gets married).

Mike

[Hook]

OK, wasn't sure of that. Ninety five years young....how cool is that.

I'll be at a table this weekend at the Montgomery show. Drop by if you come.

I will give you a warning before I show up in Lafayette.