Rifle - German Mauser KAR 98k, with replacement civilian stock, SN 64 M Mauser 7.92mm Rifle acquired in Italy during World War II. The Karabiner 98 Kurz (Kar98k, K98, or K98k) is a bolt action rifle chambered for the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge that was adopted on 21 June 1935 as the standard service rifle by the German Wehrmacht. Although supplemented by semi- and fully automatic rifles during World War II, it remained the primary German service rifle until the end of the war in 1945. Characteristics.—The Mauser Kar. 98K, a short rifle or carbine, is a bolt-operated, (5 round) magazine-fed shoulder weapon. It has a leaf rear sight, with an open V notch that slides on a ramp and is graduated from 100 to 2,000 meters (109 to 2,187 yards). Older models, which operate exactly as does the Kar. 98K and differ only in that they have longer barrels and minor variations in fittings, are the Gew. 98, Kar. 98, and Kar. 98B. Caliber _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7.92 mm (.312 inches). Weight _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 9 pounds (approximately). Length of barrel _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 23.4 inches. Over-all length _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 43.5 inches. Muzzle velocity _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2,800 feet per second (approximately). Sights: Front _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Inverted V blade (which is some time equipped with a hood to provide shade). Rear _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Leaf with open V notch sliding on ramp, graduated from 100 to 2,000 meters; no windage adjustment. Range: Maximum - 3,000 yards (approximately).and Effective - 800 yards (approximately). The Mauser Kar. 98K rifle may be identified by— (1) Short barrel (23.4 inches). (2) Upper and lower bands very close together. (3) Cleaning rod section fitted into the stock under the muzzle. (4) Open V notch, leaf rear sight, sliding on a ramp and graduated from 100 to 2,000 (meters). (5) Bolt action similar to the U.S. M1903 (Springfield) rifle. (6) Semi-pistol-grip stock, with sling on the left side and a metal-lined hole through the stock, behind the hole for the butt end of the sling. (7) Marking ("Mod 98") on the left receiver wall. Bolt for Mauser KAR 98k sporterized, SN 64 (1998.138.121b)