k98a vs k98az

[Bigsieuk]

Guys,

I need a stock for a 1913 K98a. Is a polish K98az the same stock?

Is a K98az jus a K98a refurbished in Poland after WW1?

Regards

John

[phild]

Guys,

I need a stock for a 1913 K98a. Is a polish K98az the same stock?

Is a K98az jus a K98a refurbished in Poland after WW1?

Regards

John

The stocks between the Polish version of the 98a and the German version are not the same. They should both fit the barreled action of the 98a, but the fittings for the sling are different and this is pretty major in terms of looks.

The correct stock as issued for your 1913 will not have grasping grooves nor a washer disc in the butt stock.

As far as I know the 98a was called the 98az in the Reischswehr period...that is the difference. The reciever side on all of them is just marked Kar 98 I believe.

[Bigsieuk]

Many thanks,

What are the chances of finding a good K98a stock and fittings? Guess it will have to sit in the corner until something comes along.

Regards

John

[Craig W.C. Brown]

The designation Kar 98AZ was a designation for a developmental version of what later became the Kar 98a. When the developmental version became standard (1907/08) it was designated and marked Kar 98 throughout its production life through 1918. About 1923 the Germans brought the K98b online (usually marked Karab. 98b) and to distinguish the the 1907/08-18 version from the K98b redesignated the 1907/08-18 Kar (which was in service parallel the K98b) as Kar 98a (only on paper). No Kar 98as are so marked.
For details of the assorted versions of the Kar 98 see Storz. It is more complicated than what I have outlined here.

[phild]

The designation Kar 98AZ was a designation for a developmental version of what later became the Kar 98a. When the developmental version became standard (1907/08) it was designated and marked Kar 98 throughout its production life through 1918. About 1923 the Germans brought the K98b online (usually marked Karab. 98b) and to distinguish the the 1907/08-18 version from the K98b redesignated the 1907/08-18 Kar (which was in service parallel the K98b) as Kar 98a (only on paper). No Kar 98as are so marked.
For details of the assorted versions of the Kar 98 see Storz. It is more complicated than what I have outlined here.

That makes more sense in view of how they are marked and the later introduction of the k98b.

[graf]

One thing to consider, swapping parts on most German rifles, especially the kar.98a is not always a simple exchange. There are often fit issues, stocks are often hard to get a good fit with the Kar.98a, especially in regards to handguards.

Usually swapping Gew.98 stocks, or 98k stocks aren't too bad, but the Kar.98a has a tight fit when the handguard is on. You might get lucky, but when I was really in to the Kar.98a and doing the occasional restoration, getting a good fit for the stock/handguard was always a hassle, even with pre-war rifles when quality was more a consideration.

[Bigsieuk]

Thanks for the advice

I think I've found one of the Polish stocks for the K98a, although as phild as stated it will not look 100% but it'll be better than the cut down stock that is currently on it.

The chances of finding a complete proper stock in the UK with fittings is so small that the m/n barrel, bolt and reciever will sit in the corner and never be appreciated.

Thanks to all.

Regards

John

[phild]

I think I've found one of the Polish stocks for the K98a, although as phild as stated it will not look 100% but it'll be better than the cut down stock that is currently on it.

The chances of finding a complete proper stock in the UK with fittings is so small that the m/n barrel, bolt and reciever will sit in the corner and never be appreciated.

Thanks to all.

Regards

John

Yes, I was going to add to graf's comments that fit may in fact be an issue with the handguard, but I think the bigger issue is simply finding the German wood for the rifle...The Polish stocks are not exactly common for that matter. Interestingly most all of the the hardware (at least a few years ago) was easy to find here in the U.S. from a number of parts "houses".