Turkish M1938 Conversion Rifles - M1893/38, M1903/38, & M1938 K.Kale

What I’m going to show you is a side by side comparison of a converted Ottoman M1893, a converted Ottoman M1903, and a domestic production Turkish M1938 that have all been updated to the Turkish Model 38 configuration, what cosmetic changes were made on each model, and how you can tell the different conversions apart.
Sources:
www.turkmauser...
www.mauserturc...
silahreport.co...
(Tarih Turisti - The History Tourist) youtube.com/@k...
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/ garandguy2553

[@slowhand1198]

Informative and nicely presented. Interesting that they kept the combination bolt stop/ left charger guide like the Argentines.

[@GarandGuy2553]

I think it had to do with the flat sided stripper clips they were fitted for. Othais said they were still using them until the end of the First World War. But yeah, not sure why they didn’t switch over when they ordered the 1903’s.

[@mansoortanweer]

I have a k.kale myself, manufactured in 1943. Love it.

[@GarandGuy2553]

They’re solid 98’s for the price!

[@stalefish6907]

I have a gewehr 88/05/35 Turk "Mauser", a 1903/33, an 1893/33, and a 1954 "ATF" Turk Mauser. I just need a regular M38 K.Kale to round out my collection goal for these. I absolutely LOVE these turk mausers. Great video man!

[@donwyoming1936]

Back in 1994/95, used to buy Turkish Mausers by the pallet from importer Navy Arms/Gibbs. Importers used all kinds of model numbers, but they were generally under $40 unless it was a newer K Kale. Well worn. Bores were generally good. I only kept two. A Turkish Capture German Kar98k & a post war K Kale. 🤠

[@GarandGuy2553]

Both good rifles!

[@beezowdoo-doozopittybop-bo9127]

Very cool and well done video. I think it’s funny how you mentioned that magazine cutoffs went out of fashion in the 1930s, but the US Marines started their campaign in the pacific with 1903a3 which still had magazine cutoffs.

[@GarandGuy2553]

I appreciate the generous comment! The magazine cut off is a weird thing that was cool for about 20 years with military designers and then was basically dead by 1910. The late variant Springfield 1903’s might’ve been the last rifles with magazine cutoffs but I could be wrong.

[@TheRedneckPreppy]

Great video -- what I know about Turkish rifles is next to nothing so this was appreciated.

[@GarandGuy2553]

I mean, you’re in good company haha

[@karakan1578]

Great reference video, that’ll help people with the identification of various types, and the history behind them

[@GarandGuy2553]

I wish I had more direct sources to draw from so still lots to learn

[@MidwesternFC]

So many interesting variants. Thanks for the good presentation.

[@GarandGuy2553]

Thanks for watching!

[@bryanwages3518]

I got a k.kal 1944. I had it reblued due to the previous owner had it outside in a barn and rusted really bad. It has great rifling and the stock is gorgeous

[@GarandGuy2553]

That’s awesome! Although, I wouldn’t recommend rebluing milsurps if you’re planning on reselling it at some point. They’re good shooters!

[@bryanwages3518]

@GarandGuy2553 I don't plan on it. I'd rather the gun last longer and not rust away than care about it's resell value.

[@thumperpaul]

Very informative video. I have a 1903/38 Turk Mauser, and didn’t know too much about the production of the series. Many thanks 🙏🏻

[@GarandGuy2553]

Glad it was helpful! I’m still hoping to dig up more on these in the next year or so.

[@keatonholzbach8512]

Great vid

[@GarandGuy2553]

Thanks for watching!

[@Cloudstrife112233]

Excellent video. I think i may he shifting the focus of my collecting to turkish mausers, now. Thanks!

[@GarandGuy2553]

They’re not bad rifles to get into right now since they’re still a bit obscure for collectors.

[@howardzampara]

For reference: K.Kale is the name of the tiny city, Kırıkkale (Qiriq-kaleh), where the state arms factory was following foundation of the Republic. It can be see on on 6:23.

[@GarandGuy2553]

Yes, I mention this at the 13:13 mark.

[@Dominic1962]

That’s exactly why they kept the m90/93 style bayonet lug, to just keep the same bayonet for all of them. They had a few Gew. 98’s and vz. 22’s with the Gew. 98 style front band/bayonet lug but those are late purchases and decidedly in the minority. If they had to do a major refurb of a Gew. 98 they generally ended up in the m938 configuration. I have one that was rebarreled in 1948 and reconfigured to the m938 style.

[@GarandGuy2553]

They’re great shooters!

[@MrTravlinman1973]

I've owned a 1942 k. Kale since 2001. Great rifle. I

[@GarandGuy2553]

Great rifles!

[@HircineDaWolf]

i have the top one ankara 1950 something still an antique though, so def 1893 small ring with 8mm barrel

[@HircineDaWolf]

it also came with the extra long short sword bayonet

[@GarandGuy2553]

Wow, that’s a super super late conversion if it’s an 1893!

[@HircineDaWolf]

@@GarandGuy2553 I'll have to pull it out and double check

[@mitchdewitt3280]

I’ve got a Turkish Mauser that’s got all the features of the k.kale but it doesn’t have the k.kale marking

[@rodmunch9141]

I've noticed how Turkish Model 1938 rifles will differ regarding the front barrel band. Some are secured by a front barrel band spring and some are secured by using a rudimentary pin or nail that runs across the band to the other side. What version did the base M1938 K.Kales use? I have one that requires the pin but cant find this part anywhere online.

[@GarandGuy2553]

Yeah, the single pins seem to be the common denominator on just the 38 K.Kale’s while the older converted guns have the springs. I’m honestly not sure where you would find a pin like that and you’re unlikely to find them on parts websites because it’s only unique to one rifle. You’re probably better off making your own as a replacement which may not be super helpful.

[@marckcarbonelloifveteran410]

I bought one in excellent condition and I reblued it because wanted to see how it look fully restored. I will never sale the firearms that I own. I purchased them and they will stay with me.

[@GarandGuy2553]

@@marckcarbonelloifveteran410 oooofff rebluing is a big taboo on milsurps unless it’s been wire wheeled.

[@marckcarbonelloifveteran410]

@@GarandGuy2553 I honestly don’t intent to sell them. I have kept all the parts original no bubba conversion or anything like that. I just hate seen rusty parts on rifles probably as me having served for years and retired from the military. I hate Rust!

[@marckcarbonelloifveteran410]

@@GarandGuy2553 We have embark on a topic that is controversial, the reality is this, Turkish Mauser contrary to what some people said that these rifle are garbage, they are ignorant. Shooting magazine considers the Truskish Mausers, even those ATFs manufactured in Turkey the best Mauser actions. Did you know the are are K-98Ks marked Kirikale? Captured from German soldiers that surrendered their rifles on neutral Turkey using Turkey’s territory to return to Germany. If you own one of these, you will have some serious cash in the bank. There were a few thousand of those. Of course there are a lot of fakes too, so you have to be careful when someone try to sell you one.

[@rifraf7126]

Mine has 1935 stamped on it? What mode would that been? Also all the letters have tan ish paint of them, I only found a few pictures online of painted letters on the receiver.

[@GarandGuy2553]

The date doesn’t mean much. Is yours a large or small ring receiver? That’s how you tell if it’s an 1893 or 1903.

[@rifraf7126]

@@GarandGuy2553 do you have any social media? Like an Instagram account, I could show pictures of it.

[@GarandGuy2553]

Yeah! My Instagram is GarandGuy2553

[@HircineDaWolf]

i think the extractor on mine is broke or something, casings get stuck or eject weakly

[@GarandGuy2553]

Ahh you can still find 98 extractors for not that much so I’d just get your spring replaced.

[@HircineDaWolf]

@@GarandGuy25531936 im sorry it does kinda look like a 5 really had to look at it, but it takes a 98 style extractor?

[@GarandGuy2553]

@@HircineDaWolf haha I was gonna say, their might be some 1950 conversions out there but I haven’t seen any examples past the early 1940’s. Actually, if it’s an M1893 bolt then the 98 spring won’t work. You can use a Spanish 1893/1895 extractor spring for yours.

[@HircineDaWolf]

@@GarandGuy2553ok cool got it thanks