Gewehr 98: The German WWI Standard Rifle

The Gewehr 1898 was the product of a decade of bolt action repeating rifle improvements by the Mauser company, and would be the standard German infantry rifle through both World Wars. Today we are looking at a pre-WWI example (1905 production) that shows all the features of what a German soldier would have taken to war in 1914.

[@dadygee]

"then Hans jumped out his fox hole and made a 360, no scope, headshot at 2000 meters..."

[@mojolotz]

It is very optimistic to have your standard sights go out to 2 km tbh xD.

[@MausTanker]

@@BytinMcHawk sit down

[@DenKHK]

@@mojolotz These weapons were designed at the turn of the century (late 19th century). The Napoleonic wars were not too long ago, and in fact right up through WW1, massed volley fire remained a standard infantry tactic. The sight was just to ensure your gun was pointed in the correct general direction and area, rather than to aim the gun at individual targets. That's why rifles continued to use such long-range, full power rounds even though infantry combat had (especially by WW2) evolved so as to take place largely within 100-300m, rather than 1-3km...

[@faolan1686]

@@mojolotz. I believe the idea was for volley fire for suppression. You just had to get close enough.

[@KarlMarkyMarx]

Can you believe that and mtn dew helped win the war

[@cecilbennett5403]

Mister, why you aren't on nationwide television is beyond me. I used to foolishly think l knew a lot about firearms before l started watching - and became addicted to - your video's. You are extremely knowledgable and your video's hold my interest throughout your presentation. Outstanding work, sir!

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Thanks!

[@geoffdearth8575]

Another yea vote.

[@stuartpaul9995]

Yes, I agree. it's a pleasure to listen to someone who has such a thorough grasp of his subject.

[@Ashgrey0]

Gun Jesus could talk about just anything and ill watch it

[@nicolasvillamil7523]

It's pretty obvious why gun TV isn't widespread. Cuz guns are bad right?

[@salokin3087]

Ain't going to lie, the Germans made some nice looking bolt action rifles.

[@salokin3087]

Tiles Murphy Oh snap! Imma need some examples!

[@Nicky-bv9xk]

Gun Porn. And the Gewehr 98 is a recognizable pornstar. 😏

[@ExUSSailor]

Just look at anything made between late '44 to the end of WW2. Any of the last ditch rifles, made for the Volksturm.

[@brightestdarkest987]

The VG 2 actually looks kind of bad ass though

[@hp2084]

bolt actions? MG-15, MG-38, MG-42, FG-42, MP40, MP-38, STG-44, P-38, luger. All are beautiful.

[@rahbaralhaq]

"You though this was modern, the Germans had this a century ago" As usual.....

[@tillmannfischer]

Fun fact: You will find the exact same thing on the rear-end of an MG 42 sling (and consequently on the MG3). Although the forward hook is done as a karabiner for more secure fastening at the two different hook-spots beneath the barrel.

[@KyleAnvilSlinger]

Just wait for 2039 :)

[@Elenrai]

Kyle! Give us the location of your secret moonbase!

[@MooreFishing-ky3wq]

The Stoned Videogame Nerd even the Galactic Empire outfitted the Stormtroopers with MG34 's .!

[@mrpogzminecraft3d850]

;D

[@stanalbatross8615]

funfact: "Spitzer" in German just means "more pointy"

[@willydominiak599]

and also "a peaking one"

[@catavar9921]

It also means "pencil sharpener".

[@eriktransformer]

@@catavar9921 no, that's an Anspitzer

[@jan-hendrikbussmann4644]

@@eriktransformer Very true. I just love these discussions in the youtube comment section :-)

[@eifelturm85]

Ja ja...

[@rsj2877]

Every nation changed from a round nose to a pointed nose Italy: "cries in carcanno"

[@antaridae]

Renato Ernesto isn't it carcano? Wow, I don't even know the rifles of my own country

[@ahuman2695]

@@antaridae yeah. He spelled it wrong lol

[@peabrain6872]

@Александр Субботин shut up stupid bot

[@kalemason8946]

Austria-hungary: doesn’t care in m95

[@TheNamelessPerson]

Japan: "cries in arisaka"

[@justinmorgan4568]

Pretty sweet little story, my dad found the stock of one of these in an old apple bin when I was a kid. Through shear luck we held onto it all these years, now that I'm old enough (and a big enough gun nut) to understand what I've got, I plan on rebuilding the rifle piece by piece.

[@fieryfive0127]

How is the rifle going? I have been working on a mauser 1893 for a few years, parts for the old rifles are getting kinda hard to find.

[@justinmorgan4568]

@@fieryfive0127 Going to shit sadly. It's a weird rifle because some parts are easy to find but others are a nightmare. So I didn't want to risk putting money in if I can't complete it.

[@fieryfive0127]

@@justinmorgan4568 What i am trying to find is a sporterized gun with a full length barrel, then you just need to find some of the more common parts

[@dieser4377]

whats about finding a gunsmith willing to rebuild these parts

[@justinmorgan4568]

@@dieser4377 Possibly. At the moment I just don't have money for it. I can see this becoming a very expensive project haha.

[@chrisf247]

I actually love the breakdowns of the more common weapons. Nobody does this better than Forgotten Weapons!

[@haramaschabrasir8662]

Love the sights of WWI era rifles. As if anybody is able to aim beyond 800 Meters with bare eye.

[@the_fonz_hd2702]

Haramasch Abrasir as if anyone should

[@garyeppich2429]

Haramasch Abrasir it was meant for volley fire, an entire company could aim high and create a barrage of bullets

[@chrissi.enbyYT]

It goes up to 2 km. Thats optimism

[@dog209]

Simo Häyhä

[@UnionAndroidSRboi]

@@dog209 please, hold Simo's beer

[@rogerstafford9727]

they sold this thing plus 5 other guns for $2000? i gotta get to these auctions man

[@DavidM-um2uk]

Came here to say this! Somebody got a great deal.

[@Plainsimple67]

ONE GUN FOR $2000.00 OR ALL 5 GOR $2000.00?

[@Plainsimple67]

@Rad Baeron THAT'S A SMOKIN DEAL, THAT'S WHAT I GOT MINE FOR FROM A LOCAL GUN STORE A MONTH AGO, ALL MATCHING MINT BORE!! GOT LUCKY RAN INTO A COLLECTION A MOM WAS SELLING THAT HER SON HAD. CAPS LOCK IS THE NEW WAVE BUDD.😉👉

[@kyleh3615]

Hey Sam Stop typing in CAP lock I've seen G98 for usually between 300 and 500 I got mine for 3

[@Plainsimple67]

@@kyleh3615 👍TNX

[@theacme3]

Haha, when I saw the proof marks I thought: "funny, these must be a Japanese or Chinese production batch" I am german, so not complely unfamiliar with the old lettering lol.

[@oliverwalters9533]

Good to see it wasn't just me.

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

"you'd find your buddy ..." How the military does love that... two man to a "shelter", each with a half of the "tent"... two man to a LMG, one with the weapon, one with ammo and changeable barrels... or for RPGs or basically anything too heavy for one person to carry alone :D

Battle Buddies!

[@charlesballiet7074]

the sound of this bolt action is amazing you can hear the craftsmanship

[@willmohler6828]

I got one of these from my grandfather after he passed it's a beautiful rifle. also got several other mauser types like a K98 made in 1917. Pretty awesome and accurate guns.

[@MilitaryHistoryVisualized]

oh a bolt-action Spandau...

[@baker90338]

I will take this to the logical extreme. *_PUMP ACTION AR15_*

[@thetomatoking9714]

F U L L A U T O F L I N T L O C K

[@jamesfisher9594]

So this rifle can fill in for a MG34?

[@datnoob4394]

semi-fully automatic weapon

[@annoyedchef7124]

dat noob it is fully semiautomatic

[@methanbreather]

Question for Ian: have you ever bid on one of the weapons you introduced in this channel?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Yes, I do occasionally.

[@scroggsie1]

+Forgotten Weapons successful in any? If so which video?

[@banalMinuta]

+scroggsie1 Some show up on inrange

[@timmebruer5205]

@@russellweber3466 go away

[@funkyalfonso]

@@timmebruer5205 For ever.

[@rnrailproductions5049]

I really love German made weapons that were made from 1880-1950.

[@AidenTheHistoryReporter]

Same

[@lebendigesgespenst7669]

Don’t forget the widespread G3 and iconic MP5. It may not be as prevalent as it used to be due to the pacification of Germany and its wartime industry, but german engineering lives on

[@lordvalen8133]

@@lebendigesgespenst7669 Things have really changed, though. The newer guns don't have the same charm as the old ones.

[@whitechapel8959]

Well technically Mauser 1871, grandparent to this rifle and was a standard issue as a sniper until 1960 in germany so this rifle was used for a good 80 to 89 years.^^ More you know, good line and legacy for a family to say the least, and as a standard untill military rifle for military service was actually till 1970 to 1972 in south Africa smaller countrys as well as south America and oceanic countrys so the Muaser rifle might be arguably the longest serving rifle with the least amount of change to it over all. Rifle used as a standard, Mauser: 100 to 89 years, longest rifle service compared to the brown bass Enfield rifle which was 110 to 105 years. For English use.

[@whitechapel8959]

Meant to say manufacturer without much change.

[@mytmousemalibu]

A beautiful piece of superbly engineered art, the Mauser bolt action! They are part art, part historical relic and a wonderful firearm!

[@MrMacroJesseSky]

$1,840 with 5 other rifles is such a steal

[@kyleh3615]

Depends on what the other 5 were I paid 300 for my 1918 production and my friends who also have them paud similar prices

[@ryanvargas4889]

These videos bring such relaxation and joy after a long day. Thank you Ian.

[@theflyingfool]

Thanks Ian, you always make very informative and brilliantly narrated videos. I really enjoy them!

[@MasterTaters]

This 400m meter zero thing isn't quite as massively huge an issue as going clear over someones head(unless you aimed at their head) it could hit about 10 inches higher in the worst case scenario. An 8mm mauser is much flatter shooting than for instance the 7.62x39 out of an akm and its sighting system had a 300m "battle zero" setting which would pretty much hit any standing target from 100-300m, standard soviet doctrine at the time was to aim for the guy's belt buckle and you would be assured to hit the torso somewhere.

[@robertsharp67]

If it's a guy just peeking over the top of a trench, then shooting 10 inches high is a big deal.

[@Voron_Aggrav]

In a trench you'd count yourself lucky if you had just enough of the Enemies Helmet to kill him

[@TheGearhead222]

I beg to differ, as I have encountered some crazy high shooting early Milsurps in my life...

[@roberts932]

So, they gave the soldiers weapon that with proper aiming would not hit the target ?

[@myparceltape1169]

@@roberts932 Check his video on the Long Lee for another example.

[@rickblair7104]

Thanks for all your good work. You are the gold standard of weapon history. Your videos are useful research information.

[@mauser-wl3uu]

Excellent video! A few things, this is a particularly interesting 1905 Spandau. If you look at the bayonet lug, you will notice that the it's the early unrelieved style. Later ones will be machined down at the 'H' part of the band. 1905 is fairly late for this feature to as most were later style by this time. Most likely a left over part, left over 200M sight bases do appear randomly during the 1905-06 time frame especially at the state arsenals. In regard to the finish, at the end of 1917 a rust blued finish with white bolt was ordered. This began to appear in the August 1918 time frame. It is possible to find 1918 dated gew 98s from most of the producers that maintained production that late with rust blued receivers, such guns are very rare and demand a premium. I have seen a half dozen or so myself. In addition to normal production with these rifles you have a lot of off standard production. Not only Sterngewehrs produced by the state arsenals, but also 'H' Spandaus produced at the Hanover Depot in a non-factory setting. Acceptance patterns show this, these rifles will only have the first of the three proofs on the right side of the receiver, most are made from subcontracted receivers. Saxon Sterngewehrs were produced at a ammunition plant in Dresden. Don't quote me as I don't remember exactly but German rifles didn't roll over serial numbers until around 1905. They just kept going, which for years mislead information about how many of these early guns were actually made. I can tell you about this particular rifle that the bolt is not factory matching. It could have been renumbered in a wartime rework. If you look at the firing proof on the underside of the bolt root you will see rearing lion. This is the Amberg arsenal's firing proof. Were there any numbers on the buttplate that would indicate a wartime rework? Re-numbered bolts from this era during the war are very common I have owned a bunch with this feature.

[@alanjones3874]

My rifle is marked Berlin 1915 and is exactly like the gun shown in every way , except the added hole through the stock for tool . It seems the manufacture or assembly at Berlin was somewhat behind time .

[@Spearfisher1970]

Excellent! Thank you for the video. It helps those of us with WWII K98's understand them better.

[@plainguy4996]

Forgotten or not, doesn't matter. Forgotten Weapons was and will remain your unique theme Ian, but now I want to see your takeaway of every gun, bazooka, and slingshot that turns your fancy. Keep up the awesome work.

[@prof2yousmithe444]

Fascinating! Thank you for posting!

[@Deathwing2]

Awesome vid! Would love to see a history/progression of Mausers

[@TheBibliofilus]

The Mauser 98's manufactured by Husqvarna of Sweden are excellent hunting rifles for winter treetop bird hunting @ up to 400m and are often rebuilt into modern composite stocks with bipod mount.

[@thingsstuff6564]

What a horrible thing to do to a beautiful piece of history

[@JohnDoe-pv2iu]

Ian this is another fine video. I Love and respect your work. I research old weapons and kinda document them in my 'journals of sorts' but I don't have access to the firearms you show Us all here. I think you must be working crazy hours to bring all of this to the viewers. You are one of the absolute best on weapons and I truly enjoy your videos on the off the wall BS, that folks made to peddle off on American buyers. They are the modern 'Snake-oil' salesmans and it is You who helps the average individual from wasting their time and money on the junk they have to peddle! Thank You and I pray you Well! I just wanted to clarify something about the G98 rifle, here. I think that you may have accidentally confused veiwers about. Like you said, back in the day, ruptured cartridges were more common and always a bad thing, especially with smokeless powder. The G98 protected the shooter very well. In the video, you mentioned that the slots in the bottom of the bolt vented a potential gas issue down but it really didn't. The vents were in the bottom of the bolt, so when the bolt rotated 90* right into lock-up/firing/exploding cases mode, they were pointed to the left. The ejector slot, firing pin hole and any seepage would direct this blast thru those slots into the solid slot of the receivers left bolt lug slot. This could vent rearward and exit out of the big relief on the left of the receiver in front of the receiver bridge. The bolts shroud, carrying the safety pretty well sealed this from the shooter's face, with this Avenue of escape! I hope this helps the veiwers understand this better. Again, Thank You for Your Excellent Work. Great Video!

[@reagannelson5264]

Great video. Thanks for the video. Lots of great information.

[@RealLuckless]

Honestly I would have to say that based on the amount of confusion I've seen people display with regards to the Mauser "98" series of rifles, that anything which isn't a mid-late WWII production still easily counts as "forgotten" in some ways.

[@gerardgagnon4832]

I have a Gew98 made by schilling, dated 1916, serial # 4898 with a symbol that resembles a capital A under it. fun to shoot and still very accurate.

[@douglasfulmer5483]

5 year wait for this video; worth it.

[@puuzaa]

If only all things are explained well like this.. I really like how specific Ian can be and same time interesting!! And this is your every video.. Greetings from Finland

[@Henbot]

Great video, especially looking details of construction

[@MANKINDGAMINGEnt]

I'm Canadian and don't know much about gun but your helping me learn, great content you have here keep up the good work

[@truejek001]

This is my dream rifle, can't wait to get some money to buy one!

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Excellent video ,,,thanks for your efforts ,the Gewehr 98 is a phenomenal weapon !

[@Dimitrius001]

Right on about the ruptured cases. I had a Yugo M48 and shot quite a bit of 1938 headstamped surplus Ammo through it. I had several cartridges that split down the middle.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

That's a beautiful example of this rifle.

[@vitis65]

Especially for an early prewar one.

[@mazkact]

As always excellent video Ian, thank you sir.In the video you state that the extractor will snap over case heads for single loading. Since I have never shot a Gew 98 I have to ask is this correct or a slip? I love 98 Mausers but the flat extractor face sometimes gives me fits when I forget to single load by inserting the round in the magazine. This feature once cost me a Vintage service rifle match when shooting my IDF K98.Stuck cartridge in chamber=too much time to clear.

[@Nick_792]

Finally bought one I've been looking at for 6 months thus past Saturday. Very happy to have the old G98 in my collection.

[@jamesregan2181]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@Bandit2924]

12:10 it says "LOL" In the butt stock lmao

[@Vicus_of_Utrecht]

ruslan mam The human brain can see things that are not really there!

[@geoh7777]

Those are random coincidental marks that merely resemble LOL.

[@Aron-ru5zk]

ruslan mam “You thought it was modern, the Germans had it 100 years ago”

[@cillianmclaverty9392]

@Reck Fredreck look closely

[@deanjeas5394]

Beautiful specimen. I own a Suhl made 8mm dated 1916...

[@antoniogonzales2420]

Amazingly interesting video! Thanks.

[@PaulieMainor]

dude I love this dude. All of these guns Ive always wanted to know about. I learn something historical everytime

[@Bauglir100]

Fun Fact: The manual for Castle Wolfenstein (AKA the original Wolfenstein game from 1981) describes the gun that the player uses as a "Mauser M-98 pistol fully loaded with ten bullets". Ironically, no rifles are actually seen or used anywhere in the game.

[@bobbyhood101]

T he broomhandle mauser pistol is the basis for the game not the rifle!

[@benzielke7149]

I played it on the Atari 800 in about 1986, never could beat it but I did get all the way to the final room full of guys at he table.

[@Bauglir100]

@@justforever96 I just told you exactly what it said in the manual. I am sure it was supposed to be the C96 though.

[@stuartm2476]

I thought this was de-monetised? If so, isn't it unfair (for Ian) that KZbin are still showing ads on this channel?

[@briankosmicki611]

I intentionally watch the ads on some channels so they can get revenue, I’ll be pissed if that’s going to KZbin and not the creators.

[@piotrd.4850]

@@briankosmicki611 Ian should have moved to watchnebula.org already, along with host other creators who also have presence there.

[@althesmith]

Quality and workmanship.

[@b.griffin317]

A complete history of the Mauser rifle might be a good video idea. Like you did for the 1911, Winchester lever guns etc.

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

that also just seems like a significantly nicer weapon than I would expect from the words "WW1 standard rifle". and damn, that gun and sling are in great condition! :o

[@RedXlV]

Just a correction, Peru also used the lange vizier rear sight on their Mauser Model 1909 (which was otherwise identical to the Argentine 1909).

[@alejandrovidal1607]

And also use the lange sigth in their 1891 mausers

[@artawhirler]

Excellent video about a beautiful rifle! Thanks!

[@mothcake8928]

I have a sporter that someone built off of this action, and oh boy does it shoot. It’s one of two guns that I own that I’d never consider selling.

[@danshaffer2890]

I so want one of these. Used by a pickelhauben wearing, fancily curled mustache German.

[@LawlCam24]

I have one...but my grandfather cut it down to hunting carbine size back in the 70s. Kind of a dick move. No bayonet, no long ass barrel. It's likely less accurate and the sights are not compatible with the barrel length but it's still beautiful.

[@TomFromYoutube]

@@LawlCam24 interesting.... I never thought about cutting down a rifle..

[@LawlCam24]

@@TomFromKZbin I'm not surprised. I could never cut down one of these beauties. They're nearly ceremonial in appearance. Now I've got an uncannily handsome looking standard hunting rifle. At least the sights are also aesthetically pleasing

[@thewelder1300]

Indeed my Kamarade...

[@teaser6089]

@@TomFromKZbin Please don't, just don't, it will ruin the gun for anyone that comes after you.

[@grayflaneur4854]

Can do a review on that other great First World War German rifle, namely the GOO 98? Iraqveteran8888 did one. It's like similar to the Gew 98, but different... :D

[@HaftiLutschiano]

whats funny regarding the zero is that most 7.62 (x51 for example) chambered rifles have the same aimpoint at 25m as at 400m. Not sure wether that applies to the G98 or if mauser knew about this, but still worth considering. Thank you for your videos keep rolling J

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

"...definitely not a forgotten weapon" But probably one that many people wish they could forget!!! Best is perhaps debatable, but it might take the cake for most-rechambered - the one area where the Lee-Enfield falls down, due to the inadvisability of using the Lee action (especially the SMLE) for high pressure cartridges.

[@iaiband]

I had a 1917 all matching spandau. The thing would leave bruises on my shoulder about after two clips. This is a real mans rifle

[@wtw1427]

Then youre holding it incorrectly

[@alphacoffeesins9197]

I have one of those too the best rifle I've ever had

[@Imakethepoopies]

Ian - This might not be a true matching rifle. At 13:46 I see the Bavarian Lion stamp on the base of the bolt handle. I believe this would indicate the bolt was manufactured by the Amberg arsenal, or possibly by Mauser in Oberndorf. I think a Spandau bolt would have had Prussian Eagle stampings. It's somewhat common to see this as the smaller parts would be stamped with the last two digits of the serial number, thus creating a huge pool of parts that you could match to create a "all matching rifle". Ultimately, it doesn't make the gun any less awesome, just potentially less monetarily valuable. Still an incredible piece of history, just not truly matching. Keep up the great work. Love the videos!

[@MormonAll]

EXCELLENT. Thank You.

[@thunderj176]

Had a 1916 G98. It was beautiful, sold it, I was dumb.

[@MoreAmerican]

Aren't more rounded nose bullets better (ballistic coefficient wise) at slower speeds? If so, what is the speed at which a pointed bullet profile becomes more efficient?

[@wingracer1614]

Round is better subsonic, pointed is better supersonic. Pretty much all full rifle rounds post smokeless powder are supersonic except for oddballs made for suppression like the .300 blackout.

[@wingracer1614]

Also, round or flat noses are pretty much required for tube magazines for obvious reasons which is why lever action rounds like 30-30 have round/flat noses.

[@ihategooglealot3741]

a comparison series between the various WW1 rifles would be fascinating

[@mattbalboa1349]

Back in the late 70's when I was a Marine Sgt, I had two rifles I bought at Woolworth's in San Diego. I had a K91 Argentine Mauser in 7.92mm, complete with a huge bayonet, and a K95 Steyr

[@bobkirkpatrick4638]

Bought my 8mm at woolworths as well in the late 70's $59.95. I still have it and am about to gift it my soldier son

[@peterperez4113]

I have always and will always love German firearms! They do weapons right!

[@alanjones3874]

That`s why there are so many in almost every country of the world . They were all brought home as war souvenirs .

[@seriouspitou]

Battlefield One will seriously rape this weapon, by turning trench warfare to a yolo running spray and spray warfare. It'll be full of machine gun :(

[@jackmcslay]

I do hope they remember the chauchat tho

[@seriouspitou]

Yes, indeed. It will be the unique way to see it full auto without a failure :D

[@RabbitHighOnHate]

I'll stick to playing Verdun, thank you very much.

[@sweatymcsweatyy2721]

+tuck234 hopefully they use bf4 balancing. they already perfected it model wise and i hope they dont deviate to a new system thats fucks everyone over

[@jackmcslay]

Austin pierce I'd be more interested in a FPS that takes realism more seriously, with weapon jams, overheating, heavier weapons being harder to handle than light ones. What's the point of having an FPS that's set in an earlier war just to have it play just like every other military FPS?

[@nickschmitz841]

Excellent quick video. Please make one on the Gewehr 88 as I feel that is certainly a forgotten weapon compared to the Gew 98 and later Kar98k.

[@calebdehart6651]

Any chance you could do a video on the Ciener ultimate over/under, masterkey and M26? It's crazy how many people I run into have no idea any of these exist.

[@isaacainslie2638]

3:58 Hi, don't think you're going to see this, but just to let you know, Ian, it's pronounced lah-n-geh vih-zee-ehr, not lah-n-j vi-zeer, sorry for the pedanticism

[@polstierna4251]

so all germans where aiming really low during to whole war? So let's say they'd spot head in the other trench, would they aim into the dirt under it to make a hit? Did I misunderstand this? It sounds super irritatiing to be a german soldier a hundred years ago.

[@arno838]

yeah basically you'd have to aim at the dirt

[@MuseM1911]

Yes I have a G98, an Amberg 1918, and at 75-100 yards you have to aim pretty low.

[@Synochra]

indeed, that must have been annoying as hell

[@bloodygoat6941]

Emil Maxén well the Russians had the same problem with their guns

[@larrykenyon2528]

You ever heard of Kentucky windage?

[@opforgaming5053]

i really hate how youtube moved the comments im so used to going all the way down that i do it on instinct UGH love the video btw

[@CowboyAxe]

Small button behind the gas shield press it on a hard surface and spin off the back to inspect the mainspring or clean. Very nice design.

[@iamquite_the_predicament7433]

I have a Danzig 1917 Gew98 with all matching serial numbers, save for the magazine follower, of all things. I've been wanting to take it out and shoot it so badly but I have had my doubts, seeing as how it is nearly 100 years old. The only issues I've seen with the rifle are purely cosmetic, though. I've stripped it down and cleaned it fully and the issues with it are a rusty butt plate, rust on the face of the trigger, and some pitting on the side of the bolt under the extractor. There is no rust or grit within the action itself and the bolt face, firing pin, and rifling are flawless. In your opinion and experience, do you think my rifle would be safe to fire using modern 8mm?

[@mauser-wl3uu]

They are perfectly safe, pending your rifle doesn't have any issues. I have 13 Gew 98s and shoot them regularly.

[@mtct01]

I have a Danzig 1904 and have shot it with PPU ammo i bought from Cabelas. The only problem wrong with mine was my stock split where some previous owner "Sporterized" it. Trying to get a new stock for the gun.

[@justinriley8651]

This sounds like a example you see before you read about somebody's face getting wrecked.get somebody that knows what there doing to inspect your rifle best free advice your gonna get.

[@patrickmadden9965]

I have a 1936 sauer and sohn k98, and I shoot it often. What is important is using good, hi quality ammo. No steel case, no old milsurp. The only issue is after about 50 rounds, the barrel gets very hot, expands, and puts stress on the wood stock and barrel Bands. It is an old rifle and can’t be handled roughly or excessive rounds fired. Just be aware of this and I don’t think you should have any problems.

[@daveybernard1056]

Better figure out the difference between the .318" and .323" diameter ammo, FIRST! Your rifle is chambered(from the German arsenal, anyhow) for .318 ammo.

[@Ashfielder]

Almost managed to type 'That isn't a forgotten weapon, et me gerd unsubscreebed!!!!!' but you beat me to it, Ian,

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Excellent video

[@ethanshelton3177]

I've recently gotten one of these. Thanks for the info 👍

[@julmusten100]

Ian, is there a big spike in WW1 videos now that Battlefield 1 is released?

[@richardcutts196]

World War 1 took place a hundred years ago

[@OneEyeDollar6]

@@richardcutts196 So?

[@ossibbm]

The Germans had the best technology

[@thomastully5940]

We have three of them in our Armoury in our Gun Club here in Svendborg,Denmark.Beautiful rifle,long and heavy but what a beauty.

[@johnpogany2444]

Nice workmanship and engineering design you couldn’t expect less from the Germans

[@S4nesi]

Is the Gewehr 98 an early version of Kar98k?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

Yes.

[@tommykwon8484]

Sanesi it was to make the gun more soldier friendly

[@HeadHunter697]

Yup, it is essentially, the Karbiner's predecessor

[@chaoswarriorboi3665]

@Forgotten Weapons Really? I thought it was the Karabiner 98AZ that was an early version the Karabiner 98k.

[@the_fonz_hd2702]

I want to own both of these rifles

[@Nettsballs]

Ha lol. I'm 14 and just got one of these from my grandpa today.

[@vittorio8429]

authentic taste for guns👍 I really appreciate it.

[@StPaul76]

By the introduction of the K98k with it's different type of rear sight, the German Army also adopted a different type of bullet called the s.S as in German "schweres Spitzgeschoss" meaning a "heavy pointed bullet". Instead of the 153gr spitzer of the WWI they calibrated the sights of the shorter barreled K98k to shoot the 198gr fmjbt. The main reason as far as I know, was to extend the volley firing range of the machine guns to another level. That 198gr full house German military load is still a quite a potent round going supersonic @1K.

[@CptCudlScoops]

Question for Ian. How rare is a 1916 kornbusch & co. Oberspee?

[@CptCudlScoops]

Also, love the channel and thanks for all the hard work you do to produce videos.

[@KillandGrill]

It woud be realy great for us eurpean viewers, when you use the US measure system to show us the numbers in the metric system. Great video though :)

[@lecktmich6780]

Mauser 98 will never be forgotten as long as humans live on earth.

[@brucestevenson1006]

My favorite rifle of both wars!

[@Rook9696]

My first rifle was a gew 98, unfortunately the previous owner sporterized it, I do plan to return it to its former glory, it didn't serve two world wars to have its dignity stripped from it

[@lv2943]

'A whole bunch of decades' is that an official historical term?

[@SamuraiPie8111]

yes

[@Judge_Jej]

Of course

[@vonschlesien]

That bolt is delightfully paranoid about bad ammo and materials failures

[@ClickerQuiz]

cool video. I learned new things.

[@fishbait9858]

Damn. If that sight is only used by Germans that means my Gewehr 98 is probably Turkish

[@HeadHunter697]

Fishbait 98 probably issued to Turkish soldiers who made their own modifications to the rifle.

[@spookbuster4862]

Turkish Mausers are fairly hot collectors items man, take good care of that Mauser!

[@RuinedPrelude]

At 11:37 see that LOL????

[@Vicus_of_Utrecht]

SIMSA75 Mentioned months ago lol

[@jsshadow-lurker5152]

Looks more like _La_ to me.

[@cbroz7492]

..I've got a Kar 98 that began life as a Gew 98 made in Spandau in 1916...amazing because it survived the Great WAR. The Weimar Reoublic, WWII and the worst enemy, Bubba...no import marks..

[@tomservo5347]

US troops felt the sting of the 98 Mauser during the Spanish-American War as they looked questioningly at their own inferior Kragg-Jorgensen rifles. The 1903 Springfield was a result of this experience and pretty much a copy of the 98.