Hungarian WWII Rifles (35M, 43M, G98/40)

After the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Hungarian army was armed primarily with Steyr M95 straight-pull rifles and carbines, chambered in the 8x56mm rimmed cartridge. In 1935 they adopted a new Mannlicher turnbolt rifle, the 35M, which used the same 8x56R ammunition and en bloc clips. The rifle was modified in 1940 for production to German specifications as the Gewehr 98/40 (including conversion to 8x57 rimless ammunition and a stripper-clip-fed box magazine). The resulting rifle was good enough that it was adopted by Hungary as well in 1943 as the 43M.

[@BlackGoldHUN]

As a Hungarian i really happy to see something hungairan on the channel

[@molndan94]

Gergely Mádi Same here. :)

[@Dracologist]

Gergely Mádi Let's face it: We were and are, more of a bow-and-arrow people

[@iloveyourstoriesluna311]

hallod ti is magyarok vagytok de azért angolul írtok egy magyar kommentje alá xD

[@BenyNukem]

I have found a magazine for Steyr-Solothurn S2-200 / 31M in a trench near by Warsaw in the ww2 trench. Have nice collection of cases as well. Haven't find any video showing this weapon on youtube. Is it that rare?

[@budasardi4701]

CSak hogy a francba kerül oda mindenből?!A német marok lőfegyvertől,a magyar puskán át a japán zsebkendőig bezáróan?!

[@tonyktx44]

My father was a B-24 pilot in the Pacific theater, and during a stopover at Iwo Jima obtained a very nice 43M from a Army medic who had found it, along with a large cache of ammo in a cave that had been burned out by the Marines sometime earlier. Dad traded a bottle of scotch for it, It has full markings similar to the one you show Ian, but has a Swastika stamped on the receiver, buttplate, and bayonet..Serial number is 6XXX. No one can explain how in the world this rifle ended up in the south Pacific. If only it could tell tales. Great video Ian, many thanks

[@18ferris88]

Tony King The placement of the markings you mentioned, makes no sense especially that they are supposedly swastikas on a hungarian issue weapon. If I PM you , will you send me photos or have you already put it on one ofthe firearms message boards? Collectors would be interested seeing any German marked Hungarian Army weapons.

[@tonyktx44]

That seems to be the case,however the Germans did employ this rifle.

[@18ferris88]

Tony King Also, the only markings the Germans placed on rifle butt plates if any were the serial number and maker mark.

[@tonyktx44]

Also the rifle was given to my son following my Dads death, and he is currently deployed overseas. I will ask him if it's ok to give you his em address, and you two can wrangle it out... Thanks for replying....

[@inouelenhatduy]

+Tony King ya sure . aint you his dad ? just go to his house take a photo and send it to seamus .

[@jadger1871]

Just a slight inaccuracy at 2:10, but the G98/40 was not a result of the German occupation. The G98/40 was introduced in 1941 but Hungary was not occupied until 1944. It was rather a German contract as German industry could not keep up with the demand for rifles. Otherwise yet another superb video, I have been watching your channel for months pretty much nonstop and that is the first fault I've noticed. Bravo

[@erikcsader4666]

Also Mannlicher M31 didn't use same ammunition as mannlicher M95. Mannlicher M95 used obsolete 8x50r cartridge and mannlicher M31 8x56r. Also mannlicher M35 used this cartridge and main difference between old M95 - converted to 31M and 35M was that 35M has different bolt system and also a new bayonet was made.

[@bobsmoot2392]

Great observation

[@zsoltberces3378]

Exactly! Danuvia Gépgyár Rt. (Danuvia Machinery Factory Ltd.) had a tolling agreement with the German Army to manufacture G98/40 for them.

[@yarpen86]

2:10 Hungary were not under German occupation until 1944, before that they were part of the Axis.

[@palkikala5377]

Operation Margarethe

[@bobsmoot2392]

Bingo!

[@Noizy01]

As a Hungarian, I really appraciate these videos about Hungarian guns, thank you! 🙏

[@MadSpectro7]

I just realized that the case behind you has nothing but Lugers.

[@barneycrocodoc6877]

Shoes I noticed the same thing - over 50 Lugers in that cabinet! A look through that cabinet would make a nice episode, I'd think.

[@TeaAndBullets]

It would have to be a hour long episode.

[@barneycrocodoc6877]

Hell, make it a full-fledged movie - I'd watch!

[@Coyu3]

I'm really interested in these Hungarian rifles, it's not easy finding good informative videos on the internet about them. Thanks a lot for this upload!

[@wd-type9643]

My gratitude goes out to you for making this video. It was very useful for my research.

[@mikemessier7977]

Well made rifles with a interesting history. Thanks Ian!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Great information as always!

[@crazyfvck]

That 35M is a good looking rifle :)

[@emulsion_]

Fantastic that you were able to get the full timeline.

[@genegarren833]

Very interesting rifle Ian. It looks like a great shooting weapon, as well as a very interesting piece of history. Well done!!!!

[@USSEnterpriseA1701]

I always found it interesting how few sources note the connection between the non-straight-pull Mannlicher designs and the old German Gew. 88. I know that Mannlicher made some changes and improvements, but the heart of the action remains basically the same.

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

Cool video. Both my parents come from Hungary, and you're right, not many people know about Hungarian weapons nor is there much interest in them. By they way, Budapest is pronounced budda-pescht ;-)

[@borisgrishenko652]

I as a Hungarian approve of this video

[@szaszs]

I hope you'll make a video of them in action sometimes in the future :) Also if you ever get the chance to get a Király(or Danuvia) smg please make a video of it, they are definietly interesting, but sadly forgotten. Greetings from Hungary!

[@jurijkalasnyikov]

Köszönöm ezt a videót!!!!!!!!

[@andrewmoes1022]

I'd love to see the Solothurn 31.m (MG30) on this channel. I can't find any firing or disassembly videos on it anywhere!

[@bobsmoot2392]

My father (Inf.Italy,WW2) brought homes a 98/40 & bayonet. (Nazi stamps all over it). His buddies shot a "Kraut", and brought it to him in the hospital. (Relax... I'm of German decent). He stayed there a year, recovering, before they allowed him on the hospital ship home. Once back, he spent a year in rehabilitation in Kalamazoo before moving home (Toledo). He made it from North Africa to Salerno, Casino, all the way through/past Rome, before being wounded out of the war. The German 88 that wounded him badly, in 4 places, killed 6 of his detail. I still have the rifle/bayonet and his metals.

[@cantsneedgaming4591]

thats sick

[@darrenwhite9906]

My 43M ejector shot across the room right as you said "it is under spring pressure so hold on to it" guess I shoulda watched before trying

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

I find myself repeatedly distracted by the legion of lugers taking up a good portion of the background. It's like RIA said "How many Lugers do you think we can get our hands on?" "I want ALL of the Lugers."

[@ragnarragnarsson3128]

They can't get them all till they buy Simpsonltd out. They have a ton of em.

[@alexleake3491]

i find the G98/40 designation interesting considering mechanically the Mannlicher turnbolts have much more in common with the Gewehr 88, being a further modification of the design

[@commissarpistols606]

I would love to have either of these rifles in my collection!

[@vonmazur1]

The bayonet was also used on the Hungarian SMG's, these never have the additional sight on top of the ring. The Infantry bayonet also lacks the auxilliary sight. The Cavalry models used the additional sight. All three versions also had NCO models with a loop on the butt cap for an NCO sword knot. This is one of the hardest bayonets to find in the US, in any version. AFIK, there are at least 6 versions of this bayonet.....I am unsure of the differences between the Infantry models and the SMG models. Maybe some one here knows.

[@IAmStillNotMatthew]

It's a good fact to know that the letter "M" doesn't stand for Modernized, like in case of other - mostly russian - weapons. It stands for "Mintájú"(Pattern). So, it would be "Pattern 35" and Pattern 43". Basically most of our stuff has the letter M, gas masks(28M, 34M, 51M, 60M, 70M, 93M), our uniforms, etc.

[@Jason-fm4my]

Thanks to Steel Division, the 35M is so hot right now.

[@erebus7306]

What's the maximum distance the rifles can be fired and what's the best range with Iron sights?

[@andredmitrieff9586]

Hi ! Help ! get a 98-40 in quite ood condition but leaf sight was limited to 300m by apin under the leaf. Not a big problem with a good file. Mre problematic was the fact that there in not any more the cursor locking mechanism. I working very hard inventing and building something . Has omeone a drawing and description of its construction and operatio ? The one I making is for sure not the righht design. Many anticipated thanks

[@sparta7780]

i have a question for anyone that might see this i have a mauser that looks like a g98 says 7x57 i think but doesn't have the sight hood thing like the g98

[@trynsurviven2440]

Those would be nice to have for sure.

[@moosemaimer]

Did they make the numbering on the buttplate that deep so once you'd fired it enough, it would stamp the serial number into your shoulder?

[@j.troydoe1278]

i have a Austrian m-95 very fun to shoot a friend of mine has the Budapest version thanks for this video we were not sure of the difference and would not trust Dunham's to explain

[@boucherwag_7771]

Old video but where can I find out what some of the numbers mean on my m1895?

[@andrasnepijak1020]

A 35m mannlicher magyar fejlesztésű puska Budapesten készült a FÉG gyárban 8x56r kaliber. A 43m az egy hibrid a zárszerkezet mannlicher a tár mauser 8x57 kaliber, ez főleg német megrendelésre készült, a FÉG gyárban Budapesten.Üdv András

[@Sabartoasfaloi]

A 43M tárjának semmi köze a 35m tárjához, az utóbbi csak tárkerettel működött, előbbihez egy töltőléc töltötte be a 8x57 mauser töltényeket

[@BorsodBoy]

Finally something from the motherland/ Végre valami hazúlról! :D

[@xjaredx11]

I have a rifle very similar. It is Hungarian but the serial number is 3957M I'm not sure which variant it is. Just trying to find what ammunition it shoots

[@ericcook5224]

FYI! I'm not sure if there's a comment about this or if you already know: the bayonet lug on the 35m can be changed out and replaced with the piling hook. I'm guessing it was done by troops that didn't need a bayonet.

[@troy9477]

I think people dorget that the Hungarians have a good arms industry. If the Germans bought from them, that says a lot. I like the 35M the best, maybe because it's in the best shape. The 2 piece stock is a bit ugly, but very practical, and i'm sure it's easier to manufacture. I wonder if they used buttstocks with different lengths of pull to accommodate various sizes of soldiers, like the British did with the SMLE. Great video as always. Thank you

[@mrspike007able]

I have Handled an M43 and a 98/40 the Bolt is Super Smooth.

[@ollythebest94]

Do you have a Carcano 91? What do you think about it?

[@pinkeye00]

wow .. that bolt is crazy easy to deal with.

[@andrasnepijak1020]

A G98/40 jelzés puska megegyezik a 43m mauser puskával. A Magyar Honvédelmi Minisztérium 1943ban rendszeresíti.Üdv András

[@Sabartoasfaloi]

A g98/40-es re nem megy rá a 43M bajonettje

[@maverickpaladin4155]

That 35M is really sharp. Are they super rare in the US or are they fairly available?

[@blueduck9409]

I like them all, but i like the German rifle the best. I would like to have seen you work the bolts and give us a demonstration of the action.

[@kurtwk]

I once owned a G98 40. 😞. Wish I still had it.

[@puppetguy8726]

How does the FEG 35 compare to the MAS 36?

[@williamflowers9435]

At 2:10 I think you meant to say Collaboration instead of occupation. It wasn’t until March 1944 that Hungary was occupied.

[@18ferris88]

One never sees the 35M or 43M with cavalry slings. The 'infantry' type is too wide for the side swivels.

[@mynameisavery_6793]

I know this video is 3 years old but I just bought a g98/40. Serial 5224 and I need any info, parts, anything I can get. Thank you so much.

[@enricopallazzo5917]

AveryShoup _ I have the opportunity to buy one this week. Would you tell me how much you paid for your G98/40?

[@Jason-fm4my]

Wonder how much wood they saved making two piece stocks.

[@villagewingnut2920]

If only I could find a full stock and hardware for my G.98/40...

[@MrBioniclefan1]

LOL I saw all of those handguns behind you and they look they might be Lugers.

[@pripjatyfighter3786]

The safety works like on the Kar 98 (three position)? And can be put in the safe position without pulling back the firing pin? (because on the Mannlicher M95 you have to pull a little bit to engage the safety )

[@HK-zb6si]

No idea why they kept the "firing pin nut" (Schlagbolzenmutter) of the M95. You can put it in safe or fire with the leaf, no need to pull on the nut. It is not a 3 position safety like the mauser 98. Fully to the right: safe and bolt is locked. Fully to the left: fire position. Leaf up or middle does not lock in, do anything. Thus operating the bolt while safe is not possible. Anyway. You can use the firing pin nut to uncock the M35, M43 and G98/40 to carry the gun at maximum safety (Like the M95). And you can cock it the same way as the M95 just by pulling on the firing pin nut. It is cock on close.

[@romaindemare4930]

Combien coûte cette arme ?

[@maverickpaladin4155]

Forgotten Weapons That 35M is a particularly handsome looking rifle. I've never seen any of these rifles, but own a few of the M95 and M95/34's, all in the 8x56R caliber. How common are any of these, particularly the 35M, on today's surplus market? What is a ballpark value for such a rifle?

[@vonmazur1]

+Trey Westcot 35 M is almost never seen in the US. They are somewhat rare. I have one in mint condition, and I have no idea how it got here. The 43 M is much more commonly seen, and the G 98/40 is the most common of all. Prices vary by demand and since the German versions have more demand they tend to be very expensive now.

[@praevasc4299]

Just a minor nitpick: the marking at 5:07 is not an "acceptance stamp", but actually the coat of arms of the country.

[@jumpfinder]

Did they ever chamber the 43m in 7mm mauser (7x57)?? I just picked one up and it looks like it was factory done.

[@ForgottenWeapons]

+jumpfinder Not that I am aware of...

[@robertkubrick3738]

+jumpfinder I seem to recall that Chile came to own some, but I could be wrong.

[@Manowar9]

All 43M rifles were manufactured chambering 7.92x57mm, never in 7x57.

[@andrasnepijak1020]

43m kaliber 8x57js Üdv András

[@andrasnepijak1020]

35 m Mannlicher kaliber 8x56r 43m Mauser kaliber 8x57js Üdv András

[@lundphoto]

.. please fix your audio, this is one of many recently where only the left channel works

[@imagifyer]

any particular reason why they changed from a straight pull bolt in the M95 compared to the turn bolt 35M-43M ?

[@18ferris88]

imagifyer combat experience from world war one.

[@18ferris88]

The M95 has weaker extraction than a conventional rifle. When the bolt is dirty and extractor worn, operation is very difficult. A mosin or g98 don't require tight tolerances to function and shooter has more leverage when he operates the bolt.

[@18ferris88]

ti1tus The Swiss shortened the length of the action and moved forward the locking lugs.

[@sergeantbigmac]

imagifyer It also takes more machining to make a straight pull. At that point just add a gas tube and make it semi-auto LOL.

[@tedgonzo8676]

it is under spring _tension_

[@thomasmuntzer1004]

if you like hungarian firearms do a FEG 37M !!

[@boucherwag_7771]

I know this video is old but on the straight pull bolt...how do you get it out?

[@the_loyal_monarchist5280]

You need push the trigger forward and pull the bolt out

[@boucherwag_7771]

The_Loyal_ Monarchist I figured it out already but thanks.

[@claus2427]

It looks like DISA cloned these rifles bolt for the M47 bolt action rifle

[@hansfriedrich7737]

The 35m bayonets cost a fortune and i want one

[@nicholasmaugeri759]

Interesting especially since they were allied to the Germans in WW2 and fought on the Eastern Front.

[@totalenlighten]

Not trolling, my girlfriend likes your mustache. Myself, I love the information you have to share.

[@poser_skateboarder889]

Reminds me a bit of Nikolais facial hair ( the primis one )

[@Boredout454]

How rare are these rifles in the US and how much do they generally go for (fair to good condition)?

[@szaszs]

Boredout454 I believe you can get them for around 100-600$ :) I'm not sure how hard it is to find one, but I think they aren't that rare in the US as they are back in Hungary(sadly for us, haha)

[@Boredout454]

szaszs How tough are your gun laws in Hungary? How hard i it to get a permit to own a firearm and how much do they go for? Do people think your weird or dangerous if you own or like firearms?

[@BorsodBoy]

Boredout454 we have tough gun laws, im just fifteen so I don't exactly know, everything I own is disarmed, but people people look funny at the disarmed weapons, you can believe what they would react when you show them a sharp rifle :D but you could still fit in with a lot of people, especially supporters of Jobbik :D (like me :3 )

[@szaszs]

Boredout454 It depends. Our gun laws are very strict, and unless you're a hunter you aren't allowed to own rifles or shotguns. Normally "civilians" are not allowed to own any kind of firearm, except for some flobert guns, and air rifles. If you have a membership at a shooting range then you can possibly buy and own firearms, but that process is quite tricky as well so it's not really a common thing. Now I only have experience with hunting rifle permits, but for example if you get a semi auto shotgun, you have to modify it so it's capacity is limited to 3 shots, and I'm not sure if you can get a semi auto rifle at all. Generally you can get used hunting rifles for cheap. These are usually from within the soviet area, cheap, but sturdy and reliable. Back home(I moved to Scotland) my father has a Czech Zbrojovka ZKK600(pretty much the knockoff of the Kar98 used by the Germans) rechambered to 30-06, a hungarian made Mosin Nagant, again, same as the one used in the war except it's a "luxury" hunting edition, also rechambered to 30-06, a Baikal 12 bore(bock barreled), an IZS 18(single barrel single shot 12 shotgun) and a TOZ .22 rifle. Most of the people from the hunting group use Baikal shotguns, however the rifles tend to be more modern, like newer Mausers and such. The prices start from at least 200$ for a used shotgun/rifle and of course can reach the skies. As for how do people think of us, they generally don't really care. Other than the occasional hunting accidents, there aren't many gun related news in the media(obviously not counting criminal activity), so it's just not a topic people form an opinion on, since it's almost a rarity to own them. There are a lot of airsoft players now, but from my experience the public tends to be curious about it and while in my opinion the airsoft scene back home is rather awful, people have no problem with airsofters either, same with re enactors. Either way, I really do want to get one of these old rifles, and I especially love these three because of the straight pull mechanism. Hope you'll be able to find one for cheap as well :)

[@Boredout454]

Thanks for the info bud! Im not sure I could handle all of those restrictions, Id go mad! In Texas there is roughly 11+ guns per man woman and child and the population is 27+ million. So Basically everyone owns firearms lol. Its weird for someone not to in fact. Most people carry firearms, you dont need a permit to carry an assault rifle, shotgun, rifle or anything like that. Just need a permit to carry a pistol and it doesnt have to be hidden but you can, the permit is 75 bucks for 5 years and very easy to get.

[@GrOuNdZeRo7777]

I own a Steyr M.95 and I love that gun, It's truly too bad the ammo is no longer available but I only paid a 100 bucks for the rifle so...It's proudly displayed on my wall and perhaps one day I'll buy some overpriced ammo for it....

[@SolarEmp1re]

GrOuNdZeRo7777 go to ammoseek dot com and search for 8x56mmR they list all the companies that have ammo in stock, would be a great round to start reloading for too

[@merlemorrison482]

GrOuNdZeRo7777 I hope you have an 8x56R instead of an 8x50R, like mine. They are really tough to get ammo for!

[@totalmetaljacket789]

GrOuNdZeRo7777 It's not absurdly expensive, and it's reloadable.

[@puppetguy8726]

Why did the Germans call it Gewehr 98/40 instead of Karabiner 98/40?

[@puppetguy8726]

@@comentedonakeyboard I thought it was called Kar 98 because it hade a bent carbine style bolt handle. In the Swedish military it was strictly the length that decided what was a carbine and what wasn't.

[@gastonhitw720]

thought it was the SMG

[@KJ-tr6cn]

Dissapointing as these are so expensive... these would be my choice for a milsurp

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

The 43M is a submachine gun isn't it?

[@the_loyal_monarchist5280]

Puska is van ilyen néven. Mind2 fegyvert 43-ban kezdték használni

[@dereks6636]

bayonet lug pfft. you mean short sword lug lol

[@KettyFey]

Bah! Those Germans numbered off everything, but they missed the screws! Useless! :D

[@CTB021976]

I do believe that these rifles have a Mannlicher-Schoenauer rotating bolt and not a straight pull bolt!

[@KAI19772011]

Hi, I know it sounds strange to you, but Germany really had allies. For Exempel Italy, until 1943, romania until 1944, hungaria until 1944 (1945) finland until 1945. When these countries tried to Switch side, yes they have eben occupied Boy the nazis. But until that, they did the same thing, fought the same war, and new about the background of the nazi Empire. Also something that has been forgotten. These countries are not only victims.

[@Winters1840]

The hungarian gun laws are the strictest in Europe. I think if we have better laws more people will be interested whit firearms but this is not a goal for our goverment.

[@maxymorzeszko8344]

Jhw is ajw 12345, good good times

[@martonjuhasz1544]

lol the germans and their numbers hahaha xD i love it

[@rddn2425]

Nice comments , small detail Hungary was an ally to Germany in WWII , not exactly occupied, but I mean it doesn't change the whole idea of your presentation :-)

[@brianjordan2192]

Germany never occupied Hungary. Hungry was Germany's most loyal allies and one of the only allies that fought to the end instead of switching sides like Romania, Italy, and several of the Balkan states.

[@sIDsleeper]

Always on the losers' side...

[@brianjordan2192]

sIDsleeper Whether on the losing side or not, one has to respect their loyalty. Sticking to their side to the end gives them more honor than those other states that became turn coats.

[@sIDsleeper]

Lot of fuckin' good that honor did us ever since! :)

[@brianjordan2192]

sIDsleeper Honor is a virtue unto itself. Like honesty, honor is an abstract value. Better to have it than to not. One should not expect a reward for doing the right thing.

[@sIDsleeper]

Yeah, allying up with the Germans was not the right thing...it's kind of obvious in hindsight.

[@m1994a3jagnew]

Id like a gun, but im poor

[@TeaAndBullets]

Buy a SKS or a old .22 they usually go for at least $100-300.

[@DarkAvatar1313]

m1994a3jagnew Get a Mosin Nagant, they are cheap and plentiful and are from a similar era/style to these guns.

[@TeaAndBullets]

DarkAvatar1313 But they have a ton of recoil and the ammo is a bit harder to find and costs more.

[@williamk1060]

Mosins? 7.62x54R is plentiful, there's lots of new ammo and surplus out there, cheap too. I got 880rd for my mosin for $200

[@pheinix123456789]

Germany did not occupy Hungaria until 1944

[@IAmStillNotMatthew]

Germans occupied Hungary in March, 1944, Soviets fully "liberated" Hungary in April 4, 1945. Hungary joined the war as an axis force in 1942, but was not controlled by the germans until Horthy tried to leave the axis and join the allies, so the germans enstablished a nazi party, the Arrow Cross Party(hungarist party, which is the hungarian version of nazism)

[@seph1370]

:D Hungarians

[@wach9191]

Germans did not occupied Hungary just until before very end of war. Get your facts right.

[@dreamingflurry2729]

Strange that they built these clip-fed things, when I would reject those ASAP because the clip is a waste of material! If you have to make millions of them then yes, you waste a lot of good steel (or other material) that could have gone to other uses!

[@coconut6468]

Let's not judge history in hindsight.

[@egoalter1276]

the en block clips allow for much faster loading (faster than even detatchable box magazines), and easy efficient handling and storage of ammunition, and they are a cheap stamped metal part. You mightrealize the US did the exact same thing.

[@k98_zock_tv47]

"As the germans occupied Hungary..." Sorry, but thats not true at all. Hungary was an Independent Axis Partner of this time. German troops were not really in Hungary, up to 1944, as for obvious reasons, the Red Army stood on the borders of Hungary. Greetings

[@FantadiRienzo]

"and when the germans occupied hungary" - wait, weren't they allies?

[@gaborzer]

Yes we were, but we (Hungary) attempted to pull out of the war, so in '44 the Germans invaded Hungary, installed a puppet government and kept us in the war. However, I'm pretty sure Ian made a mistake, as he implied the occupation happened earlier.