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What was the Karabiner 98k?

The Karabiner 98k was the primary bolt-action rifle used by German soldiers throughout World War II. It was first introduced in 1935 as a modern update to a design from the First World War. By making the rifle shorter, German engineers created a weapon that was much easier to carry on the battlefield.

What was the role of this rifle?

This rifle acted as the main weapon for almost every German infantry squad. Because it was lightweight and compact, it was also a perfect choice for tank crews and paratroopers. It became the most recognizable tool used by German ground forces during the entire war.

How did soldiers use the rifle in battle?

Soldiers used a metal tool called a stripper clip to load five bullets into the rifle at once. Even though this gun fired slower than newer semi-automatic weapons, it was famous for being very tough and accurate. It allowed soldiers to take careful shots from a long distance away.

What is one interesting fact about the rifle?

The German factories built more than fourteen million of these rifles before the war ended. The bullets fired from this gun were very powerful and heavy. They had enough force to travel straight through trees and thin house walls to hit a target.

What is the historical legacy of the Karabiner 98k?

After World War II was over, many of these captured rifles did not disappear. Other countries around the world collected them and kept them for their own armies. These rifles were used by many different nations for a long time during the Cold War.

Home Library GermanyKarabiner 98k

Bolt-action Rifle

Karabiner 98k

The main bolt-action rifle used by German soldiers throughout the battles of World War II.

Germany Introduced 1935 MauserRole: Standard infantry service rifle

Specifications

Caliber

7.92x57mm

Weight

8.6 pounds

Length

43.7 inches

Magazine Capacity

5 rounds

Effective Range

550 yards

History

The Karabiner 98k, or Kar 98k, was introduced in 1935 as the primary battle rifle for German ground forces. It was a shortened carbine version of the older World War I Mauser rifle. Its smaller size made it easier for infantry, vehicle crews, and paratroopers to carry.

Every squad in the German military relied on the Kar 98k. While it fired slowly compared to newer semi-automatic rifles, it was extremely sturdy and very accurate. Soldiers carried stripper clips containing five heavy rifle rounds that could punch through tree cover and light walls.

Over fourteen million of these rifles were produced during World War II. After the conflict ended, many captured rifles were reused by other nations or stockpiled during the early Cold War era.