World War II was the most tragic milestone in the history of the past century.It caused such a wound that will heal even very long.But it was she who gave mankind a number of new technologies and tools that are used to this day.Of course, this statement is most true in relation to weapons.Some of the samples that were used in large quantities on the battlefield safely survived to this day and will not surrender their positions.
So is the German carbine "Mauser 98K."Contrary to popular belief, it was he, and not the "canon" submachine gun MP-38/40, can be considered a real "visiting card" of the ordinary foot soldier of the Wehrmacht.The design of this weapon was so successful that it was the most respected German rifle World War II.Even today, from the old "Mauser" everywhere do hunting carbines, as well as producing its modern replica.On the history of this weapon and its characteristics, see this article.
Introduction
Carbine "Mauser 98K» (Kurz - short) was adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1935.It was another modification of the "cult" rifle Gewehr 98, whose ancestor, Gewehr 71, was designed by the brothers Mauser back to 1871!The caliber of weapons of this type has not changed, accounting for 7.92 mm.As in the case of "98 Geber" unused cartridge is 7.92 × 57 mm.
Differences from rifles
have carbine has the following features that set it apart from the rifle: barrel length of 60 cm (from Gewehr - 74 cm), bent down bolt handle, and the bed has a special notch under his grip.The main difference (initially) - front sling swivel is a unified whole with lozhevyh ring, and because the belt is fastened "in cavalierly" (about this - below).
rear sling attachment is not at all: instead it has a slot in the butt, is protected from wear metal edging.It is very important and useful "trick" of this weapon is that devastated holder did not need to be removed manually after the emptying magazine (while charging), it simply fell out through the slot.Moreover, after an end chucks, the shutter was open.Coupled with previous innovation overcharging This makes much more comfortable.All were released about 14.5 million specimens.
Technical Note
Initially, the letter "K" in the title means, rather, a cavalry weapon accessory."Short" it was not at once.The fact that the German army "carbines" long considered the modification of conventional linear rifles, the main difference between them was not the length, but a way of securing weapons belt, which is more suited for the cavalry!Only then, and in the German language the term acquired its global significance.
And because many sources "Mauser 98K" is called "lightweight rifle."The gate closes when rotated 90 degrees, has three lugs.The charging handle is attached to him from the back side.As we have already mentioned, it is folded down.It gave several advantages:
- Firstly, again facilitated reloading weapons.
- Secondly, arm, laid into the slot on the bed, much more comfortable in the field, rather than sticking to the side "lever".
- Finally, any "Mauser 98K" can be immediately put a scope not doing reworking carbine (as is the case with the original Gewehr rifle and Mosin).
All this, coupled with the small size weapons made model 98K real "hit" is not only in the German army.Trophy rifles did not disdain to use any Soviet or British or Yugoslav soldiers.Impressed by the caliber and powerful weapons, which allowed to shoot farther and more accurately.
Technical features bolt group
At the gate there are several holes.Through them in the event of a breakthrough of powder gases from the barrel at the time of the last shot and retract down into the cavity of the store.Another feature is the extremely massive ejector.It performs two important functions: first, rigidly bites featureless flange cartridge of the German sample, simultaneously rigidly holding it in the mirror shutter.
This is very important because thanks to it (using normal ammunition) of the "Mauser" practically no cases where it was impossible to remove the sleeve from the chamber.The "Trehlineek", it was not so rosy.In general, the weapons of the Wehrmacht almost always of high quality and pretty decent reliability, especially in the early stages of the war.
the latch bolt ejector is responsible for throwing bagged shells.It located the lock on the left side of the receiver and securely holds it own gate.To extract it for visual inspection or replacement must first be put in the middle position the fuse, and then, pulling the front portion of the lock, remove the lock.
Information about the shop
Shop-row box-type.Located inside the receiver.That shop "Mauser" very different from many of the rifles of the time, because he did not act outside of the rifle / carbine.This German gunsmiths have advantageous to use two factors: firstly, the Reichswehr and the Wehrmacht used cartridge had pronounced the flange, while the same item in the cartridges 7,62x54R spoiled a lot of blood to domestic arms makers.Because of this, the ammunition can be clamped more tightly together.Using the same "checkerboard" schemes did shop "Mauser" the most compact.
equip the weapon of the Wehrmacht can be prepared as the collars to five rounds, as well as individually.To charge the store with the help of clips, it should be placed in specially designed for this slots in the receiver, and then vigorously squeeze cartridges, using the thumb.After juggling the shutter automatically knocked out of the holder slots (through the slot, which we discussed above).
If the weapon must be unloaded, you should use the gate, twitching it as many times as in carbine ammunition left.Under the trigger guard has propped up a spring latch, which gives access to the shopping space, if necessary, clean it or technological service.
strictly forbidden to charge the cartridge in the chamber by hand, as this dramatically increases the risk of breaking a tooth ejector, which is impossible to repair the field.In general, the German rifles "Mauser" offers an excellent reliability, but these weaknesses are and it (the "Mosinki" Achilles' heel was the reflector on the gate).
trigger (trigger mechanism)
USM simple striker type.Progress trigger - quite long and smooth, making this weapon was very loved by snipers.Cocked the hammer rises by turning the bolt.Its spring is located inside the gate.For its visual localization is no need to inspect the bolt, as this detail is easily visible on the speaker back shank.
At the rear of the fuse is a fuse rocker type.It has three possible positions:
- curved to the right - the firing position, the fire.
- vertical position - a free gate, the fuse operates.
- curved to the left - the fuse is included with the locked gate.
Literature common assertion that the fuse on the "Mauser" convenient system similar to "Trehlineyke."His views of the authors argue that in the upper lobe of his upright allegedly soldiers could easily identify, you can shoot a rifle or not.But it should look again at the description of its provisions: a fuse included in the central position no normal infantryman walking would not, as in this case could be trite to lose lock.Cheerful in the course of battle!
However, it must be acknowledged that the management of safety on the K98 is really much simpler: it is easier to change the situation, it is much easier to apply to the gloves.So this German rifle is much more ergonomic spread while samples of small arms.About
Sights
Mechanics nothing spectacular can not boast: conventional front and rear sights.The sight could be adjusted from 100 to 1000 meters.The front sight is secured in a known in the countries of the Warsaw Pact mount "dovetail".Subject to the side of edits.Placing the rear sight - on the trunk, front of the receiver.
It should be noted that the Germans, as Soviet experts not involved in the release of the special, sniper rifles and carbines options Gw.98.For this purpose, weapons were taken from the standard factory lots.In order to select the shooting in "standard" conditions.The Germans used to do SmE bullets with steel core («E» - Eisenkern).
especially for snipers in 1939 was developed and adopted by the telescopic sight ZF39.A year later, experts have perfected it by adding a markup of up to 1200 meters.The sight was placed directly over the gate, and throughout the war construction sight changed repeatedly.
new scopes
A month after the outbreak of war with the Soviet Union in July 1941, was adopted for service model ZF41, which is often found in the literature under the names ZF40 and ZF41 / 1.But carbines 98K these sights began to arrive in the Wehrmacht troops until the end of the year.Features of them were rather modest, and the standard cartridges "Mauser 98K" the initial period of the war were not too good for this shooting.
First, at a length of 13 cm x 1.5 Sight provides only increase.In addition, his mount was so unsuccessful that seriously hinders the process of reloading weapons.Due to the increase in bad snipers preferred to use ZF40 only at medium ranges.Moreover, the manufacturer did not hide that the carbine "Mauser 98K", which is equipped with such a view, ought to perceive solely as a weapon of high accuracy, but not as a sniper "tool".And so in 1941 many Germans withdrew ZF41 with rifles, but their production was still continued.
new, telescopic sight ZF4 (43 / 43-1) was an almost exact copy of the ... Soviet products adjusted for the German manufacturing technology.To establish a stable production of a new model of the Wehrmacht did not succeed, and mounts specifically for Mauser 98K simply did not exist.More or less suitable only swept specific fixture that in sufficient quantities are not delivered to the troops.
Some snipers were used as models Opticotechna, Dialytan and Hensoldt & amp;Soehne (magnification x4), and Carl Zeiss Jena Zielsechs.The latter was a lot of the elite: the excellent quality, highly accurate counting and allows the use of a sixfold increase in the carbine as a truly effective sniper weapons.Historians believe that the "optics" was equipped with about 200 thousand rifles.
Other features
Lodge, in addition to extremely high-quality workmanship (which generally stands rifle "Mauser 98K"), has a very ergonomic shape at the moment.Butt plate edged with steel.It has a compartment for the placement of items for the care of arms, which closes a small flap.In front of the lodge, immediately under the barrel, posted a ramrod for cleaning and maintenance of the rifle.The peculiarity of this "Mauser" that ramrods were just two: 25 and 35 cm. To clean the carbine "Mauser 98K" required undoing them together.
As is the case with "Trehlineykoy" included a carbine rifles and bayonets were knives.The Germans used the model SG 84/98, which were much shorter and lighter than those used in the kit with Gw.98.Thus, a total length of 38.5 cm, it has a blade length of 25 centimeters.
on the butt is a metal disc with a hole, which plays a purely practical role as well as used as a stop at dismantling the butt.All metal parts of the rifle processed burnished, which largely protects the steel from corrosion, that in difficult combat conditions is crucial (layer Fe3O4).In 1944, German engineers have switched to phosphate, because it was cheaper and provide better protection against corrosion.So managed to reduce the cost of the rifle "Mauser 98K," parts of which are regularly required at the front.
Extras
To enhance the combat capabilities of the rifle has been adopted muzzle barrel grenade throwing grenades, and a special curved nozzle can fire from the corner.
Grenade
separate description is deserved grenade model Gewehrgranat Geraet 42. Mount Mauser 98K - with a steel clamp.Firing range in ideal conditions, was about 250 meters.German industry throughout the war produced at least seven species of grenades of various types and purposes.Especially for the paratroopers 'Waffen SS' model was developed GG / P40, which was lighter and easier to handle.
Unlike standard grenade, P40 was attached to the rifle like a bayonet and was very in demand in the fight against light armored vehicles and enemy concentration of enemy soldiers.
nozzle for shooting from the corner
nozzle Krummlauf model was developed in 1943, when the Germans started to have problems in urban fighting.She helped to fire without exposing himself from the corner of the building.This device is attached and with clamps.It is interesting to know that it is working on Krummlauf given the significant progress made in the invention of the first prototype assault rifle, which replaced the carbine after World War II.
this is possible and finish.However, do you know how much is now worth "Mauser 98K"?Price carbine in our country can reach up to 50-60 thousand rubles, which is still not deterred hunters and collectors!It should be noted that overseas the price of this rare book is much more modest.
This is especially noticeable when compared to the technical condition of entering the sale rifles and carbines.If in the same America is quite possible to buy "Mauser" almost in the original lubrication and with all original items, at the domestic counters often appears as "killed" a weapon that you can take it only in the collecting purposes.
