Late war German LSR

[Richard Walter]

Another of many.... I am new to this forum and have collected German Mausers for nearly 40 years. This is a BCD 4 code rifle . Produced at Buchenwald, the “long side rail” was purpose built as a sniper. The receivers are like no other K98 made during the war. The receiver is oversized with a flat machined on the side for scope mounting. The safety utilizes an extended “key” unique to the model. Sanding was curtailed in the latter stages of manufacturing. This stock exhibits the corncob finish sought after by collectors.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

What caliber is this rifle? It's very nice!

 

[FatBoy]

Wow. From just the two you've shared, you have a seriously nice collection. Great eye, snapping them up over the years so they didn't get cut down or ruined.

Is there a story behind what made you gravitate towards K98s?

 

[Richard Walter]

This is 7.92 or 8mm Mauser . Thank you sharing is half the fun.
As for why? I think it was the quality that hooked me. After some study, there were 800 separate steps involved in making an early 98k. Every single piece is serialized and proofed. 40 hours to produce a single copy. Next I noticed the prices were going up yearly and they proved a sound investment. The same rifle I was buying out of a cardboard drum at Sears for 20 bucks is now 15-1800. I have @140 long guns currenty, only 70% are German. From then on it was like baseball cards, different makers, years, rare variations. I guess also there was a mistique about having weapons associated with the bad guys. SS in particular, most of their firearms were consumed in battle and are very scarce and valuable. As any student of history knows, it was a remarkable time. I believe it brought our the very best in this country and the very worst in others. For better or worse it changed us forever.

 

[sandwarrior]

This is 7.92 or 8mm Mauser . Thank you sharing is half the fun.
As for why? I think it was the quality that hooked me. After some study, there were 800 separate steps involved in making an early 98k. Every single piece is serialized and proofed. 40 hours to produce a single copy. Next I noticed the prices were going up yearly and they proved a sound investment. The same rifle I was buying out of a cardboard drum at Sears for 20 bucks is now 15-1800. I have @140 long guns currenty, only 70% are German. From then on it was like baseball cards, different makers, years, rare variations. I guess also there was a mistique about having weapons associated with the bad guys. SS in particular, most of their firearms were consumed in battle and are very scarce and valuable. As any student of history knows, it was a remarkable time. I believe it brought our the very best in this country and the very worst in others. For better or worse it changed us forever.

Ding!, Ding!, Ding!!...We have a winner.

Over the years since WWI and WWII, Americans have discounted the quality of not only German Mausers, but Mauser rifles and even other type rifles from other countries for years. Yet here we sat with treasures stuffed in cardboard bins waiting to be realized. My dad was one of those people. A lot of people around my dad were like that too. The "It couldn't possibly be good, it's not a Remington/Winchester/__name your American Rifle__" I've taken a number of Mausers and shot VERY good groups with them. Same with other foreign rifles. It's frustrating now that I've let so many gems slip through without, at the time, even knowing their intrinsic value.

 

[Hairy Biker]

I have a related question, if I may. Have you seen, or do you own, any WWII German sniper rifles with an issued six power scope?

I remember reading in Senich (but cannot find the quote again) and Martin Pegler has mentioned the six power was an issued scope, but I am struggling to find any definitive evidence that I can use.

 

[Richard Walter]

I have a related question, if I may. Have you seen, or do you own, any WWII German sniper rifles with an issued six power scope?

I remember reading in Senich (but cannot find the quote again) and Martin Pegler has mentioned the six power was an issued scope, but I am struggling to find any definitive evidence that I can use.

Yes the Germans did issue 6 power scopes on LSR, SSR and turret mounts. The SS even had them on the early objective mount variants. They are quite rare but do exist.

 

[Hairy Biker]

Can you cite me any references? This is for a proposed rule book change and we need to submit documentary evidence.

 

[Richard Walter]

Can you cite me any references? This is for a proposed rule book change and we need to submit documentary evidence.

My source is Dave Roberts, who was the main contributor for Karem and Steves 3 volume reference on the Karabiner 98k. A majority of the specimens and pictures in the reference are his. I will look at the printed material and see if he has anything about these included in writing. Even he will tell you we are all learning every day. We exchanged emails last night concerning the question.

 

[Richard Walter]

Gunbroker

My source is Dave Roberts, who was the main contributor for Karem and Steves 3 volume reference on the Karabiner 98k. A majority of the specimens and pictures in the reference are his. I will look at the printed material and see if he has anything about these included in writing. Even he will tell you we are all learning every day. We exchanged emails last night concerning the question.

Here is at least one reference in the new book concerning 6x in the LSR

My source is Dave Roberts, who was the main contributor for Karem and Steves 3 volume reference on the Karabiner 98k. A majority of the specimens and pictures in the reference are his. I will look at the printed material and see if he has anything about these included in writing. Even he will tell you we are all learning every day. We exchanged emails last night concerning the question.

Here is an example from the new book showing 6x scopes as an option for at least the LSR.
Also found this: https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/matthaus-hetzenauer-1944/ Obviously not a 4x see objective almost touched rear sight and story below. Hope this proof you can use.

 

[Hairy Biker]

Thank you. I've collated a lot of material, including from the Australian War Memorial and am in the process of submitting it. Will let you know (or cry out for more help!).

 

[Richard Walter]

Thank you. I've collated a lot of material, including from the Australian War Memorial and am in the process of submitting it. Will let you know (or cry out for more help!).

Here is an example of a rare 6x JP Sauer LSR from the same book

 

[ScharfshutzeK98]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!