The M98, officially known as the Mauser Model 1898, is a bolt-action rifle that has stood the test of time and war. Developed by German arms manufacturer Mauser, the M98 is regarded as one of the most influential and reliable rifles in military history. From its debut in the late 19th century to its continued use by collectors and hunters today, the M98 remains a benchmark in firearm engineering.

In this article, we’ll explore the history, features, variants, and modern-day relevance of the iconic M98 rifle.

The Mauser M98was developed by Paul Mauserand adopted by the German Army in 1898. It was a refinement of earlier Mauser rifles, integrating lessons learned from the 1893 and 1895 models, and was designed to deliver superior performance, rugged durability, and unmatched accuracy.

The rifle quickly became the standard-issue weapon for German forces and served extensively during World War I and World War II.

The M98’s success can be attributed to its engineering excellence. Some of its most prominent features include:

• Controlled Round Feed (CRF): Unlike push-feed designs, the M98 uses a large claw extractor that grabs the cartridge from the magazine and holds it through the entire cycle, making misfeeds almost impossible.
  
  

• Mauser Bolt Action System: The bolt action of the M98 is known for its strength and reliability. It became the basis for many future bolt-action rifles.
  
  

• Internal Magazine: The M98 usually features a 5-round internal magazine loaded with 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridges.
  
  

• Military-Grade Durability: Built to endure the rigors of combat, the M98 rifle could operate reliably in mud, snow, and dust.
  
  

The M98 inspired countless rifles around the world. Many nations adopted or licensed the design for their own military use, including:

• Karabiner 98k (K98k): A shorter, lighter version used extensively during WWII.
  
  

• Vz. 24(Czech variant)
  
  

• M24 and M48(Yugoslavian versions)
  
  

• Swedish Mauser
  
  

Additionally, modern firearm manufacturers continue to produce sporting and hunting riflesbased on the M98 action due to its robust and precise mechanism.

Today, the M98 is revered among gun collectors, military historians, and hunters. While it is no longer standard military equipment, the action design lives on in numerous modern rifles. Companies like Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH, CZ, and FN Herstalhave all created commercial sporting rifles using the M98 action.

For hunters, the M98 remains a favorite for big game due to its reliability and stopping power.

Because of its historical significance and high build quality, original M98 rifles—especially WWI or WWII German models—are considered valuable collector’s items. The rifle's serial numbers, markings, and condition can dramatically affect its market value M98.

The M98rifle is more than just a firearm; it's a piece of history. From its robust design to its influence on countless other rifles, the M98 set the gold standard for bolt-action performance. Whether you're a military enthusiast, firearms collector, or big game hunter, the M98 continues to captivate for its reliability, craftsmanship, and legendary status.

FAQs

Q: What caliber is the M98?
A: The standard caliber is 7.92×57mm Mauser, though other calibers exist in sporterized versions.

Q: Is the M98 still in production?
A: Modern versions inspired by the M98 action are still produced, especially for hunting rifles.

Q: Is the Mauser M98 a good hunting rifle?
A: Yes, the M98's bolt action is highly regarded in hunting circles for its strength and dependability.