German Military Rifles - Early Carbines Kar 98a, Kar98b, & Kar 98AZ

Early Carbines Kar 98a, Kar98b, & Kar 98AZ

Mauser developed some carbine models in the early 20th century, including the Kar 98 and Kar 98A (Karabiner), designed for the cavalry and other forces which needed a smaller rifle. Although it resembled a cut-down Gew 98, with a turned-down bolt it was ungainly and had an intense recoil. But by 1908 the Kar 98AZ was introduced, which was very popular with the German forces fighting in the trenches of World War I.

In post WWI Germany the government redesignated the Kar 98AZ to be the Kar 98a. This is because in 1923 the Reichswehr created another carbine by altering old Gew 98s. Designated the Kar. 98b, they were given a turned down bolt, a side mounted sling system, and a newer style magazine follower. The rear sight was simplified from the large rear sight and altered to a more appropriate target range of 100–2000 meters. The Kar 98b remained the same length as the Gew 98 yet was called a carbine.