Last week I was visiting a friend in the US (who just happens to own a Hetzer/G13) and we got talking about rifles. He told me he had just picked up a all matching numbers Mauser G33/40 Cavalry carbine (Note: I know next to nothing about Mausers, maybe even less then nothing). Anyways he brings it out and tells me it does not chamber 8mm Mauser and he does not know what it should take. I noticed it had ABH branded in the stock just in front of the steel piece added to the butt. I regret I did not take any pictures of the rifle, sorry guys. The questions are 1. where these guns ever produced in different calibres then 8mm? 2. what does the ABH stand for (I "think" it may be Army Bosnia Herzegovina???) and 3. what was the sheet metal guard at the butt end installed for?? Any and all insight is welcome.
A question for the Mauser experts
- Thread starter XRCD011
- Start date
I'm no expert but I think the 33/40 was not so much cavalry as para-trouper version of a small ring standard length 98 Mauser with a few "lightening'" cuts added.
Suspect it should be a 7x57 and a chamber cast would resolve that issue. A true 33/40 and I'm not saying this isn't one, can be quite pricey, just an action / an untouched collectible.
The sheet metal gizmo - I have no idea. --- John
Suspect it should be a 7x57 and a chamber cast would resolve that issue. A true 33/40 and I'm not saying this isn't one, can be quite pricey, just an action / an untouched collectible.
The sheet metal gizmo - I have no idea. --- John
if its a g33/40 it is a mountain rifle. it should be 7.92x57mm (8mm) the metal plate was used to assist in climbing . it was Copied from the Czech 16/33 mountain rifle. google then both and see if its the same rifle you looked at.
if it came out of Bosnia it could be any kind of abortion.
if it came out of Bosnia it could be any kind of abortion.
Thanks John303. Its a real 33/40 as per the examples I can see on the interweb. A fourth question is who would have been issued this rifle Cavalry-Paratroops or Mountain troops, its certainly a handy little gun and looks like it would be right at home, and well received by any of those three arms. As the owner could not chamber a 8mm I was thinking it may have been sold to him with the remains of a separated casing in the chamber, that or its something other then 8mm. Oh a fifth question has popped into my head the rifle does not have a cleaning rod where they a special rod for this gun?
No, I think the G stands for GEWEHR or rifle in German. The Czech produced German version of the VZ24 was called the G24t where the G meant Gewehr and the t stood for the German spelling of Czechoslovakia. I believe German paratroops(Fallshirmjaeger) were also issued the G33/40. After WW2 many were imported into the U.S. where being a very light small ring action (sadly) they were promptly butchered to make lightweight sporting rifles. An all original G33/40 will fetch a pretty good sum of money on the collectors market here and more in the U.S.
they are actually selling better in Canada right now. after visiting a couple of American gun shows this season they are sitting on the tables unsold in the $650. up range.
I Was surprised by this . there were a lot of well priced German collectibles that were not selling, there economy seems to still be in the dumper.
That is unusual. A few years ago you would hear them valued at $2000-$2500 on American milsurp forums. But I guess sometimes it is the same here, you hear some big valuations sometimes but try and get that amount for an item.
there are a lot of people over valuing there items on line and at auctions in the hope to drive up the prices. auction houses are the worst. M1 Garands are a perfect example.
An original untouched and matching G.33/40 will still bring big bucks in the US. They are in high demand ,as are all matching and original K98k's and other WW2 firearms. Their economy might not be the greatest right now but these items are still rapidly climbing in value and demand.
If the G33/40 discussed in this thread is indeed a matching original it could only be chambered in 7.92x57.
If the G33/40 discussed in this thread is indeed a matching original it could only be chambered in 7.92x57.
Jb is correct, key word here is matching numbers and untouched. Bubba'ed, sporterized, customized examples wil bring money, just less of it. Original sling, bayonet, sought after manufacturer, low serial numbers - early production don't hurt either.
The metal plate was simply to protect the rifle stock from damage during drill movements. Mountain troops were issued a climbing boot that in addition to the usual hobnails, had studs protruding along the edges of the soles. During the drill movement Gewehr Ab (rifle down) the rifle was held against the outside edge of the right boot, thus the small protective plate on the lower left side of the stock.
Also won't have numbering like a k98k. Different placement and style.
Cleaning rod and hood are rare, they would be hundredS of dollars each.
In order to know what it is pics are needed.
Even mismatched one are going for $900 on gunbroker.
Cleaning rod and hood are rare, they would be hundredS of dollars each.
In order to know what it is pics are needed.
Even mismatched one are going for $900 on gunbroker.
Well according to what is stamped on it, it IS a G.33/40 all matching numbers. Pics, I did not take any and will not till next year. Any idea what the ABH brand on the stock stands for ? I had read its a post war addition but who put it there and what it means alludes me
- Location
- Leduc County, Alberta
ABH = "Adolf Berthold Hitler" .....
You've found the Fuehrers personal Karabiner!!!!!
Of course, I jest.
There was a guy on the SurplusRifle Forum who had a G33/40 with an "ABH" marked stock, and he said it was a Post War marking too... not sure from where/when though...
I suggested my friend with the G33/40 take a good hard look at the chamber for a separated casing and turns out the thing had one. To get it out they worked a sheared bolt extractor in till it had a decent bite on the inside of the casing, ran a brass rod down from the muzzle end and with a light tap of a hammer out she came. Thanks all for the input, if anyone knows the why or who behind the ABH branded into the stock that would nice to answer that question.
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