I picked a k98 clone the other day. Same overall configuration as a German k98, but made in Poland by Radom in 1930. The bolt is bent, (calvary?), mis matched , overall condition is G. Is this a rare milsurp? I've seen Radom pistols, but not rifles. Thanks in advance for any info.
Unusual Mauser
- Thread starter c1a1
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The Wz 29 was based on the Vz 24 configuration in order to standardise Poland's mismash of 98 Mausers and Mosins inheirited from the absorbtion of Danzig as Gdansk after 1918 and her liberation from the Russia Empire at it's collapse. The Polish legion under Pilsudski was also heavily armed by the French with Lebel and Berthier rifles. The new republic chose the 8x57 round as standard and was able to amass Gew 98s, Kar 98AZ and others. A conversion of the M1891 Mosin to 8x57 was also done.
Both Gew 98 and Kar 98AZ were also built by Poland when the machinery and plant at Danzig were ceded to her.
Wz 29s were built at Radom (F.B. Radom) and Warszawa (Państwową Fabrykę Karabinów Warszawa). A quantity were also exported to Spain (unmarked "sterile" arms) for use by Franco's Nationalists.
As issued, the Wz 29 infantry rifle has a straight bolt even though there is a cutout on the stock for a bent bolt (economic feature?). The bent bolt may have been used by cavalry, although I have not seen one amongst the few Wz 29s I've seen here.
The Wz 29 was also made under German occupation for a time (can't remember the German designation) and captured Polish examples were issued to wehrmacht and luftwaffe units. Many captured by Russian forces in 1939 were later used to equip early partisan formations to enable use of captured ammuntion behind the lines.
The Wz 29 is fairly rare in Canada. I've only examined 3 or 4 Polish marked ones here in 30 odd years. The unmarked Spanish rifles (known as M1944 for some reason) are far more common and are sometimes seen with the Spanish airforce "wings" stamped on the receiver.
Examine your bolt for proof marks. It will help establish if the bolt is Polish as well.
All in all, a good find and a worthy collection piece.
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Link to the present day Lucznik Weapons Factory Radom:
http://www.fabrykabroni.pl/En/eindex.htm
BTW, if your rifle is marked "K98" it is most likely a Wz98/29 - a conversion of the earlier Kar 98AZ to the Wz 29 pattern. A picture would certainly help for a positive model I.D.
http://www.fabrykabroni.pl/En/eindex.htm
BTW, if your rifle is marked "K98" it is most likely a Wz98/29 - a conversion of the earlier Kar 98AZ to the Wz 29 pattern. A picture would certainly help for a positive model I.D.
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Not a bad find. Poland did not convert a lot of K98 as the work cost twice that to make new Wz 29s
