Making the Middle Band/Bayonet Lug for the Original Kar 98 (Part 5)

Prior to World War One, it was very common for militaries around the world to have a standard long rifle for their ground troops as well as a shortened carbine for the cavalry, artillery and other soldiers whose primary duty was something other than fighting. Imperial Germany fit this mold. During the black powder era, they had the Gewehr 1871 long rifle and it's shortened version, the Karabiner 1871. During the smokeless revolution, they issued the Gew 1888, and the short Kar 1888. When the Gewehr 1898 long rifle was adopted, there was a lag in carbine adoption, which didn't start trials until 1903-1905. However that shortened Mauser 98 pattern rifle was not the Kar 98AZ that was later adopted. Instead, it was a shortened large ring Mauser 98 action, with approximately a 17.5" barrel resulting in a very short carbine.

The trials program ran into difficulties when the S Patrone cartridge was adopted in 1905. The hotter loaded spitzer round created excess recoil and muzzle blast and the short Kar 98 pattern carbine was brought back to the drawing board. The result in 1908 was the Kar 98AZ, which featured a 23" barrel and would see extensive use in World War One.

But what about the original Kar 98? Despite around 5,000 carbines made for the troop trials, they are exceedingly rare in the collector's market today and only a few known examples exist. With it's large ring Mauser 98 action, short barrel and features such as the bayonet lug, small nose cap, lange vizier sight and spoon bolt handle, it's a very unique rifle. Standard Mauser 98 parts are easily available, the question is can they be assembled and modified to create a replica Kar 98? Follow along as I tackle this project in a multi part series.

For the fifth part of the series, I tackle the middle band and bayonet lug. The middle band is made from a Yugo VZ24 band, cut into sections and welded back together so that it's taller and wider. The bayonet lug is welded to a new section that fits against the stock. Together, they resemble Mauser parts, however when it comes to the details they're much different from any parts available.

DISCLAIMER
All subjects featured on this channel are shown for historical and informational purposes only. All gunsmithing work is intended to restore the item to it's original condition, never modifying to serve any other purpose. In no way, shape or form is anything featured on this channel ever intended to be sold at any time. Any messages regarding selling a firearm, ammunition or an accessory will be removed. Everything shown is legal where the creator is located, please check your local laws.

00:00 Intro
03:18 Prepping the middle band
07:30 Welding the middle band
11:13 Shaping the middle band
20:04 Bayonet lug
23:29 Welding the bayonet lug
26:39 Fitting the bayonet lug
30:30 Final touches
33:38 Conclusion