Serbian 12.7 mm sporting rifle LK M12 “Zastava”
The Serbian arms industry, after the cessation of military-technical cooperation with the Soviet Union, began to develop its own models of small arms, which were no longer copies or compilations of Soviet systems, but were weapons of their own design. In particular, Serbian gunsmiths managed to develop and put into mass production high-precision large-caliber sniper rifles - 12.7 mm, which are produced by . It is worth noting that this Serbian company has been represented on the arms market for more than 160 years; it was founded back in 1853. The first model of a 12.7 mm sniper rifle (12.7x108 mm cartridges), which received the designation Zastava M93 “Crna strela” (black arrow, Serb.), was born at the height of the civil war in the former Yugoslavia. It became a kind of Serbian response to the famous Croatian “hand cannon” RT-20 of 20 mm caliber, which was designed by Ratko Jankovic to fire at the surveillance devices of Serbian tanks and combat lightly armored vehicles. The first batch was released already in 1994 and received a baptism of fire as part of the armed conflict with Croatian troops and the Croatian Ministry of Internal Affairs. This rifle was later used by the Serbs during the fighting in Kosovo in 1998-1999, as well as during the armed conflict in Macedonia in 2001. Officially, after a number of modifications, it was adopted by the Serbian army in 1998.
Hastily developed during 1993, this rifle was certainly not the best weapon in its class, but at that time it made it possible to close a vacant niche in the armament system of the Serbian units. Almost 10 years after this, the rifle underwent significant revisions and improvements, in order to then appear on the market as a completely new product, which received the new name Zastava M12 “Crna koplje” (black spear, Serbian). Serial production of this rifle began in 2012.
The rifle is available in two versions: chambered for the standard Soviet cartridge 12.7x108 mm and an export version chambered for the standard NATO cartridge 12.7x99 mm (.50BMG). The rifles differed from each other in barrel length and, accordingly, weight. The rifle chambered for the Soviet cartridge was distinguished by the presence of a barrel length of 1007 mm and weighed 13.46 kg, the rifle chambered for the NATO cartridge was more compact and lighter, the barrel was 840.5 mm, and the weight was 12.93 kg. It is worth noting that the M12 was a development of the previous model, but through the widespread use of new titanium alloys and some design changes, Serbian gunsmiths managed to reduce the total weight of the weapon by about 2.5 kg, which is important.
This large-caliber sniper rifle has been in mass production since 2012, while production of the M93 has also not been discontinued. These rifles are designed to engage enemy personnel that are protected by personal armored protection (PIB) or located behind light cover, or to destroy/disable enemy unarmored and lightly armored vehicles at a range of up to 1800 meters.
The sniper rifle operates on the principle of a Mauser-type free-sliding bolt, which locked the barrel bore with 3 lugs: one was located in the rear, the other two in the front. The rifle's barrel is heavy, made by cold forging, and the barrel is chrome-plated. The longitudinal valleys located on its outer surface were designed to better cool the rifle and reduce its weight. A massive muzzle brake-compensator was installed on the muzzle of the barrel, which, according to the developers, provides 62% of the recoil force when fired.
Zastava LK M12 rifle at the IWA & OutdoorClassics exhibition in Nuremberg, photo all4shooters.com
In the front part of the barrel there was a folding front sight, and a rear sight was installed on the fore-end; together they formed an additional open (mechanical) sighting device in addition to the optical sight standard installed on the rifle. The receiver of the weapon was made of steel, and in its front part on the right side there was a side-folding handle for carrying the rifle over short distances, as well as a mounting point for a folding bipod. The two-position safety was located inside the trigger guard just behind the trigger.
The rifle turned out to be quite successful and is not only in service with the Serbian army, but is also exported. Over time, it introduced a sports version of this rifle to the market, which was designated Zastava LK M12. This rifle is only available chambered for the NATO 12.7×99 mm (.50BMG) cartridge, unlike its military variant. At the same time, the sniper rifle remained almost identical to the one in service with the Serbian army. The weight of the rifle is 13 kg, the total length is 1520 mm, the magazine capacity is 5 rounds. This sample of small arms may be of interest to both long-range sports shooters and weapon collectors who collect copies of military weapons.
Structurally, the Zastava LK M12 sniper rifle is a repeating small arms weapon with a longitudinally sliding rotary bolt similar to a Mauser rifle. The cold forged barrel is chrome-plated on the inside. The rifle is equipped with a two-chamber, highly effective muzzle brake, which, together with a buffer device located in the butt, significantly reduces recoil when fired, note journalists from the specialized resource all4shooters.com. The tubular stock of the LK M12 sniper rifle is made of aluminum. It is adjustable, equipped with a cheek piece and an additional lower support, which can also be adjusted in height and folded into the stock. The bipod attachment point, located on the console in the front part of the receiver, is standardized, which allows different types of bipods to be attached to the weapon, in accordance with the preferences of a particular shooter.
The trigger force of this rifle is adjustable and can vary from 5 to 15 N, which is selected based on the individual capabilities of the shooter. It is also possible to change the position of the trigger. The design of the weapon includes a safety lock that, when in the on position, blocks the trigger mechanism. Unlike its military “sister,” this sniper rifle does not have mechanical sighting devices. At the same time, a standard MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail was installed on the top of the receiver, which is made as a single part and is intended for mounting a variety of optical sights. If necessary, a folding mechanical sight can be installed on the rifle, which is adjusted in increments of 400 meters.
The scope of delivery of this rifle includes tools and accessories, a spare magazine, a case/case for carrying the weapon, a bag for storing spare parts, a pouch for magazines, a weapon manual and earplugs. Upon request, this large-caliber sporting rifle can be equipped with a Versa bipod and a Valiant 4-16×56 optical sight.
Sources of information: https://www.all4shooters.com/ru/strelba/ruzhya/2015-novosti/Zastava-LK-M12-krupnokalibernaya-sportivnaya-vintovka https://sniper-weapon.ru/serbiya/285-krupnokalibernaya- snajperskaya-vintovka-m12-crno-koplje https://www.zastava-arms.rs/en/militaryproduct/anti-materiel-rifle-m12-black-spear (Zastava Arms)
Mauser
The favorite weapon of security officers and commissars faithfully served the White Guards, criminals, and famous polar explorers.
The legendary weapon of security officers and “commissars in dusty helmets,” the German automatic self-loading pistol, was invented a quarter of a century before the revolution, in 1893, by the designers of the Federle brothers. It was supplied with a wooden walnut holster, which could also be used as a butt. The Mauser had a powerful cartridge, a movable sight, and with a holster-butt it was even used as a light carbine for shooting at a distance of up to a kilometer. However, at the maximum distance, the dispersion of bullets was 4-5 meters in width and height. But at a hundred meters, the Mauser hit exactly a 30-centimeter circle.
The magazine was designed to hold 6, 10 or 20 rounds. The initial velocity of the bullet was very high, reaching 430-450 m/s.
Modifications
The pistol was patented in 1896 (model C-96), and a year later its mass production began. “Mausers” quickly gained popularity around the world (especially among hunters and travelers) and went through over two dozen modifications (including those chambered for different cartridges; the 1912 model was the most famous). One of the later modifications made it possible to fire in bursts at a speed of 850 rounds per minute. By the beginning of the First World War, several tens of thousands of pistols had been produced. And they received their baptism of fire during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902.
Paradoxically, the popular pistol was not officially adopted into service in any country in the world. Despite the fact that its production continued until 1939, and about a million copies were produced.
Nevertheless, in Russia, Mausers were included in the recommended weapons, which officers were allowed to buy instead of the Nagan revolver of the 1895 model. But if a Nagan could be bought for 26 rubles, then a Mauser cost from 38 rubles. and higher, and did not receive distribution. On the eve of the First World War, they began to equip pilots, and from 1916 - the personnel of automobile and motorcycle units. It was from them that the legendary weapons went to the commissars and security officers.
Owners
During the Civil War, 7.63 mm pistols of the 1912 model were mainly used. Award “Mausers” with the Order of the Red Banner on the handle, called “Honorary Revolutionary Weapons” (the highest award of Soviet Russia), were received by the Soviet commander in chief Sergei Kamenev and the commander of the First Cavalry Semyon Budyonny. In 1943, Leonid Brezhnev received the Mauser award.
“The first red officer” Klim Voroshilov even named his horse after his favorite pistol. Hero of the Soviet Union, the legendary border guard Sergeant Nikita Karatsupa, who personally destroyed 129 saboteurs and detained 338 border violators, was also armed with a Mauser. The famous polar explorer Ivan Papanin went to his ice wintering not with anything but a reliable Mauser.
Mausers were widely used by opponents of Soviet power, and even by criminals. The famous White Drozdov commander, General Anton Turkul, fought with the Mauser. Among other things, the Mauser was used by the raider Yakov Koshelkov, who attacked Lenin himself in 1919. In Armenia, opponents of Soviet power in the early 1920s were even called “Mauserists,” and in Turkestan, “Mausers” gained popularity among the Basmachi.
Winston Churchill was also a connoisseur of this pistol.
Filmography
After defeat in the First World War, under the Treaty of Versailles, Germany did not have the right to produce pistols with barrels longer than 100 mm. The legendary Mauser also had to be redesigned. Complying with the new requirements, Germany supplied a large batch of shortened Mausers for the needs of the Red Army, which in the West were called “Bolo-Mauser” (Bolshevik Mauser). In the USSR, Mausers were used during the Winter War of 1939-1940 by reconnaissance ski teams, and during the Great Patriotic War they gained popularity among partisans. The Podolsk Cartridge Plant even started producing copies of cartridges for the Mauser.
Because of its unusual appearance, the Mauser became an indispensable participant in Soviet films about the revolution and the Civil War. Moreover, with the light hand of the filmmakers, almost all the heroes turned out to be armed with Mauser. He was present in “White Sun of the Desert”, and in “The Elusive Avengers”, and in the film “Officers”.
In fact, it was a very rare and prestigious weapon, most likely used as a reward.
POET'S VIEW Left march
Turn around and march! There is no place for verbal slander. Quiet, speakers! Your word, Comrade Mauser. Vladimir Mayakovsky
NUMBERS ONLY Magazine - 6, 10 or 20 rounds Caliber - 7.63x25 - 9x25 mm Firing range - up to 1000 m Weight without cartridges - 1250 g Length - 312 mm Barrel length - 140 mm (in short models - 98 mm)
QUESTION FROM 1918 What weapon was used to kill Nicholas II? One of the regicides, Pyotr Ermakov, later claimed that in July 1918 it was he who shot the former Emperor Nicholas II, his wife, heir and one of his daughters with a Mauser. In 1927, Ermakov handed over the Mauser to a museum in Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg). However, the right to be considered the liquidator of Nicholas II was disputed by Yakov Yurovsky, who in 1927 also handed over his weapons to the Moscow Museum of the Revolution. Yurovsky stated that he used two pistols at once - a Colt and a shortened Mauser. Modern researchers believe that during the execution only one Mauser was used (a total of three bullets of this system were found), which Yurovsky had, and Ermakov shot from a regular Nagan.
MAKSIMOV.SU
Traditionally
All over the world, small-caliber rifles chambered for the 5.6 LR cartridge have been used for target practice, fur hunting and small-scale poaching for the last hundred years. The cartridge itself is extremely widespread due to its low cost, comfortable shooting and wide versatility of use.
Rifles,
created for this unsightly-looking cartridge, they are also distinguished by their relatively low price and simplicity of design, due to the low power of the cartridge. Of course, this applies to “small” training models and hunting models. Small-caliber sporting rifles have always been distinguished by a more complex design, careful manufacturing and, as a result, a higher price.
But if
Leaving aside modern “Olympic” futuristic devices for achieving record results, 5.6 mm rifles chambered for side firing, affectionately called “little things” by the people, remain the favorite weapon of fishermen, athletes and poachers.
Habit
Taking a simple digital camera with you on a hunt can sometimes be of some benefit. In the rugged jungles of the North Caucasus, you can sometimes meet hunters with very interesting weapons. And although in the forest it is not easy to easily approach a stranger and ask to look at his wonderful gun, sometimes a coincidence of circumstances provides a rare opportunity to overcome the bestial wariness of the hunter you meet.
Everyone understands
that both a National Park ranger and a “crazy” poacher, “impudently” trying to take possession of someone else’s weapon, can demand your “trunk” for inspection. Surely many hunters can remember a time when they had to “communicate” with unknown colleagues while holding their index finger on the trigger.
In the forest
It is not customary to ask unnecessary questions, and questions about weapons in particular. But, again, sometimes there are unexpectedly friendly meetings, their rarity confirming the wolf essence of the hunting “king of nature.” It was one of these meetings that I took several photographs that prompted me to write this article.
Carbine M.98
in caliber 5.6 LR
What a man
Have you ever heard of the legendary Mauser in Russia? True, the public associates this name, which has become a household name, rather with the Paul Mauser K-96 pistol. Rifles from this German designer, incl. and the M.98k, which was in service with the Wehrmacht during the Second World War, are for some reason much less known.
Even now,
When a Mauser combat rifle, the same 98k, can be legally owned without any problems, public awareness on this issue has undergone virtually no change. Many gun enthusiasts have probably heard about the existence of the M.98 in 5.6 LR caliber.
And here
there is very little detailed and reliable factual information on small-caliber Mausers. And this despite the fact that rifles based on the bolt group are the most common systems in the world. What do we know about the “little things” of the P. Mauser system, in particular, about small-caliber rifles with an M-98 bolt group?
Small-caliber Mauser k98,
top view of a powerful receiver
To date,
If I'm not mistaken, it is not engaged in the production of small-caliber rifles based on the M.98 design. At least, such rifles are not widely sold. The Czechs produce a good rifle in 5.6 LR caliber, the CZ-452, which is based on a rather heavily redesigned small-caliber Mauser rifle.
Recently
The Remington company released the Model 504 - a well-made and solidly made “small thing”, basically, like all “Rems”, having a reworked Mauser circuit.
Small caliber rifles
began production at the beginning of the 20th century. At first, these were rifles of the simplest design - model 1910-12, like our TOZs of the first models.
Later,
After the First World War, the M model appeared, also a cheap training model. Model “C”, which is already a full-fledged sports and hunting rifle, was based on the design of a combat rifle of the 1898 model.
Small-caliber Mauser,
five-place magazine
Rifle
had an excellent sector sight, ranged up to 200 meters. The front sight is located on a long base with a bevel, as on modern large-caliber hunting rifles. Hunting type stock. There are swivels. The weight and ergonomics of the rifle are close to those of hunting rifles of “normal” hunting calibers.
Model "MS"
differs from the previous model by the presence of a middle 5-round magazine. Rifle weight – 3.1 kg, barrel length – 650 mm, total length – 1110 mm. The rifle is intended for both hunting and sport shooting.
Small caliber Mauser,
detachable magazine
also produced small-caliber rifles of the so-called “military” type. Such rifles were a full-size copy of a combat rifle, differing only in the small-caliber cartridge used.
Purpose
these rifles – initial shooting training. Maximum similarity with the combat prototype ensured rapid adaptation of the shooter when switching to shooting from a combat rifle.
Such
There were 2 types of training rifles produced - with a right-side cutout for ejecting spent cartridges in the receiver and a completely open window. The second model had a simplified ejector. The same rifles were also sold as sporting models.
Some
A number of sporting rifles had a milled dovetail on the top of the receiver for attaching an optical sight bracket. The Germans, as a rule, installed telescopic sights on small-caliber rifles, “Henzold” and “Landlicht” with 2-2.5x magnification.
Same rifles
were also used for initial training of snipers. As you can see, the idea of using small-caliber weapons for shooting training is not new and is not without common sense, especially if we take into account the peculiarities of the German mentality.
So there you are,
5.6 mm M.98!
Original Mauser-98
in itself is a cute and “emotional” rifle, but in caliber 5.6 LR this weapon simply touches the miniature of the bolt group and the care of manufacturing. At the same time, the rifle shown in the photographs does not at all seem like a toy in the hands, like most “small” ones.
I have
I didn’t have a tape measure or a weight with me. There were no scales either, nor was there any extra time to study this interesting weapon. Therefore, when describing a rifle, you have to rely only on memory, photographs and a few words written on a piece of paper with a tiny pen made from a Swiss knife.
So,
small-caliber Mauser rifle. Apparently, the sample shown in the photographs is the MS model, which was produced after 1918. No matter how strange it may be, there is no date of manufacture. The rifle is most likely a purely sporting model, because... has a very thick barrel, more suitable for target shooting than the light barrels of hunting models.
It is worth noting,
that even the barrels of sporting models of 5.6 mm rifles of the 1934 model had rather thin, sharply tapering barrels, immediately behind the receiver. The 1934 sports model, a military-type rifle, also did not have a dovetail on the receiver.
Small-caliber Mauser k98,
general form
Rifle barrel
and is not suspended, has a conical profile and is 650 mm long, with a total length of the rifle of 1110 mm. These dimensions were obtained by painstakingly measuring with a 70mm ruler on the fish scaler blade of a Swiss knife. Upon careful inspection and during the process of cleaning the barrel using thick fishing line, a strong swelling was discovered in the middle of the barrel.
Visually,
in the muzzle of the barrel, I noticed 3 more minor annular swellings. The swelling appeared after the stuck bullet was “knocked out” by a shot, in the absence of a cleaning rod. According to the owner, these swellings do not particularly affect the accuracy of the battle, although the rifle used to shoot much better.
On the breech
There is an excellent sector sight, ranged from 30 to 200 meters. The wide and powerful mane of the sight has a small triangular slot. Once upon a time, the sight mane had the ability to make very precise horizontal adjustments using a cross screw.
Now
All these moving parts are soldered and cannot be adjusted without the help of a hammer. It is interesting that the sight block is not pressed onto the barrel with subsequent pin or screw fixation, but, apparently, is welded or mounted on a dovetail. Perhaps this fit is explained by the conical filing of the barrel and its thickness in the breech.
Triangular front sight, tinned by the owner
located on a raised platform with a bevel and an anti-glare notch. On the base of the front sight there are grooves for attaching the front sight. The triangular profile of sighting devices is typical for weapons of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Moreover
this applies not only to rifles - on the same K-96 and R-08, the front sight and rear sight slot also have a triangular shape, which, out of habit, negatively affects shooting accuracy, giving vertical scatter. Although this is purely subjective. It should only be noted that on our rifle the miniature slot and front sight combine well with shooting from any rest.
Small-caliber Mauser k98
with optical sight
On the breech
, on the left, is stamped "PATRONE 22 LONG RIFLE" and several letter test marks with a crown on top indicating a production date before 1933-34. On the right side of the breech there are stamps “DRP. DRGM." The inscription “MAUZER-WERKE AG OBERNDORF RN” is stamped on the left side of the receiver
Receiver
The rifle has a round cross-section. And, if the bluing of the remaining parts of the rifle is semi-matte, then the receiver has an amazingly beautiful transparent blue-blue bluing, distinguished by some special depth.
On the front upper part of the receiver
there is a stamp - a “barrel” of Mauser. The same mark is stamped on the magazine cover and on the black plastic butt plate. The walls of the receiver are very thick, creating a sense of monumentality. The window for extracting spent cartridges is located on the right and has a slightly rounded shape.
In the front
On the top of the receiver, on the left side, there is a gas outlet. A dovetail is milled on the top of the receiver, perfectly suitable for a Russian-made steel bracket, in the rings of which a 4x VOMZ 4*32L telescope is successfully placed. The scope and bracket were selected by the owner in such a way that the optics tube does not interfere with either manipulating the safety catch or reloading the weapon.
Small-caliber Mauser k98,
bolt group
Channel for the bolt stem
drilled not along the axis of the box, but above. The bolt cylinder has a round cross-section, characteristic of normal-caliber rifles, and not a figured cutout, which distinguishes “small” bolts. And the firing pin is not offset from the axis of the firing pin, as in the same CZ-452.
Shutter lag
completely identical to the original. A movable knife-shaped reflector is also mounted on one axis with a delay. The bolt almost completely copies the M.98 bolt, with the exception of the absence of front lugs and minor differences in small details.
Back stop
preserved, but offset counterclockwise and located almost opposite the stop on the bolt handle. Thus, locking the rifle is most preferable for “small ones” - on an additional stop, in addition to the traditional locking on the bolt handle.
Gate
has a “native” Mauser fixed ejector, which should guarantee reliable extraction of the cartridge case. The bolt itself does not have a rotary coupling, as on the CZ-452, because an additional combat stop is located directly on the bolt stem, and the stem itself rotates around its axis when locked! This is what I didn't expect. A real Mauser bolt, not a standard “latch” of a small-caliber rifle!
Perhaps
, there are no longer small-caliber rifles in which the bolt group is structurally no different from that in rifles of normal calibers. It seems that the fixation of the cartridge in the chamber, due to the absence of additional play in the locking, should be superior to that of the CZ, which speaks in favor of such a solution, although in this caliber this factor is not so critical.
Stem thickness
The shutter creates a feeling of reliability and a huge margin of safety. In general, the bolt group of the rifle leaves the most favorable impression with its elegance and careful manufacturing.
Small-caliber Mauser k98,
incomplete disassembly of the shutter
Very interesting
was to look at the trigger mechanism of the weapon. It took a lot of effort to persuade the owner of the rifle to disassemble it. The fact is that the barrel and receiver were held in the stock with almost one screw, in the area of the front part of the receiver. The rear connecting screw, screwed, unlike the Mosin system, from below, into the tail of the receiver, was missing.
Because of this
the rear part of the trigger guard, together with the steel spacer, extends from the stock. To eliminate such an unpleasant phenomenon, the tail of the staple was tightly taped to the neck of the stock... of course, with blue electrical tape! After eliminating this cheap and practical, but extremely unaesthetic electrician's dream, a fracture opened on the neck of the stock, crudely filled with epoxy and tightened with self-tapping screws.
By the way,
in traumatology, regarding bone fractures, there are the terms “anatomical” and “surgical neck”. So, the “surgical neck” is the most common site of bone fracture, caused by its anatomical weakness in this place. In relation to weapons, the “surgical neck” of the stock is, excuse the pun, the neck of the stock.
On fishing weapons
this occurs quite often, due to the constant need to climb through such wilds that a normal amateur hunter would not foolishly climb into. Naturally, in such inhospitable places, the fisherman falls quite often and, of course, holding a weapon in his hands, he uses it to absorb the fall. That is why among commercial weapons there are so many stocks, tightened at the neck with screws and tied with copper wire and electrical tape. And this has its own harsh charm.
Trigger
is not fundamentally different from that of the M.98 and is mostly placed in the receiver cutout. What attracts attention is the high quality of processing of parts and the possibility of adjustment. The magazine shaft is made of metal that closely resembles bronze.
Small caliber Mauser k98,
left view
Shop
I immediately liked the fact that it was made from stamped steel sheet. Of a conventional design, easily disassembled for cleaning and lubrication, this small part of the weapon immediately evokes sympathy, again due to its miniature size and neatness of manufacture. The magazine latch is somewhat reminiscent of the Makarov circuit.
Inserted
the store is very easy, without any distortions or jamming. The magazine fixation is extremely reliable, and falling out is completely excluded. But removing the magazine is somewhat difficult due to the very tight spring of the retainer. Although, you can get used to this. The magazine holds 5 rounds. Loading it with tiny, greasy, rimmed small-caliber cartridges requires some skill.
Basically,
The rifle can be loaded with one cartridge at a time, simply by throwing them into the window of the box. When using magazine feed, the rate of fire is very high. And, first of all, thanks to the incredibly soft and easy operation of the shutter. There is no difference whether shooting is being carried out or the shutter is moving “idle” - no differences in the application of force.
All manipulations
when reloading a weapon, they are performed with two fingers, without any special effort. When using optics, the reloading speed slows down somewhat, but you can still fire without lifting the butt of the rifle from your shoulder.
Small caliber Mauser,
stock
Rifle
has a classic hunting semi-pistol stock, apparently made of walnut or teak. The lines of the box are somewhat rough, and a certain utilitarian feel is felt. Subjectively, this stock was created as a stock for a sporting rifle, not a hunting rifle, although subjectively, when shooting at the side, no discomfort is felt. There is no cheek piece on the butt; there are grooves for the fingers on the side surfaces of the fore-end.
We must pay tribute
They are quite conducive to holding the weapon, but a good notch would have been more appropriate, which was not found on the stock at all. This again speaks to the sporting purpose of this rifle. The processing of the stock is nothing special, although one can note the good draft of the metal.
Once upon a time
the stock had a lighter shade; later it was opened with stain and glossy varnish. As a result, the stock looks like an ugly duckling, but this does not affect its functionality in any way. Two hunting-type swivels allow you to conveniently carry the rifle during pursuit.
Small-caliber Mauser k98,
butt plate
Balancing
weapons can hardly be called outstanding. A heavy, long barrel greatly increases the inertia of the weapon, which, out of habit, makes shooting while standing somewhat difficult. Such a weapon is much more suitable for shooting from a point-blank range. Of the modern models, our Mauser is most similar to the CZ-452, both in design and construction. The Czechs didn’t bother too much and, having somewhat modernized the German prototype, are making “little things” that are quite affordable and of good quality.
Availability
plastic parts and a significant simplification of the design “kill” the impression of the CZ and turn the Czech rifle into a kind of “ersatz Mauser”, which, in principle, cannot satisfy lovers of the classics. For a classic, albeit small-caliber, rifle should be made of two materials - high-quality weapon steel and good walnut. And that’s why, if I had to choose, I would prefer this old beat-up Mauser to the new CZ-452.
Let's shoot
After the cunning
negotiations, the owner of this nice rifle agreed to let his favorite be shot “for science,” allocating at the same time a quarter of a hundred rounds of cartridges with a brass sleeve. Apparently, these were “Standard” cartridges, produced in Klimov. Shooting was carried out standing, with the rifle fore-end resting on the thumb of the left hand, which had to lean against a tree.
Certainly,
to more objectively determine the capabilities of the rifle, it would have been better to shoot it in a prone position, but, firstly, it was too dirty to lie on the ground, and secondly, I wanted to shoot the weapon the way they shoot while hunting - or at a cross-position, or from an inconvenient position. At first, shooting was carried out using optics.
standing
on the rifle, the Vologda sight had a very thin illuminated reticle, similar to the PSO-1 reticle. This reticle is well suited for target shooting, but is of little use for hunting due to the poor visibility of the aiming mark even on a slightly shaded target.
Small caliber Mauser,
fuse like an “adult” K98
As targets
I used old test photographs measuring 10 by 15 cm, which, along with a marker, are always in my backpack, to determine the accuracy of a new batch of shot and slug cartridges before each hunting trip. The cards, after marking the “bullseye” with a marker and measuring the distances, were secured on a peg in front of the mountainside.
With optical sight
shooting was carried out from at least 50 meters, at the fastest possible pace. The supporting hand did not leave the tree, the target was always in the field of view of the sight. For greater representativeness, 2 magazines were shot, for a total of 10 rounds. The resulting group fit within 40 mm at the centers of the outer holes.
Small-caliber
Mauser k98
Open sight shooting
It would have been quite possible without dismantling the optics, but I wanted to shoot normally, in more comfortable conditions. Therefore, after additional persuasion from the owner of the rifle, I loosened the fixing screws with a screwdriver from my trusty Victorinox and, without much effort, moving backwards, removed the bracket with the sight from the dovetail of the receiver. From an open sight, 10 rounds were also fired at the fastest possible pace, from a 30-meter distance, again with emphasis on the hand resting on a tree.
Group
fit into 32 mm, located slightly above the aiming point, although the sight was set at the 30-meter mark. As always, I found shooting through the bar much faster and more convenient than through an optic. Just for fun, I shot the last 5 rounds offhand.
Is it true,
The “bull’s-eye” was too small and could only be guessed from 30 meters, but three bullets landed in a cluster and close to the aiming point, and the 2 holes that came off the group were my fault, not the rifle’s.
Rifle trigger
seemed a little strange - quite long, very light and almost without warning. The shot occurs almost unexpectedly, without any “glass rod fractures” - just like on the original three-ruler. However, you quickly get used to it, and shooting begins to be fun.
Length
The working stroke of the trigger is subjectively about 8 mm, without idling. The trigger has a characteristic “Mauser” configuration. On the front surface of the hook there is a longitudinal notch, which, contrary to its purpose, never really improved the work of the finger on the trigger. At least this is my subjective opinion.
Small caliber Mauser,
incomplete disassembly
Shot sound
quiet, recoil is present, but extremely insignificant. There were no delays noted during the shooting. According to the owner of the rifle, over the past “many years” he has also not noticed any problems with the mechanics of the rifle. The only exceptions are a few isolated cases of failure to remove an inflated cartridge case from the chamber when firing very old cartridges with a black steel case.
In such cases
I had to resort to using a knife. Here's the vaunted "Mauser" ejector... By the way, the cartridge case is held in the recess of the bolt cylinder only by the ejector hook.
Small-caliber
Mauser k98
Concerning
the resulting accuracy of our sample, then, taking into account the very respectable age of the rifle, the poor condition of the barrel and the fixation of the barrel in the stock on 2 half-cut turns of one connecting screw, we can say that with the results quite satisfactory for fur hunting, the rifle has good potential. If you make normal lag screws, hang the barrel, adjust the trigger, experiment with optics and cartridges, you can certainly get good results
After all
even now, in not the best condition, it is quite possible to squeeze about a minute result out of a rifle. It would be very interesting to know what results the new small-caliber M.98 showed? The question remains open about how this rifle came to our country, to the North Caucasus? Before the war, during the period of cooperation between the USSR and Germany, during the Second World War or later? There are also doubts about the identification of the model and production date.
General impressions
about our sample: the small-caliber M.98 is an extremely interesting rifle, both historically and structurally. This weapon is quite suitable for both sport shooting and commercial use.
Although
The significant weight of the weapon, even without optics, is a big disadvantage in the eyes of the hunter.
But the operational characteristics of this “small thing” are an outweighing advantage, which predetermined the fate of small-caliber “Mausers” in Russia. Small caliber Mauser, sector sight
The article was published in the magazine "Caliber", 2005
