Commercial Gewehr 98’s

Okay, I’m finding next to nothing trying to search for information on these, so I figured I’d ask here. I looked one of these over recently and keep thinking back on it. All I could ascertain from the rifle itself was that it was prewar given the commercial proofing convention which included the powder type on the LR, I believe that was dropped in 1912. It also had an unusual circle proof/mark that had something in script font inside it, on both the receiver and bolt handle I believe. None of the parts or components were serialed outside of the BR/bolt I do believe. The manufacturer legend, DWM I believe?? was on the receiver side rail. I know pictures are always helpful, but I’m having trouble locating them in the 34k pictures on my phone. I’m hoping/assuming by the description that someone can deduce what I’m talking about. I’m trying to find out any info as to when, why, and possibly how many are thought to have been produced.

Here’s one of it.

Can't tell much without more pics. There was a pretty extensive cottage industry of such conversions after WWI. Quality ranges from the truly awful to excellent.

This isn’t a conversion, and I believe it has to be pre WW1 given that the powder type (Gewehr Blätchen Pulver) is still stated with the receiver proofing. It’s in full military trim.

What type of sight? Caliber?...

Clay, there are others know in the same configuration please see the link of one that sold a few years ago. Paul will be able to give far better detail on this subject. Were there any markings on the stock?

http://www.k98kforum.com/showthread...lly-Produced-Gew-98s&highlight=commercial+gew

flynaked said:

..I believe it has to be pre WW1 given that the powder type (Gewehr Blätchen Pulver) is still stated with the receiver proofing. It’s in full military trim.

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This sounds interesting. At least to me.

mauser1908 said:

Clay, there are others know in the same configuration please see the link of one that sold a few years ago. Paul will be able to give far better detail on this subject. Were there any markings on the stock?

http://www.k98kforum.com/showthread...lly-Produced-Gew-98s&highlight=commercial+gew

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How about that! This one is already listed in that thread. I seem to recall some kind of marking on the stock but I didn’t take a picture apparently as I’m not seeing one. So it sounds like I was a little confused on these, I thought they were far more prevalent for some reason.

I don't know a whole lot about these but they are a neat variation, anyway neat piece clay

I have a commercial Gew 98 target rifle. Made in 1913. If this helps.

MichaelWC said:

I have a commercial Gew 98 target rifle. Made in 1913. If this helps.

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Beautiful rifle amazing condition. What's the story of it?

moconfed said:

Beautiful rifle amazing condition. What's the story of it?

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I still don't know much about it. All I really know is
185 units were sold in 1913 and mine is serial number 179. It is also chambered in 8.15x46r.

flynaked said:

This isn’t a conversion, and I believe it has to be pre WW1 given that the powder type (Gewehr Blätchen Pulver) is still stated with the receiver proofing. It’s in full military trim.

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Check out a ALFA catalog or other pre WWI commercial Catalog. Many of the big suppliers, including DWM and Mauser sold "commercial" rifles that were simply military rifles. Think Colt SP-1 and HBAR.

Wehrmannsgewehr was also a commercial rifle, in military trim, which pre WWI all had the lange vizier.

Almost all the servicemen I know have a rifle nearly identical to what they used in the military. Be that a M1 Garand, M1A, SP1, A2, M4, A4, etc. The same was true of many German serviceman and individuals.

I shot a PRS match the other weekend and can't tell you how many look alike A5's I saw. Even civilians want top of the line military hardware.