The first variant carbine doesn't have a H-band. My photo with the three carbines. I mislabeled the bottom carbine but corrected it. It's actually a Kar.98 2nd model. Thankfully Heinz Lehner old carbine article has photos of both different barrel bands.I had no idea the 1st and 2nd variants were made concurrently! Also, am I seeing correctly that it is the 1st variant that sported the H-band? If so, I think I might've had things backwards!
The first variant is a bit odd. I'm assuming the handguard had a spring clip holding it to the barrel. I've not handled one, but that's make the most sense.The first variant carbine doesn't have a H-band. My photo with the three carbines. I mislabeled the bottom carbine but corrected it. It's actually a Kar.98 2nd model. Thankfully Heinz Lehner old carbine article has photos of both different barrel bands.
Kar.98 1st variant
View attachment 341330
Kar.98 2nd model
View attachment 341331
The first variant carbine doesn't have a H-band. My photo with the three carbines. I mislabeled the bottom carbine but corrected it. It's actually a Kar.98 2nd model. Thankfully Heinz Lehner old carbine article has photos of both different barrel bands.
Kar.98 1st variant
View attachment 341330
Kar.98 2nd model
View attachment 341331
Thanks Sam!Great rifle Chris! Really incredible find.
From my observation, all the Mexican imports I've seen are type 2.Ahhhh, understood! I was beginning to think my understanding of which was which was wrong!
Thanks Nathaniel! It's a really heavy patina, but it has been somewhat responsive to my light, conservative cleaning.. I'm going to give a few more passes, then accept what I end up with.Amazing find! Glad you of all people got it!
Truly a relic.
Given the pitting, I would be afraid to be too aggressive with it, it'll only look worse. Also it looks like it had some form of coating/finish on it? I've seen similar remnants on other pre WWI Mauser's. I've always wondered if it was some form of protective coating.