1893 Erfurt Kar88

[Warrior1354]

Been wanting to get this one posted up for quite sometime, but have been very busy. This was a Gunboards purchase believe it or not, and the price I paid for it. Well, lets just say you could not buy a Russian capture K98k, or even a bolt mismatched K98k for the same price. Very under valued carbines, and under rated carbines IMO. And to this day you can still find these little sleek carbines for very good price tags. Anyway, quite happy with this little 1893 Erfurt Kar88. Plus it doesn't help I'm an Erfurt nut, and love about everything made from this state run facility. From what I can tell this carbine is matching besides the mismatched unit marked Hussar upper barrel band. This carbine has not been abused, but you can tell it's worn from use. Which doesn't bother me, like the look of it. Adds character to it.

I did get a nice picture of the barrel code for the research project here. And used the old Craig Brown method, taking a hair dryer and heating the barrel shroud. That method works, and it comes off every time. Enjoy guys and after next week will post a Imperial SOS show report too! Some of us Imperial collectors will be meeting up again. Always nice to see everybody.

 

[Warrior1354]

Bolt components:

 

[Warrior1354]

Stock and it's components:

 

[biggymu]

Thats a very nice rifle! I don’t have a Kar88 and was unaware of the differences compared to the Gew 91. The small locking screws on the action screws are very cool as is the barrel makers stamp. I have not seen either feature previously.
Thanks for posting it.

 

[Warrior1354]

Have to say really do like these little carbines. And I can see why the guys behind the lines were quite fond of them. Very light too. And thanks for the kind words biggymu always happy to share my collection and findings here with you guys.

 

[chrisftk]

Thats a very nice rifle! I done have a Kar88 and was unaware of the differences compared to the Gew 91. The small locking screws on the action screws are very cool as is the barrel makers stamp. I have not seen either feature previously.
Thanks for posting it.

The screws are a later variant. They show up on later rifles or those that passed through depots occasionally.

Cool carbine Jordan-- the full maker on the barrel is very neat. This model is one of my favs.

 

[cj556]

Glad you got this one buddy

 

[biggymu]

Have any of you ever fired one of these tiny carbines? Seems like it would be pretty harsh with a full powered round.

 

[Loewe]

I agree with the others, I added to the trends thread, though I left out the unit as I am not sure if that "12" is a serial, and therefore m/m, but will compare to others and see if this is typical and matching.

Really like the picture, so far as I have observed I have not seen too many period truck shots...

 

[Loewe]

So far the first new Bismarckhutte barrel recorded.

 

[chrisftk]

I agree with the others, I added to the trends thread, though I left out the unit as I am not sure if that "12" is a serial, and therefore m/m, but will compare to others and see if this is typical and matching.

Really like the picture, so far as I have observed I have not seen too many period truck shots...

Hi Paul, the front band/cap is typically serialized on the front as shown. My gut tells me either that the ears may have been cut on the original and someone was lucky enough to find a spare, or the depot was just having a lazy day. I lean toward the first option personally.

 

[ernie8]

I have fired about 400 test round through several carbines . With original P ammo the recoil is not too bad and the muzzle blast is mild . That changes when you switch to original S ammo , The recoil is stout and the muzzle blast is strong . I prefer milder handloads . Your nose cap could go either way . Many ears were trimmed on otherwise nice guns . The dot shows the barrel shroud was off and resoldered , so they could have used the wrong cap .

 

[PrayingMantis]

Great Kar 88 Jordan. Added to the reference.

 

[Warrior1354]

Thanks guys happy to share this carbine with you and I hope it helps the research Department. And just wondering we've seen many of these with the ears ground on the front barrel band. I have own one at one time as well, and always thought it was a Bubba thing. But over the years I've seen this done many times. You think this could have been a application done in the field by troops? I have seen front sights and rear sights messed with on other weapons. Done by Marines from World War II on 1903 Springfields and M1 carbines. Just a though.

 

[heavy_mech]

Have to say really do like these little carbines. And I can see why the guys behind the lines were quite fond of them. Very light too.

Very nice Jordan. I definitely agree with you and always loved the aesthetics of this model. Nice photos too.