Kongsberg M/59F1 sniper

[Absolut]

Since the Kongsberg M/59F1 sniper rifle is based on a German K98k action, I thought I might post these pictures here ... my most recent addition, a Norwegian post WWII sniper rifle. They were the very first real sniper rifles in Norway after WWII, they replaced the Mauser M/98k F1 S sniper rifles, which were basically ZF41 scoped K98k rifles with .30-06 barrels. While it is estimated that of the M/98k F1 S rifles they had approx. 400, of the M/59F1 a total number of 4500 were made, and another 3500 M/59 of the National Guard were upgraded to M/59F1 specs (if I'm understanding Norwegian correctly ...).

These rifles were built on German K98k actions which were scrubbed and phosphated. The earlier M/59 rifle was in .30-06 caliber, while the official M/59F1 sniper rifles were factory built in .308 Win/7.62x51 NATO. Therefore these do not have the notch on the receiver ring.

Norway only considered the receiver and the bolt to be gun parts, therefore only those two were matched to each other and original German serial numbers and markings were left, if they not interfered with the new Norwegian serial number. In case of the sniper rifle, they also moved the last few digits (as on the bolt) to the scope base. Note that in the pictures I digitally removed the first two digits of the serial number on the receiver.

 

[Absolut]

The last two shots, showing the scope with mount and the scope can. Note the scope mouont sets the scope off to the left quite a lot. It carries a German made Hertel & Reuss scope model "Macro-Ziel" 3x36 with the military designation L81. Also note the scope model is marked on the rubber lense covers.

And yes, I know this is not the usual topic of this forum. I nevertheless hope that some enjoyed reading it, and looking forward to any comments on this rifle!

 

[History]

It's like a BCD with the numbers off on the parts but no doubt matching. Dyslexic stamper?

I think it's an awesome rifle, Id love to have it.

 

[Thorne]

Hmm, I'm surprised side mounting the scopes was the route they chose after ww2.

Nice rifle though.

 

[ditch68]

Very interesting and nice rifle, thanks for posting it.

I agree, odd that they "regressed" to a pre WWI era design.

Jeff

 

[Absolut]

You might also need to consider that the only previous scoped rifle Norway had was the Krag M/1894 with the Voigtländer scope on the odd construction which adjusted the whole scope tube, plus being offset to the left also. They in between only had sniper rifles with peep rear sights - they possibly wanted to continue with the open rear sight as the major sight and only saw the scope as an additional possibility, but not as the primary sight on the weapon.