The fact that the serial numbers of the two
rifles carbines and scopes are identical is obvious at first glance and we all know that is impossible. You asked a clear question and I answered it correctly. If I hadn't examined the document in detail and didn't know the background, I certainly wouldn't have written a comment. If my words were based only on assumptions, I would have written that it was just my assumption.
Without background knowledge and without context, the typo could be on one side or the other. In this case, the probability calculation might be helpful. The following is a example of how I approach such things and often it already answers some questions.
The letter "k" is not next to the letter "b" on the typewriter keyboard, so that certainly isn't the cause of the typo.
For us, a K98b scoped carbine is extremely unusual for trials in March1945, right? So it's more likely that the designation "K98b" on page 2 is a mistake, rather than "K98k" on page 1? This is wrong because then we are assessing it from today's perspective and we have to put ourselves in the shoes of the soldier in March 1945. Keep in mind, the K98b was also unusual for the writer in March 1945, the standard weapon was the K98k.
This doesn't give us proof yet, but it does give us a tendency and the probability is higher that the typo is on the first page.
Please review the document again, especially page 2. The #3 Karabiner 98b Sn. 3385 was not fired at the 1,200-meter range and for comparable results, please review the 1,000-meter shooting results.
Number | Weapon | Serial Number | Height Spread in cm | Width Spread in cm |
---|
3 | K98b | 3385 | 65 | 103 |
4 | K98k | 37325 | 85 | 131 |
5 | K98k | 9232 | 167 | 85 |
In comparison to the K98b (number 3), a K98k (number 4) was shot, which was previously known to have good shooting performance, and also a K98k (number 5) which was previously known to have average shooting performance.
These 1,000 meter results correspond to the expectations and statements of participants in similar tests before and even the K98k, known for its good shooting, performed significantly less well than the Karabiner 98b.
Looking at these shooting results, the probability that it could have been a K98k is extremely low and again, the probability is higher that the typo is on the first page. So far we only have assumptions, but in my opinion they are already quite clear and plausible.
I just confidently said "It's not a typo, it was on purpose." because it's not a assumption, but fact and based on other documents. It would be more productive if the people asked questions if they see something differently. If you had asked if I had solid evidence for it, I would have said yes, search for the documents and sent them to you. If I have access to my other data again in around two weeks and I'm healthy enough, then I will send it to you. Until then you have to trust my words.
These typos seem to have occurred frequently, on other days this K98b Sn. 3385 was described in more detail. As example "
K98b mit langem Lauf der gute Schussleistung besitzt-
K98b with long barrel that has good shooting performance".
No one mentions rifle number 6 on page 1. As I said before, I'm not a sniper collector, so I don't know what the current state of knowledge is, as I don't have any specialist literature on the subject. I can only help you if I know what's unknown to you and if you ask questions. Since number 6 wasn't mentioned as unusual or unknown, it seems the collectors know the weapon type "ZFGw." with Sn. 51937. For the members who doesn't know it, this Zielfernrohrgewehr (Scoped rifle) was a late experimental rifle for sniper use, built in Zella-Mehlis, it had a heavy barrel and a special half-stock.
The shooting results of the "ZFGw." were disappointing at 800 meters, at a distance of 300 meters this rifle (not this one, but the Sn 51936 or 51938) was quite precise. The shooting results of the "ZFGw." were better than those of the standard K43, K43 with medium-heavy barrel, K43 with extra-heavy barrel and K98k. On that day, only the Karabiner 98b and a Gewehr 98 (like introduced in Mexico and Turkey) in caliber 7x57 had similar good shooting results.
Now I have written so much and this fact hasn't changed -
it's without doubt a Karabiner 98b.