Kirikkale Arsenal Model 1938 8mm Mauser Bolt-Action Rifle, WWII Turkish Production
Produced by Turkey’s state-run Kirikkale Arsenal, this Model 1938 rifle offers a wartime-era Mauser 98 experience built outside Germany. Confirmed factory records date this example to 1942, while its receiver crest carries the 1943 Ankara marking common to the series. A full-length walnut stock, 29-inch barrel, and robust large-ring action make it an appealing piece for collectors seeking an intact, numbers-matching representation of late WWII Turkish manufacture.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor scratching, scuffing, and blemishing are present on the metal and stock surfaces.
What’s Included
- Kirikkale Arsenal Model 1938 Standard Rifle
This rifle is built on the proven large-ring Mauser 98 action, featuring a straight bolt handle and an internal staggered-column magazine holding five rounds of 8mm Mauser. The action’s smooth cycling and solid lockup are hallmarks of the Mauser design.
The 29-inch barrel, secured by a cross-bolt-reinforced walnut stock, delivers the full ballistic potential of 8×57mm ammunition. Iron sights consist of an inverted-V front blade paired with a tangent ladder rear sight graduated for extended ranges.
K. Kale rifles were produced from 1940 to 1946, with approximately 250,000 units completed. This 1942-manufactured example represents one of the last new-production Mauser 98 variants fielded during WWII outside of German factories.
The receiver, barrel, and small parts retain a blue/black oxide finish that contrasts well with the oil-finished walnut furniture. The full-length handguard and stock remain structurally sound, preserving the rifle’s original military profile.