Mauser Karabiner 98k S/243 (Borsigwalde) 1938, WaA280 Heer-Accepted, Matching Numbers, 8mm Mauser Bolt-Action Rifle
This pre-war Mauser K98k is a 1938 S/243-coded rifle from Mauser-Werke A.G., Borsigwalde, with WaA280 Waffenamt marks and Heer acceptance. It retains its early configuration, original German inspection stamps, and matching numbers observed across major components. No Soviet capture marks and no import marks are present, adding to its appeal for collectors of authentic pre-WWII German service rifles.
Receiver ring is marked S/243 over 1938 with Mod.98 on the left receiver wall. This example shows the milled pre-war build features, an unhooded barleycorn front sight, and a tangent rear sight graduated to 2000 m. It is chambered in 8mm Mauser with a 23.6-inch barrel and an internal 5-round, stripper-clip fed magazine.
Original German Waffenamt inspection stamps are present, including WaA280, along with a large H Heer cartouche on the stock. Matching numbers are observed across the receiver, barrel shank, bands, bolt assembly, rear sight base and slider, floorplate and trigger guard, buttplate, and stock. No Soviet capture marks and no import marks are visible.
The early pre-war configuration includes milled trigger guard/floorplate and milled bands with bayonet lug and cleaning rod keeper, a flat steel buttplate, and a separate upper handguard. The hardwood stock features a takedown disc and left-side sling slot. A full-length K98k cleaning rod is installed under the barrel, and a leather K98k-pattern sling is fitted.
Controls and sights are classic K98k: a turn-down bolt with a three-position wing safety, iron sights with an unhooded barleycorn front, and a tangent V-notch rear sight to 2000 m. Finish is blued, length of pull measures 13.0 inches, and overall configuration reflects the transitional S/243 code used before the shift to 243.
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: The rifle functions properly. The metal and wood show scattered scratches and blemishes from prior handling. The bore is clean and shiny.
What's Included
- Sling: Leather K98k-pattern rifle sling with buckle and keeper (installed)
- Cleaning Rod: Full-length K98k cleaning rod installed under the barrel