1917 Erfurt Karabiner 98a Sporterized Bolt-Action Rifle, 7.92x57mm Mauser, 23.2 in Barrel, Lyman 57SME Aperture Sight
This WWI-era Erfurt Factory Karabiner 98a, dated 1917, presents a German military receiver that has been thoughtfully sporterized. It retains imperial crown proofs and correct "Kar 98" receiver wall marking, and features a 23.2-inch tapered barrel. Upgrades include a Lyman 57SME receiver aperture sight, a ramped front sight with a blade, and a commercial walnut sporter stock with hand-checkered pistol grip and a red rubber recoil pad with black spacer. The triggerguard and floorplate are bright-polished, highlighting the custom work performed on this rifle.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle is missing its bolt. There is minor surface pitting in spots, and most of the original finish has aged to a gray-brown patina.
What’s Included
- Erfurt Factory Karabiner 98a sporterized bolt-action rifle in 7.92x57mm Mauser (bolt not included)
- Lyman 57SME receiver aperture sight (installed)
- Ramped front sight with blade (no protective ears)
- Commercial walnut sporter stock with hand-checkered pistol grip
- Red rubber recoil pad with black spacer
- Underside and butt sling swivels
- Bright-polished triggerguard/floorplate assembly
Built on a Mauser 98-type receiver, this rifle carries the "crown over ERFURT" and 1917 date on the receiver ring with "Kar 98" on the left receiver wall. Imperial crown proofs are present, confirming its German WWI origin. The receiver retains the correct stripper-clip guide and internal five-round box magazine system characteristic of the pattern.
The rifle was sporterized with practical field features. The left rear receiver bridge was drilled and tapped to mount a Lyman 57SME receiver aperture sight, and the original rear-sight base was removed. Up front, a ramped base with a front sight blade provides a clean sight picture without protective ears.
Furniture consists of a one-piece commercial walnut sporter stock with side panels at the action and a hand-checkered pistol grip for secure handling. A red rubber recoil pad with a black spacer sets the length of pull at 14.0 inches. Sling swivels are installed on the underside and butt, and the triggerguard/floorplate assembly has been bright polished.
The tapered 23.2-inch barrel is chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser. Together with the Mauser 98 action and internal magazine, this configuration reflects a classic conversion of a WWI-marked Kar 98a into a streamlined sporting rifle.