Captured German Mauser 98k rifles, Norway, 1945.

After Nazi Germany’s surrender at the end of World War II, Allied forces across Europe were left with staggering stockpiles of German weaponry. This photograph shows rows upon rows of Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles, the standard-issue weapon for the Wehrmacht throughout the war. Each was a precision bolt-action firearm, reliable, accurate, and capable of deadly range, and over 14 million were produced between 1935 and 1945.

In Norway, German occupation forces had stockpiled vast arsenals of these rifles, anticipating a last stand that never came. When Germany capitulated in May 1945, Norwegian forces, along with Allied military administrators, collected and catalogued the captured weapons. Some were melted down, others stored for later use, and many were eventually reissued to Norway’s postwar army and police.

The Mauser’s design proved so enduring that it influenced bolt-action rifles worldwide for decades afterward, including postwar hunting rifles and even later military models in South America and the Middle East.

Cool picture.

Here's a Mauser 98 sporterized by my Grandpa, for Grandma. Rebarreled in 30-06. He made the stock and added the brake.

Built my first couple rifles from military Mauser 98 actions while in gunschool. The school bookstore was loaded with them

My Pop bought one a few years ago 8mm, covered in cosmoline got some ammo holders and sling with it. Looked brand new so probably a refurbish but had all the “marks” of a ww2 German rifle.

Great pic Ah yes the wonderful past of Kleins whom nobody undersold, Fajen and Bishop stocks calibers that didnt change from year to year and no experts telling you which deer you could shoot

Fantastic photo! I wonder what happened to all those rifles?

This would suggest the influence of the Mauser 98 was all post WW2. The article fails to mention that the Springfield 1903 was based on the Mauser 98 to the extent that a patent infringement lawsuit was filed by Mauser pre-WW1. The US and Mauser reached a licensing agreement in 1905 and the US paid Mauser a royalty on each rifle and magazine produced.

My uncle brought one back from Germany when in the 3rd army. I used that 98 for my first 3 seasons of deer hunting. It was not altered at all and was heavy for a 13 year old. Was a right handed bolt and I am left handed so it was make a good first shot. I only shot one deer with it.

Bryce