38/46 Short Rifle K.KaleĪnother standardization rifle that is the same as the 1938 standard, but in a short rifle length. This is a large ring small shank ( LRSSM) rifle. It also seems to be the case that, for the first time, receivers and parts were made in Turkey and assembled starting in 1940. Kale, for the arsenal where they were assembled. While little is publicly known about this, it appears that all Turkish assembled rifles are marked K. 1938/K.KaleĪs they became isolated during WWII they began assembling their own rifles from accumulated parts.
It appears that every rifle they had was converted to 8mm including Gew.88, Gew.98, 18. While actually starting the conversions in 1933 any rifle converted to this standard is commonly called Model 38. The Turkish Republic updated their old rifles to a common configuration commonly know as the Model of 1938 and all in 8×57 Mauser. However, these are the current common names used in print and are usually what the importers are calling their rifles. The model names given to these classifications are likely to be factually incorrect. When converted to 8mm this is often called an 03/38. There was also two carbine versions of this rifle with 21.65 and 17.72 inch barrels. This hump was necessary to support the unique stripper clip used at the time. The rear receiver bridge will have a “high hump” at the clip loading point. The straight bolt handle has a distinctive tear-drop shape. These are intermediate length actions and a bit shorter than the standard 7.92, 98 action. These were chambered for 7.65×53 and had a few other changes that kept the rifles similar to their previous purchases. 1903Īgain, the Ottomans kept pace with the German army and ordered new rifles in the pattern of the Gew. Those that remained in Turkish hands were converted to 8mm in the 1930’s. Chambered for 7.65×53, it was virtually identical to the Spanish model, except for the magazine cutoff. 1893Īs soon as the Ottomans saw the Spanish Modelo of 1893, they placed an order for 201,00 rifles in the new configuration. The Ottomans received 280,000 1890 rifles, the remainder of the 1887 contract. It was chambered for Mauser’s new 7.65×53 smokeless powder cartridge. However, this was completely a Mauser design. 88, in that it had a charger loaded, 5 round, single stack internal magazine. This rifle was somewhat similar to the German Imperial Army Gew. The Ottomans eventually terminated this contract and made the switch to smokeless powder after accepting 270,000 of these rifles. This black powder rifle was to be chambered for the 9.5圆0R military round. Alan Russell - All rights reserved.The Ottomans placed there first order with Waffenfabrik Mauser for 550,000 rifles patterned after the Gew. Return to the Firearms Identification Page If you need further information concerning markings, etc., please make your request via the Identification service.
See also the Turkish Models of 1893, 1903, and the 1903/38. Internal staggered box magazine, 5 rounds, 7.92 x 57 mm (8mm) Mauser caliber. Century Arms has stamped on these "M38" indicating these were Model 1938 Mausers my research indicates some people believe otherwise. Imported by Century Arms International and so marked on the barrel near muzzle. It is believed less than 10,000 of these were produced in this fashion. Stamped on receiver is an encircled ATF logo over 1954 left side of receiver is marked, "98.Th." on this example. Shortened receiver ring to make a hand guard holder. The so-called Turkish Model 1954 ATF-marked Rifle, apparently rebuilt (circa 1954) from surplus WWI German Gewehr 98 rifles.
Turkish Mauser ATF Model Rifle, dated 1954, sn542