Karabinek wz.29
Fabryka Broni Radom · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1929
Also known as: kbk wz.29, Karabinek wzór 1929, Gewehr 298(p)
Overview
The karabinek wz.29 was Poland's standardized interwar service rifle: a short-rifle development of the German Mauser Kar.98AZ/Gew.98 system, refined with stronger steel, a reinforced chamber, and tighter tolerances for part interchangeability. Built at Fabryka Broni in Radom from 1930, it chambered the standard 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge fed from a 5-round internal box loaded by stripper clip. It was the principal rifle of the Polish Army during the September 1939 defense against the German invasion.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 745 m/s (2444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3700 J (2729 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 15 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.92x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 8mm Mauser, 8x57mm IS, 7.9mm Mauser
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Wing Safety, Third Safety Lug, Gas Escape Holes
- Features: Large Ring Mauser 98 Action, Reinforced Chamber, Controlled Round Feed, Stripper Clip Loading, Front Sight Protective Ears, Bayonet Lug, Tangent Rear Sight
Variants
- kbks wz.29 (.22 trainer) — Training
Service history
Operators
- Polish Army · adopted 1929 · as kbk wz.29
- Wehrmacht (captured) · adopted 1939 · as Gewehr 298(p)
Conflicts
- Invasion of Poland (1939)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 264,000 · Production years: 1930-1939
Two factory variants existed: an infantry short rifle (straight bolt handle) and a cavalry carbine (turned-down bolt handle). Production continued under German occupation as the Gewehr 29/40.
Origin
Country of origin: Poland
Discontinued: 1939
Notes
Filed under the requested slug 'kbkg-wz35'; research confirms there is no distinct bolt-action 'wz.35' carbine variant (wz.35 refers to the unrelated Ur anti-tank rifle and the VIS wz.35 pistol). This entry documents the kbk wz.29. Overall length is ~1,100 mm; production best stated as ~264,000 (a 634,000 figure appears to conflate all Radom Mauser output).
Background
Captured wz.29 rifles were so close to German equipment that the Wehrmacht re-issued them as the Gewehr 298(p), and production even continued under occupation as the Gewehr 29/40, Polish-made Mausers turned against their makers. The Radom factory that built it, Fabryka Broni 'Łucznik', still exists today.