Mauser Gewehr 98 Sniper
Mauser · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1915
Also known as: Gew 98 Sniper, G98 mit Zielfernrohr, Mauser 98 Sniper, Scharfschützengewehr 98
Overview
The Mauser Gewehr 98 Sniper was the first systematically deployed German sniper rifle, created by fitting selected Gewehr 98 infantry rifles with commercial and military telescopic sights during World War I. Approximately 18,421 scoped Gewehr 98 rifles were converted for the sniper role, equipped with 2.5x and 3x magnification optics from manufacturers including Zeiss, Voigtlander, and Goerz. The Gew 98's robust Mauser action, powerful 7.92x57mm cartridge, and long 740mm barrel provided excellent accuracy and range, making it one of the most effective sniper weapons of the First World War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4090 g (144.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4400 g (155.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1250 mm (49.21") |
| Barrel Length | 740 mm (29.13") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 878 m/s (2881 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4936 J (3641 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2500 m (2734 yd) |
| 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, 7.92x57mm IS, 8mm Mauser JS
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Wing Safety
- Features: Telescopic Sight 2-5x Or 3x, Controlled Round Feed, Mauser Claw Extractor, Long Barrel, Iron Sights Retained
Variants
- Gewehr 98 (Standard) — Standard Infantry
- Karabiner 98k Sniper — Wwii Shortened Sniper
Service history
Operators
- Imperial German Army · adopted 1915 · as Gewehr 98 mit Zielfernrohr
- Ottoman Empire
Conflicts
- World War I (Western Front) (1915-1918)
- World War I (Eastern Front) (1915-1918)
- World War I (Gallipoli) (1915-1916)
Production
Estimated total produced: 18,421 · Production years: 1915-1918
Approximately 18,421 Gewehr 98 rifles were converted to sniper configuration during WWI. At the outbreak of WWI in 1914, the German Army held 2,273,080 Mauser 98-type rifles, with an additional 7,000,000 produced during the war.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Paul Mauser
Discontinued: 1918
Notes
German optical industry expertise gave the Gew 98 sniper a significant advantage, as scope quality was generally superior to Allied equivalents. However, the scopes created problems with bolt manipulation - the low mounting position interfered with operating the bolt handle, leading to progressively higher scope mounts throughout the war. The standard Gew 98 was 1,250mm long with a 740mm barrel, making it considerably longer than the later K98k. German snipers were among the first to be systematically trained and deployed as a tactical asset, with dedicated sniper sections established at the battalion level. The rifle remained in limited use into WWII, though it was largely superseded by the shorter K98k.
Background
German snipers armed with scoped Gewehr 98 rifles inflicted devastating casualties on Allied troops in the trenches, prompting the British to establish their own counter-sniping programs in response. The psychological impact was enormous - the constant threat of an unseen marksman forced troops to keep their heads below the parapet at all times, leading to the development of periscopes and loophole plates. German snipers were reportedly so effective that the British estimated a single sniper could neutralize up to 40 men per month in an active sector of the front.