Turkish Mauser M1938
Kırıkkale Tüfek Fabrikası · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1938
Also known as: M38, Turkish Mauser, K.Kale 1938
Overview
The Turkish Mauser M1938 is a standardized Gewehr 98 / Kar98k-pattern bolt-action rifle chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser, built and rebuilt at the Ankara and Kırıkkale arsenals from 1938. It combined new Turkish-machined components with stockpiled German Mauser and Czech Zbrojovka Brno parts, alongside conversions of older 7.65mm Model 1903 rifles to a short-rifle pattern. Kırıkkale receivers are reputed to be among the strongest of all Mauser-type actions.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1230 mm (48.43") |
| Barrel Length | 740 mm (29.13") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 785 m/s (2575 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3700 J (2729 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 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, 8x57mm JS, 7.92x57mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip, Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Wing Safety, Third Locking Lug
- Features: Controlled Round Feed, Large Ring Receiver, Staggered Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip Loading, K98 Pattern
Variants
- Turkish Mauser Model 1903 — Predecessor
Service history
Operators
- Turkish Armed Forces · adopted 1938 · as M1938
Conflicts
- Korean War (1950-1953)
Production
Estimated total produced: 250,000 · Production years: 1938-1946
Kırıkkale new-build production roughly 1940-1946 totaled around 250,000 receivers, peaking near 53,000 in 1942; large numbers of older rifles were also rebuilt to the M1938 pattern
Origin
Country of origin: Turkey
Designer: Paul Mauser
Discontinued: 1946
Notes
Because rifles were assembled from a mix of leftover and newly made parts, matching serial numbers across components are uncommon. Empty weight varies in sources from about 3.9 to 4.35 kg.
Background
Kırıkkale ('K.Kale') rifles mated a small-shank barrel to a large-ring 98 receiver, a combination shooters reckon makes them the strongest of all military Mauser actions; assembled from leftover German, Czech and fresh Turkish parts, mismatched serials are the norm rather than a flaw, and the thick Turkish walnut stocks earned them the nickname 'Turkish clubs.'