German G98/40 rifle

[Dave]

The G98/40 was acquired by Germany from Hungary. Hungary was an ally of Germany. It was a modified version of the Hungarian HUZAGOL 35M. The Hungarian rifle fired 8X56R ammunition and used a Mannlicher type magazine. The Germans adopted a modified version of this firearm and designated it the Gewehr 98/40. This is some what of a misnomer because the rifle is not a true Mauser but uses instead a modified Commission 88 style receiver. The German's had certain modifications made to the rifle, including changing the caliber to their standard 8 mm sevrice round; changing the magazine to a flush 98 Mauser type,designed to hold 5 rounds; changing the bayonet lug to accommodate the standard German bayonet; finally changes to the sling mounting system to comply with German methods of sling attachment . The rifle appears with walnut furniture until 1944 when a laminated type furniture appears. The rifle was in production until 1944. The Hungarians were so impressed with the German modified rifle that they adopted it themselves ,with minor changes, as the M43. I have never seen photos of this rifle in use by 1st. line troops.

[Gewehrmann]

You mean German troops? I haven't seen many photos of Hungarian troops in WW2, but they carry M.43 rifles.

Trivia: Bela Lugosi (Dracula) was a decorated officer in a Hungarian mountain division of the Austro-Hungarian Army in WW1 on the Eastern front.

[Dave]

Fascinating information about Count Drac.......I mean Mr Lugosi. Yes, I meant German troops.

[sa-6-42]

I know somone who has one, Bolts mismatched and the finish is well worn. I can get some pics for anyone interested. I think Its going to be listed on gun broker fairly soon.

[groobel226]

Nice piece Dave. I'm really wanting one of those these days!!

[robber3]

I have a 44 dated one,its a Vet Bringback,all Matching Collector Grade Rifle.These are very hard to find all Matching,and unmessed with.They are a nice touch to a German WW2 Rifle Collection.
Rick

[groobel226]

Yeah Rick, that's what I'm talkin' about.

[mills1950]

Rick, Can you post some pics of yours??

[Dave]

Here's another one 1941 manufacture showing wear and been there look. Matching except for floor plate.

[mills1950]

Dave, I have one very similar to that one---all matching except floorplate. Where can you find more info on the 98/40's? I have wondered what troops used these during WWII. There are a couple of 98/40's on auction--believe one bolt MM and the other had some mixed parts as well.

[Dave]

There is all kinds of misinformation available on these rifles here is what is known.

" These German contract guns were made by Fémáru Fegyver és Gépgyár, Budapest, which possibly subcontracted some or all of the work to Danuvia Gépgyár, Budapest 1941-44 There is a disagreement, where these guns were actually made. Most US collectors claim these were made only by Fémáru, based on that the receivers are stamped 'jhv', the German Ordnance code for Fémáru. Danuvia made G98/40 should have been marked with 'jua', Danuvia's German Ordnance code, and no such G98/40 have been reported. This appears to be a very strong case, however the Hungarian Ministry of Defense archives from the 1960's refer to the G98/40 as Danuvia made. According to several European collectors, the G98/40's were made by both factories, with Fémáru using Danuvia as a subcontractor. Other Europeans claim, these were made by Danuvia only. Quite a few references can be found in Europe calling the rifle 'Danuvia G98/40'. Hungarian sorces are split on this issue."

I can find no information on who the end users were, some have suggested Luftwaffe but to my knowledge there is nothing to support this assertion. Does anyone know anything that can be nailed down concerning use?

[mills1950]

Thats interesting, thanks for posting. Now you have my curiosity going---what weapons was Danuvia known to have made using the code "jua"---I am not familiar with that code---was it MP's or something similar? TIA David