I am looking at a M98 small ring mauser that is merked "WAFFEN WERKE BRUNN" and "AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT" on the side of the receiver. The receiver has a proof mark an "42" which I assume is the proof date, on it. I am trying to determine what it is and whether it is a small ring small barrel shank, or a small ring large barrel shank action. Any insights would be appreciated.

Dave

Photos?

It's in a shop where I can not take photos, but I can take another look at it.

Dave, I think it might be a SR/LT Kar98 as that's what the factory turned out after the Germans took over the Czech arsenals during WWII . Waffen Werke Brunn is what the Germans renamed the BRNO plant in Bystrica. The rifle will probably have a "swp" or "dou" code on it.

The G.33/40 small ring M98s were produced at the Brunn plant from 1940-1942 but they will have a DOT 1942 (or whatever production year) on the front ring as well as a G.33/40 stamping on the receiver sidewall.

There is an outside chance that the action you're looking at could be a VZ33 (SR/ST) commercial variant that was built after the Germans took over the plant. That would be a real prize. I've never heard of such a thing but who knows?

What makes you say it is a commercial action?

I might be wrong, but I believe the Kar98s are all stamped that way on the left side of the action...Yes? No? Mine is, but I'm not sure which variant I have...

MKane160

Forrest:

The rifle may be a redone military, but is set up as a sporter and has the classic germanic styling. In looking at the side of the receiver, the left sidewall is one continuous line through the receiver ring, the side wall is not visually smaller than the front receiver ring like either a G33/40 or a Large Ring M98.

Here is one marked as you have described with pictures:

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8847444

The rifle you are describing should be a wartime version of the commercial Brno 21/22 series. I have seem them with 1942 and 43 proofs, in various configurations, but they all had a solid left wall, with a stripper clip slot on top.