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Hensoldt-Wetzlar Mount Question

C

Caravaggio

Member
Ok, a bit of a weird one here. I’m new to the forum. I don’t actually own a K98, but a 1903 Remington that had a German mannlicher sporter conversion with a Hensoldt-Wetzlar scope. I figured this forum would have better answers for me considering the situation. The scope was lost and all that remains are the mounts. You’ll notice the rear mount is offset to the right. I’m struggling to find a replacement scope that has this mounting pattern. Any thoughts or help would be so greatly appreciated. I think this is probably not dissimilar to old K98 mounts.IMG_2410.jpeg
 
What an odd affair. The rear mount is similar to an SS single claw that was turned the opposite way and the front a common double claw base.
While not impossible to replicate, one must keep in mind the difference in height off the receiver to the centerline of the scope between the 2 different rifles. I have no idea what dimensional difference exists between a k98 and an ‘03.
Both of these mounts are available as reproductions but you might have to buy a set of single claw mounts and a set of double claw mounts and hand fit them. It must have been doable enough for the original smith.
Check out the double claw and single claw sets on this site

Accumounts - German K98 Mauser

German K98 Sniper Parts and Accessories
accumounts.com
 
biggymu said:
What an odd affair. The rear mount is similar to an SS single claw that was turned the opposite way and the front a common double claw base.
While not impossible to replicate, one must keep in mind the difference in height off the receiver to the centerline of the scope between the 2 different rifles. I have no idea what dimensional difference exists between a k98 and an ‘03.
Both of these mounts are available as reproductions but you might have to buy a set of single claw mounts and a set of double claw mounts and hand fit them. It must have been doable enough for the original smith.
Check out the double claw and single claw sets on this site

Accumounts - German K98 Mauser

German K98 Sniper Parts and Accessories
accumounts.com
Click to expand...
“Odd affair” is right. Thank you so much for this advice. I’m shocked that each mount costs around 300 dollars on that site. Probably out of the budget to buy both sets.
 
Here are a couple photos to show the German orientation of the single claw base. The second picture is of a wartime double claw sniper. Yours has elements of both. The double claw mount ( your front) was very popular in Europe and came in innumerable shapes and sizes.
IMG_5858.jpegIMG_5859.jpeg
 
biggymu said:
Here are a couple photos to show the German orientation of the single claw base. The second picture is of a wartime double claw sniper. Yours has elements of both. The double claw mount ( your front) was very popular in Europe and came in innumerable shapes and sizes.
View attachment 418416View attachment 418417
Click to expand...
Oh, fascinating! So mine has the single claw rear but it is on the opposite side, as you mentioned. Maybe if I email accumounts they can give me a deal on just the front (double) and rear (single) scope mounts (no base).

I wonder how difficult it is to switch the orientation of the rear mount?

Thank you for showing me those photos that’s very helpful.
 
There is no reason to change the orientation of the base.There is also no guarantee that the space between the claws or the height will be correct without having them in hand. Make sure you can return them.
It would not hurt to contact them and ask if you can get only the parts necessary.
 
biggymu said:
There is no reason to change the orientation of the base.There is also no guarantee that the space between the claws or the height will be correct without having them in hand. Make sure you can return them.
It would not hurt to contact them and ask if you can get only the parts necessary.
Click to expand...
I just saw your edits. I will do what you recommend. If they let me return and can get me just the parts I need, then it’s definitely worth it. I’ll post back here if I can make it work!
 
If you want to do it correctly and end up with something that works, try: https://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/products.php?cat=279

Since you have the bases they can make new rings/claws that will fit your bases and actually lock-up. I believe ( I've never used them) from their website that they can make either new looking claws/rings or old school looking rings. I would suggest split rings so you can change out the scope if you so wish. I believe you can get rings/claws in different sizes so you can used older German scopes if you so wish.

I've never used this vender because it's basically for sporting rifles and I do military. However, your rifle is a sporter so it should be perfect for your needs.
 
I
John Strunk said:
If you want to do it correctly and end up with something that works, try: https://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/products.php?cat=279

Since you have the bases they can make new rings/claws that will fit your bases and actually lock-up. I believe ( I've never used them) from their website that they can make either new looking claws/rings or old school looking rings. I would suggest split rings so you can change out the scope if you so wish. I believe you can get rings/claws in different sizes so you can used older German scopes if you so wish.

I've never used this vender because it's basically for sporting rifles and I do military. However, your rifle is a sporter so it should be perfect for your needs.
Click to expand...
i have seen this website before and I concur. Money spent there would guarantee success and be of higher quality. Contact them and send a picture!
 
biggymu said:
What an odd affair. The rear mount is similar to an SS single claw that was turned the opposite way and the front a common double claw base.
Click to expand...
Actually the mount is a Mannlicher-Schönauer Claw Mount, just with the rear base on the opposite side of the receiver. I would expect this to be an Austrian conversion.

The "Steyr Single Claw" mount was actually done by Marholdt of Innsbruck.
 
Wow double set triggers and mannlicher style stock. Definitely European flair.
The scope you pictured could have the rear mount unsoldered and spun 180. ( the scope needs to be disassembled for this, as the heat will damage lenses etc.). Once again you may want to break out a micrometer and coordinate with seller on some measurements. The height of the mounts will come into play also. The offset of rear foot must also match.
Edit: spinning the mount won’t work. The locking notch will be on the wrong side.
 
Last edited:
biggymu said:
Wow double set triggers and mannlicher style stock. Definitely European flair.
The scope you pictured could have the rear mount unsoldered and spun 180. ( the scope needs to be disassembled for this, as the heat will damage lenses etc.). Once again you may want to break out a micrometer and coordinate with seller on some measurements. The height of the mounts will come into play also. The offset of rear foot must also match.
Edit: spinning the mount won’t work. The locking notch will be on the wrong side.
Click to expand...
Ah, rats. Good catch though. That’s too bad. I thought maybe I got lucky.
 
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