Recently acquired Depot IV k98k.

[bnz41john]

I recently acquired this depot IV k98k off of a local trader. This is only the second depot IV rifle ive ever seen. And first I had ever seen in person. It is WaA 359 receiver with a 39 dated barrel. The bolt is all matching to itself but not to the rest of the gun. The handguard and bands match but the number in the stock channel does not. Looks like stock had a lacquer on it at some point cause there is some still on the buttplate. There is also the remnants of a what looks like a large K marking where the other stock markings would usually be on the side of the butt. Could this be a wartime replacement stock? The only other Depot IV rifle Ive ever seen Is serial number 72. My rifle is serial number 46. But the front action screw on mine is serial numbered 72...possibly from that other rifle? Anyone else know of the one im talking about? My rear action screw isnt numbered. Any thoughts? I can post more pictures if anyone wants to see more. John.

 

[flynaked]

Very cool!! That floorplate is awesome, no comments on the stock not really sure what’s going on there?

 

[RyanE]

I think the stock marking is probably an 'R', fairly common to see on K43. I have seen it attributed to post-war French use, but I don't know if that is true or not.

 

[agentcq]

I think the stock marking is probably an 'R', fairly common to see on K43. I have seen it attributed to post-war French use, but I don't know if that is true or not.

You are not the only one with the post-war French use and I have seen that theory proposed on some reputable websites. I had a MM k98 (byf) with an R marked stock, but that rifle is long gone.

 

[bnz41john]

Interesting guys! Thanks!