Walnut Stock byf 42, 3452ii

[Firebug90]

A coworker of mine has this rifle and I know enough to know that walnut stocks weren't common by 1942 but not much else beyond that. We thought it might be a good idea to document the rifle and post it here to see if anyone knows anything more. Also curious as to the "3442" in the handguard. With the state of everything else on the rifle I'm inclined to believe it left the factory that way. No "H" on the right side of the stock, and no waffenamts on the right side of the receiver. No markings in the wood under the butt plate.

 

[Firebug90]

 

[bnz41john]

A most righteous byf42. Including the serial number in the handguard. Looks to be a factory error. 42 is a really interesting year in k98k production as they stopped using as many acceptances on a lot of the parts, but only for a period of time. This one having numerous FN subcontracted bolt parts is a neat bonus in my opinion.

 

[Jdt]

A most righteous byf42. Including the serial number in the handguard. Looks to be a factory error. 42 is a really interesting year in k98k production as they stopped using as many acceptances on a lot of the parts, but only for a period of time. This one having numerous FN subcontracted bolt parts is a neat bonus in my opinion.

Agreed, the subcontractor FN parts along with the walnut stock and the rifle being a byf 42 is a awesome combo. Very nice and righteous example!

 

[Mauserguy85]

Looks great. You gotta love that walnut and those trademark Eagle stamps. They are so crisp. Here’s is one for reference. Agree that the handguard was a factory error.

Byf 42

Byf 42 hh walnut This is the only completely matching k98 I have, a present from my wife.

www.k98kforum.com

 

[AN-94]

I would agree with the others that the handguard is a factory error. That's a gorgeous byf 42, not many around and I love the walnut stock on this one. Would love to find one like it for my own collection, congrats on a wonderful '42!

 

[Firebug90]

Thanks a lot guys! Now he's going to read these comments and never sell it to me

Does anyone know the story on the continued use of walnut? Taking advantage of supply when they had it?

 

[Jdt]

Thanks a lot guys! Now he's going to read these comments and never sell it to me

Does anyone know the story on the continued use of walnut? Taking advantage of supply when they had it?

Pretty much, you see walnut quite a bit spread out and thru different manufacturers. One of our members (B.I.O) has a early war rifle with a matching, maple handguard. There is also the Elm stock variants seen on 43 BYF rifles

 

[Mauserguy85]

Then you have the “scrub walnut” in the late war BNZ examples.

 

[Jdt]

Then you have the “scrub walnut” in the late war BNZ examples.

Good point.

 

[mauser99]

Thanks a lot guys! Now he's going to read these comments and never sell it to me

Does anyone know the story on the continued use of walnut? Taking advantage of supply when they had it?

Walnut was phased out slow in 1937 and the laminate was the preferred wood going forward. As the war progressed, they needed to use all wood avail. So there are sporadic uses of walnut throughout the production from MO.
Then also Elm was used also very briefly. We cherish the walnut for its ability to show off lovely War Eagles...lol

 

[jbmauser]

Beautiful example!