Adopted in April of 1898 as the Gewehr (Rifle) 1898 by Germany. Also referred to as the Gew 98, Rifle 98, Model 98, etc. Some of the major design improvements over previous Mauser designs included cocking of bolt on opening, larger gas holes in bolt, an enlarged receiver ring, and locking screws for the guard screws. In 1903 to 1905 a 98 barrel was introduced with grooves of .0065" and a larger diameter chamber neck. The 98 rifle now could take the .323 diameter "S" bullet. Rifles based upon the design of the 98 Mauser have been used by many armies in many wars and battles. Just about every bolt action rifle post 1898 found on this site are based upon the design of the 98 Mauser. Some of the more notable include the German K98k and the U.S. Springfield 1903. Almost all modern bolt action sporting rifle designs are based upon the original 98. This is an amazing fact taking into account that the basic design is well over 100 years.
