This rifle is one of around 100,000 Zf.41’s made by Nazi Germany in WW2 & was initially manufactured in 1937 by Mauser Oberndorf as identified on the receiver ring by the pre-war Nazi secret squirrel code intended to mislead Inspectors intended on ensuring Germany was adhering to the Treaty of Versailles.

At some stage in its life it was returned to Mauser Oberndorf for conversion to Zf.41 configuration sometime post 1941 presumably due to being particularly accurate.

The history of the Zf. 41 is an interesting one. Much debate has been made over whether it was considered a sniper rifle or simply a designated marksman rifle. Original wartime documentation makes it clear that it’s intent was as a designated rifle. Wartime documents state that the purpose was to “allow for accurate shooting against particularly small or otherwise important battle target & use against targets that are difficult to capture with a small target or naked eye during battle.” However, despite this being the intended purpose of the Zf.41 it is clear from wartime pictures that it was issued to sharpshooters to be used as a sniper rifle.

Standard K98ks that showed exceptional accuracy by shooting three of five shots from a machine rest into a 2 cm (0.78″) square at 100 meters were chosen for conversion.

The Zf. 41 was manufactured as a complete unit by three companies during the course of WWII. Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik (wartime code duv) was likely the developer of the mounting system with a joint effort from Mauser Borsigwalde (code ar). Surviving wartime documents discussing the Zf. 41 are limited so this is a educated guess. Both firms were delivering rifles by late 1941, but by late 1942 BLM stopped producing K98ks altogether. Borsigwalde continued to produce K98ks (and Zf. 41s) until late 1943. Since BLM & Borsigwalde were no longer able to produce the Zf. 41, Mauser Oberndorf (code byf) continued with the program in late 1943, presumably because of pressure from the German High command who didn’t want to see production of the Zf. 41 to cease due to the time & resources already put into the program. Mauser Oberndorf had already been supplying Borsigwalde with sight bases so it was an easy transition.

In unison with original factory produced Zf.41 K98’s as described above from 1941 onwards, rifles already issued which were identified as particularly accurate were retrofitted with the base & scope.

This is what occurred in the case of this rifle we expect.

This rifle has matching numbers on both barrel bands, front sight, complete rear sight, floor plate (inc. capture screws), magazine follower, complete bolt assembly & even the stock is correctly numbered to the rifle as can be seen in the photos.

Unfortunately, the Zf.41 scope & mount has been removed so only the side mount remains.

This would be an excellent choice to build a project Zf.41, simply add scope!

The only other Kar98k fitted with a Zf.41 we sold went very quickly for around $10k, so if you are one of the many who missed out then, don’t hesitate if you think this is for you.

We are offering this rifle as a collectable piece of military history & acknowledge the grievous atrocities committed by the Nazi regime & some of its military, particularly toward the peoples of occupied territory & the Jewish population in Europe. In no way do we condone or glorify the Nazi regime which must be remembered for the vile stain on human history that it was.

We think we have described it accurately & correctly but do not claim to be infallible so if we have got anything wrong, it is unintentional & are happy for feedback from people who know more than we do.

Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & this is sold on an ‘as is’ basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting.

Please view the photos carefully as they are the main description & many more can be seen here:

https://scgunshop.com.au/product/1937-s-42-mauser-zf-41-kar98k-s-n-7299/

We have a pretty unique refund policy on our collectable guns whereby we will refund your money if it is not as described when you receive it. Just let us know before you decide to send it back.

Standard cost for shipping is $75 & all guns are sent via Startrack without insurance but we pack very well.