Description
Mint & Matching, for the serious collector!
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.
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, rifles already issued which were identified as particularly accurate were retrofitted with the base & scope. 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. K98ks fitted with Zf 41 scopes were modified at one of three factories; Mauser Oberndorf (byf), 1941-45; Mauser Borsigwalde (ar), 1941-44 & Berlin-Lubecker (duv), 1941-42, as this rifle was based on the markings on the mount.
This example is one of only 100,000 Zf.41’s made by Nazi Germany & the rifle 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. 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 of the internal wood but the underside of the butt has proved difficult to accurately photograph.
The study of the Zf. 41 scope is fairly complex. There were three variations of scope structure. Type 1 was the first & features a smaller objective & flush elevation knurl. Type 1 scopes were marked ZF41. Type 2 scopes had the internal lenses modified, the center elevation knurl enlarged & a larger objective added. These Type 2 scopes are also marked ZF41. Type 3 scopes saw even more simplification to the internal lenses with a longer ocular tube. Despite the longer ocular the total length of the scope stayed the same. These Type 3 scopes were marked ZF41/1 which is clearly visible on this example. The scope itself is marked dow indicating it was made by Opticotechna G.m.b.H., Prerau, Czech. It retains the rain cover / sun shade at both ends & is relatively clear with small blemishes visible & would definitely benefit from a service although you could shoot with it if you wanted. It appears this was an Russian Front rifle as the blue + on the scope indicates it was greased with sub zero lubricant.
Original wartime scopes display a wide range of markings on the scope tube (makers code, scope serial number, scope designation & any re-designation). Among these marks can be found four different marks indicating lubrication that was added to the scope. The only four markings seen to date that relate to this are KF, O, + and a triangle. This scope is marked with a + along with the scope S/N of 13652 & dow, denoting manufacture by Opticotechna G.m.b.H., Prerau, Czechoslovakia.
Nicely, it comes with what we believe to be a genuine original sling & the bore is excellent with clearly visible rifling in a shiny bore with no nastiness to be seen.
The only other Kar98k fitted with a Zf.41 we sold went very quickly so if you are one of the many who missed out then, we have priced this to follow suit so 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.
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 $55 & all guns are sent via Startrack without insurance but we pack very well.
