DSM 34 Trainer by Suhl ………………..(F 410)
Created on May 3rd 2022
DSM 34 Trainer by Suhl
DSM stands for Deutches SportModell. That is the term that surrounds this whole group of rifles. The weapons produced under this innocent term were actually strictly forbidden by the arms treaties put into place at the Treaty of Versailles, imposed upon Germany after World War One. Germany was not supposed to be training up an army, but to the mildly observant this weapon bears more than a passing resemblance to the K98 which was to equip the army of the Third Reich. In simple terms that is exactly what it is but in 22 LR. Germany built these rifles to be able to show that they were sticking to the terms and conditions of that document they hated so much. This rifle is presented to inspectors as a German Sporting Rifle. When in fact it was a training aid for the use of boy soldiers upwards. A perfect facsimile of the K98 which was about to take Europe by storm.
There is really nothing about this rifle that looks anything like a “Sporting Rifle”, but they did turn out some others which looked more convincing, this one was far from it. However, even the others with Sporting Stocks and exposed barrels had the same sights and bolt system to allow the German arms manufacturers to try to pull the wool over the inspectorate’s eyes. This model doesn’t even try. Everything about it was built to replicate the full scale battle rifle planed for the Wehrmacht. The only thing they could’nt get around was the magazine issue, so it remained a single shot weapon, which is perfectly adequate for basic target training.
Superb quality stock in European Walnut with all the K98 features including the side mounting sling provisions. Short handguard over barrel. The butt has an interesting carved Roman numeral in the RHS; ” FI VII” -meaning unknown. The stock is superbly dense with excellent end-grain finish especially evident around the semi-pistol swelling. Few dings or dents with nice finish.
The crest of the receiver is clearly marked with the makers details; “1934 / Waffenstadt Crest of Suhl Town / Suhl” all in superb German Gothic script. The barrel has the following on the crest between the rear sights and the receiver reading; “Deutches Sportmodell” On the LHS of the barrel shank is “ROECHLINGSTAL 2463” These markings are surrounded by the original “BUG” proof marks and later CIP markings. The serial number is clearly marked on the LHS of the receiver ring. It is repeated on the bolt and the safety. Safety not tested. The conventional K type rear sights are graduated 20 to 200 meters. K type front sight on a ramp with glare reduction hatching on rear slope. Dummy cleaning rod stored under barrel. The metal finish is a very light grey the bolt being darker than the action and barrel. Small version of bolt strip-down disc bored through butt, superbly thick curved steel butt-plate.
Stock No f 410
£ 595.
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