K. K. Wehrsportewehn German Training Rifle…………(F 1228)

KKW Trainer (Scoped)

The infamous Wehrmacht training rifle, built in direct contradiction to the Versailles treaty to which Germany had signed.  The all encompassing title DSM-34 was even designed to throw the allied signatories of the treaty, off the trail.  It is translated as German Sports Model 1934.  Germany was forbidden to train and equip a modern army after the First World War and that meant using full bore military rifles.  To get around this they developed what we have here – a small bore version of the rifle Germany would rearm with – the K98k.  Everything about this “Sporting Rifle” mimics its bigger brother.  Germany was also forbidden from building repeating rifles – this they could not get round, so this is a single shot weapon.

The stock dimensions, the layout of the sights, the bolt action even the weight all carefully mimic the design and build of this otherwise innocuous rifle with it’s larger sibling.  On paper it would be listed as a small bore, single shot rifle – what could be more harmless?   However, once the young soldier was familiar with this rifle, the step up on to the full bore K98k battle rifle is a simple one.

This Mauser built trainer measures 43.3/4″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel is approximately 25.3/4″ long.  The trigger pull is 13″ to centre.  The rifle is stocked in a rich golden walnut facsimile of the K98 stock, which shows all the normal signs of service use.  Fitted with a contoured steel butt-plate and a steel trigger guard.  Strip-down disc and the correct cut-out for the side mounted K98 leather sling with vintage sling fitted.  The mid band has the side bar for the front end of that sling, and the nose cap “H”-band is held in position by a cross pin..  This example even has a bayonet fitting, unusual on DSM’s.  No cleaning rod or front sight hood. Apparently standard rear sights, but force matched.

Chambered in .22LR.  The rifle employs a standard Mauser-type bolt system, with a flag safety and bolt release as with its big brother.  The finish on all these components is rather sad, as sombody has been at it very badly with thick black paint.  The sights are the same as the battle rifle but are graduated from 25 to 200 meters.  The front sight mimics the larger rifle, the idea being to get the trainee perfectly familiar with the K98k, which would be the next stage.  It is unclear how the receiver is marked on top as incorrect scope mounts have been fitted.   The action should be marked;- “KK-WEHRSPORTSGEWEHR /  MAUSER-WERKE. A-G.OBERNDORF a/N.” Between the rear sight ramp and the receiver ring on the LHS of the barrel, are the following stampings;- “KAL. 22 LANG FUR BUCHSEN”  Then the serial number; “264158.”

It is a crying shame that in the past a modern scope and mounts were fitted, and not very well but it was probably during a period of low value and consequently only regarded as a fun gun – which of couse is what it remains.  Post and rail standard reticule to optics.  This rifle is in need of restoration, as much as is possible!  Bore is fair – could improve with attention.

This is a chance to pick up a low condition KKW which could be upgraded.

Please ask for Stock No’ 1228

£ 595.

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