How late in the war did the Germans build 98k sniper rifles?

[Bert]

This info is likely covered somewhere but I have no reference materials on WWII German sniper rifles. I would like to know the point in time at which the Germans ceased assembling 98k sniper rifles. For instance, should I see a byf 44 rifle with an original ZF39 scope in a long side rail mount could I be looking at a legitimate wartime German assembled sniper rifle, or would I more likely be looking at a fake? I assume there came a point at which the Germans stopped assembling sniper rifles and concentrated instead on just turning out as many standard rifles as possible. Was that in 1943, or in 1944, or did they continue sniper rifle assembly right up to the end in 1945? Does anyone know what the end point in time was for assembly of German 98k sniper rifles? Thanks!

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[Gun Surfer]

I know from recent research that Germans issued the K98k's with Long Eye Relief ZF41 scopes relatively late, well into 1944 when GI's encountered them. To me those were not really sniper rifles, but more like platoon or company "designated marksman" type rifles, but they might have been used as sniper and marksman rifles, I am not sure.

On 18 December 1944, Himler wrote a memo to Albert Speer asking him to "step up production of telescopic sights, rifles with telescopic sight and perhaps also machine carbines with telescopic sights as soon as possible." He related accelerating sharpshooting training in the "Grenadier Divisions", and certain incentives he had given divisions of Army and SS under his command for achieving hits. 50 confirmed hits got the sniper a wrist watch from Himler, 100 got them a hunting rifle, and for 150 you were invited to go hunting with Himler to shoot a stag or a Chamois buck (he didnt say whether the trip would be in Europe, or perhaps later on in South America ) "The German Sniper 1914-1945", Peter R. Senich

I don't know about you, but I would not want to be caught by the Soviets, or any enemy soldiers with a wrist watch from Himler, or with a sniper rifle for that matter.

Sniping equipment, like much of German production, was likely reasonably alive and well up to near the very end. The problem at that stage of the war, finding folks trained enough to effectively use the equipment.

[jmoore]

Definitely made snipers into 1945, I've seen some! Lusted after a short rail that was in about new condition had only a quicky clear phosphate finish and made w/ all kinds of rough tool marks and production shortcuts. Sold for US$7000 about ten years ago. (Too rich for me at the time, besides I don't think it ever left the factory before war's end- I like 'em a bit used myself. Also I'm not really big into German stuff mostly because that field is REALLY popular (read Expensive).)

[Pelago]

can not answer that question directly but interesting to note that up to the week that Berlin fell, Germany was still issuing stamps from Berlin post offices and people were still using the German Postal system??

i collect stamps, German to be precise, and i have many German stamps with April and May 1945 cancellation marks on them. From Berlin postal offices!!!

go figure they were getting their asses kicked and still thought that they could mail letters in Berling with Russians coming over the wall???

that has to be optimism at its best

wonder why so many stamps have ol adolph on them

he got royalty for each and every stamp that his mug on them and there were lots

[gunner]

In my book is a chapter wich discripes the latest production date as january 1945. That was a K98 with the worthless ZF41.

Regards

Gunner

[bearhunter]

Some with the swp stamps on the receivers were made within the last 2 or 3 months of the end in 1945. It's amazing how much production was actually taking place at the end of the war. It was still touch and go in mid 1944, which way the war would actually go. The system of manufacture was very good and much of it was under ground where it couldn't be bombed. I have a book of codes and dates and there is a write up at the beginning that implies to the severity of the situation. If the allies hadn't landed at Normandy when they did and put the Axis on the defensive, it may never have happened. It was either then or never, from the sounds of things. In 1944, at the peak of the bombing raids German industry, reached its highest production figures for the entire war. Their main problem was a dependable supply line, to deliver the materials.
There are literally hundreds of ordnance codes to be encountered. By the end of 1945 their factories were being dismantled and shipped to the Soviet Union, France and many other countries. It was a disaster for the German people but what it did do was allow them to start from new, without having to untilise older equipment. They recovered with a vengeance as we have all seen.

[jwtietz]

I have a byf 45 with a zf41 barrel on it. It was a bringback with a duffel cut stock that someone had tried to shape. It is all matching and i just picked up a good replacement piece of wood for it (those # wont match). My dad go it from this man, who brought it back (i was told he was at the factory and picked what he wanted), before i was born in and that was in 1950. Been sitting in the closet and safe since then. I just took it down to my gunsmith to check out the headspace and action. When i get it back i intend to put it in the new stock. I needed the top band and cleaning rod with the stock. I think it should be nice when it is done. All in need is a zf41 and mount and it will be cool. As a kid I had dreams of making it into a sporter. Glad i didn't but back then these were worth nothing. A model 12 winchester was $50 and i remember my dad arguing with the guy to get it lower. Times change.

[topaz]

Attachment 22855Attachment 22856

Late war German sniper badge in my collection

Single Tank Destruction Badge