Correct bayonet for a KAR98, WWI, not a K98

[Aragorn243]

Getting ready for a presentation this week and put a butchers sawback bayonet on my KAR98 because that's what I've seen go with these most often but it just looks off. Almost seems like the bullet would strike the top of the bayonet and the attachment seems weak. I did put a cleaning rod in the barrel and it seems it would clear the bayonet and as the blade would be up on any German Mauser, it's probably fine.

Any thoughts?

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[old-smithy]

the Kar98 would use the 98/05 with a flash guard, or virtualy every ersatz model as well as any WWI 84/98 bayonet with a flash guard. Bullets climb as they leave the barrel and will not hit the bayonet. and as for not firmly fitting tha may be your bayonet, as they worked perfectly well on bayonet charges over the top during the whole of WWI and up into WWII

[browningautorifle]

Yes, they always looked a bit off, even as if they drooped at the muzzle. It was what they had and that's what they used.

[Aragorn243]

I had not considered the flash guard. I guess this one will get an ersatz for the presentation. I'm not sure any of my WWI bayonets have flash guards.

[marysdad]

Flashguards became standard on new bayonet production in 1915. Earlier bayonets had flashguards added if they went in for maintenance, so many have them today.

The original Kar 98 rifle (made 1900-05) did not accept a bayonet. The Kar 98AZ, like yours, was made 1908-1918 (and a few more post-War in Poland). Kar 98AZ stands for Karabiner 98 mit Aufpflanz und Zusammensetzvorrichtung (Carbine 1898 with bayonet attachment and stacking hook).

[Aragorn243]

I got my bayonets out last evening and my standard butchers bayonet has the flash guard so I'm good. My ersatz were both cut down by the Turks. I'll be using one of them on my Turk 88 Commission rifle.

[old-smithy]

The flash guards were added due to grip damage firing the carbine on normal bayonets, so if yours is a very early one then actually a none flashguarded variant would be in keeping with the time.

[Aragorn243]

Mine is a 1918 so one with flash guard would be most appropriate.

[gew8805]

The flash guards were added due to grip damage firing the carbine on normal bayonets, so if yours is a very early one then actually a none flashguarded variant would be in keeping with the time.

Correct..... As long as he doesn't shoot it with the bayonet fixed. If he does then damage to the bayonet will be done as the German Army found out when the war started and fighting with bayonets fixed started, thus the call for flash guards.