k98 Bolt

[bruceg]

OK, so continue my education about the K98k....what is the significance of the straight bolt handle and the curved bolt handle?  Mine happens to be straight.

Thanks, Bruce

[Mikey]

I think it is just a design preference by the individual countries that had ordered from Mauser.  The straight bolt was vogue around the turn of the century (1900) and I believe the turned-down bolt came into use with the shorter barrel (23.5" vs 29") and the designation of carbine or Karibiner for cavalry use.  I believe some countries, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, ordered turned-down bolts for cavalry use as they maintained mounted cavalry either into or just before the outbreak of WWII.  HTH. 

[cbxboy]

Significance?

Don't know.  I ASSUMED my answer to be that some brain child engineer figured out that it was "in the way" and if they bent it the rifle had a slimmer design.  If you look at the designs of the era they were straight.  When scopes were installed you can't have a 90 degree lift with a scop and straight bolt.....bend the bolt.  Then they came up with WOW that looks sharp and doesn't get caught on everything.

If I were designing a battle rifle (that was the intent) a straight bolt allows for better handling in winter when hands are gloved (or is that mittened?) and use is restricted.

Early models seem to sport straight and "later" models (Yugo M48's come to mind) of mauser bent the bolts.  SO in summation I have no idea except to think HOW and WHY it would be better one way or the other.  I like a bent bolt when casing a rifle other than that I don't care one way or the other...no Mausers with scopes yet....and when I do I will drop on a Scout set up anyway