Cruising Murphy’s Guns in Tucson, Arizona, I spotted a lone Model 98 Mauser racked in the rimfire section of the store. Actually, it had the distinctive lines of a WWI-era Model 98AZ carbine (AZ standing for “Aufpflanz-und Zusammenstellvorrichtung” which translates into “means for fixing bayonet and stacking arms”). The Model 98AZ, later designated the Model 98a, was issued to cavalry, artillery and special infantry units and saw wide use in WWI. But why was it racked up with rimfires? Asking to see it, I opened the bolt and much to my surprise saw that it had been converted into a Zimmerstutzen.

Model 98a carbines are pretty rare. The last great batch was imported in the 1970s, and many of those were torn down for their actions to build svelte sporters. In issued condition, the Model 98a is a desirable collectible.

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