Karabiner 98k ZF41
| Factions | Weapon | Icon | Classes | Ammo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 VC |
 Karabiner 98k ZF41 |
 |
 Assault |
5 / 20 |
| Damage Base | Headshot × | Chest × | Stomach × | Leg × | Arm × | Bayonet | Rifle Grenades | Reload Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial | Empty | ||||||||
| 65 | ×2.4 = 156 | ×2.15 = 139.75 | ×1.95 = 126.75 | ×1.15 = 74.75 | ×1.15 = 74.75 | YES | NO | 2.633 Seconds | 4.233 Seconds |
| Designation | Weapon Type | Fire Modes | Fire Rate | Bullet Spread ° | Range Modifier | Muzzle Velocity | Projectile weight | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kar98k ZF-41 | Sniper Rifle Carbine |
Single Shot | 45 RPM | 7.7° & 0.05° ADS | 0.985 | 760 m/s | 12.8 g (197.53 gr) | 3.7 kg (8.16 lbs) |
| Full name | Caliber | Place of Origin | Date | Manufacturer | Barrel Length | Total Length | Weapon Script Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karabiner 98k ZF39 | 7.92x57mm | Nazi Germany | 1941 | Mauser (augmented by several other makers) | 23.62 in (600 mm) | 43.70 in (1,110 mm) | weapon_kar98k_zf41 |
Karabiner 98k ZF41 is a German Kar98k bolt-action rifle configured with the Zielfernrohr 41 (ZF41) optic, chambered for the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge. The ZF41 was a low-power, long-eye-relief sight mounted forward over the rear sight area, allowing the rifle to retain normal clip loading. It is best known as a “sharpshooter” setup intended to improve hit probability for selected infantrymen rather than a true long-range sniper system.
HISTORY
The ZF41 program emerged in 1941 as Germany sought a practical way to give ordinary infantry units a modest optical aiming advantage without the training, equipment, and specialized mounts associated with dedicated sniper rifles. The small 1.5× scope and its forward mount were intended to preserve the Kar98k’s standard handling and stripper-clip reloading while providing a clearer sight picture for target identification and precise shot placement. In practice, the ZF41’s limited magnification and field of view, along with its long eye relief and low-light shortcomings, meant it was generally viewed as inadequate for true sniper work and saw mixed acceptance.
After World War II, Kar98k rifles were captured in large numbers and redistributed internationally, and WWII-era Mausers are documented among the broad mix of older small arms that appeared in later Cold War conflicts. Any Kar98k rifles still retaining the full ZF41 optic and mount would likely be less common than standard unscoped rifles, as optics and mounts were frequently removed, separated, or replaced during refurbishment and re-issue.
Sources
- Karabiner 98k | Imperial War Museums
- Mauser Werke K98k ZF-41 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle | NRA National Firearms Museum
- The K98k ZF 41—The First Scout Rifle? | American Rifleman
- Assessment of a ZF-41 Optic | Forgotten Weapons
-
German soldier on the Eastern Front with a Kar98k.
