Germany adopted it in 1898, hence the name, and used it until 1935 when it was replaced by a newer version, the Karabiner 98k (pictured), with the “k” standing for kurz or short). The Gewehr 98, more commonly called the Model 1898 or simply “98 Mauser” in English anyway, was the standard infantry rifle used by Germany and many other countries. While I am not going to get rid of all my modern rifles and “cool gear”, I thought I would take a look at the century plus old design of the 98 Mauser and considers its usefulness in a prepper’s arsenal. I take the quote to mean that the person who knows and uses their rifles and equipment, including living their preps, is going to come out ahead against the armchair warriors you find on Facebook, displaying their bugout and INCH bags full of gadgets that have never been used and in many cases still have the price tag on them. “When it all comes down, the last man standing is going to be standing there in shorts and sneakers with a ’98 Mauser, and all the ninja-looking guys belly up at his feet – with all their cool gear.” I recommend his book Defensive Shotgun Techniques. Awerbuck wrote several books and produced videos on various techniques. A native of South Africa, he was the first Rangemaster of what became Col Jeff Cooper’s Gunsite Academy.
Louis Awerbuck was a firearms author and instructor.
