Known Zf 41 Manufacturers And Their Codes

by
posted on May 30, 2014
IMG_7801.jpg

Q. I have a German K98k fitted with a Zf 41 scope that is marked with a three-letter code. Can you tell me who made it? Can you tell me how many scoped K98k rifles were made during World War II?

 

A. The Zf 41 production total remains a mystery. Records at the Mauser factory in Oberndorf state that the firm made 86,000 rifles with telescopes during World War II-35,000 during 1944 alone. But the authors who have done the most research in this area, Richard Law and Peter Senich, point out that these figures do not include Zf 41-equipped K98ks.

Riflescopes of every description, including the Zf 41, appear to have been in short supply, despite the fact that the Adalbert b program had Hitler’s wholehearted support. In fact, he wanted them to be issued to every German soldier. Of course, from the production standpoint alone, this was unrealistic. For example, even though the Zf 41 appears deceptively simple, its 12-lens system was difficult to manufacture in quantity.

Furthermore, many of the Zf 41 manufacturers listed below were responsible for the manufacture of other higher-priority optic mechanisms, such as artillery sights.

-Glenn M. Gilbert

Originally published December, 2006

Latest

A5 Gotw Browning
A5 Gotw Browning

Gun Of The Week: Browning A5 Wicked Wing

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range this week to learn about an iconic Browning shotgun, but this one is dressed specifically for the modern era, wearing synthetic furniture, covered by a unique camouflage treatment and revamped internally for generations of use.

The Armed Citizen® June 2, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

2023 Ammunition Product Of The Year: Remington Core-Lokt Tipped

Remington Ammunition’s Core-Lokt bullets have been counted on by hunters to reliably take game for more than 80 years.

Remembering The Remington 700 At FTW Ranch

Remington seems to have risen from the ashes, and a new company has emerged under the RemArms name, but before the lights went out at Remington's Custom Shop, American Rifleman contributor Craig Boddington joined industry professionals at FTW Ranch to put its rifles through the rigors of intense field work.

Henry Donates To Border Patrol Foundation

Henry Repeating Arms supports Border Patrol Foundation (BPF) with funds to help the organization’s mission to honor the memory of fallen U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson CSX

Smith & Wesson's CSX is a different take on the micro-compact 9 mm Luger-chambered pistol concept, one that will appeal to fans of more traditionally built and styled handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.