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The German Kar.98a is known by several names including but not limited to: Kar.98AZ and Kar.98a.  An obvious ancestor in the K98k lineage of German carbines the Kar.98a has many common features to be later incorporated in the K98k including a turned down bolt handle, a sling slot cut into the butt stock and overall similar looks and functionality. Designed as a replacement for the Model 1898 Carbine and adopted in 1908 as the Kar.98AZ it has an increased barrel length over the 1898 Carbine to help reduce muzzle blast and felt recoil. Made in four arsenals: Amberg, Danzig, Erfurt, and Spandau. During the early stages of WWI it was carried primarily by Support Troops, Cavalry, and Assault Troops. Later the carbine was carried often by regular German Army forces. Easily distinguishable by the curved stacking hook located at the front underside of the carbine's forestock. After WWI the carbine was renamed the Kar.98a to differentiate it from the Kar.98b.

The Polish Kbk wz. 1898 (also known as the Polish Model AZ Carbine) is almost identical to the Kar.98a except for the stacking hook is squared instead of rounded, there is a sling swivel on the left hand side of the butt stock, there is a screw through the lower barrel band and there is a sling swivel attached to the bottom of the lower barrel band.