Fake WWII collectibles: Phony Nazi Steyr M.95

Published on April 16, 2021
Duration: 19:20

This video from Military Arms Channel provides an expert examination of the Steyr M95 rifle, focusing on its historical context, operational features, and the prevalence of faked Nazi markings on collectible firearms. The presenter, with clear expertise in historical firearms, details the M95's straight-pull bolt action, its adoption and repurposing during WWI and WWII, and the specific characteristics to identify genuine examples versus forgeries. The video serves as a crucial guide for collectors to avoid purchasing counterfeit firearms with inflated values.

Quick Summary

The Steyr M95 rifle, a WWI-era firearm repurposed for WWII, features a straight-pull bolt action for rapid cycling and uses 5-round in-block clips. Identifying fake Nazi markings is crucial for collectors; genuine Waffenamps show age and fading, unlike crisp, freshly applied fakes. The 'S' stamp indicates the 8x56R caliber, which is still in production.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction to Firearm Forgeries
  2. 00:41Guns You Don't Want to Buy
  3. 01:07Big Daddy Unlimited Sponsorship
  4. 01:38The Steyr M95 Rifle
  5. 02:32Steyr M95 Interesting Features
  6. 03:27Fake Nazi Marked M95 Example
  7. 03:55Steyr M95 History and Design
  8. 04:45Straight Pull Bolt Action Explained
  9. 05:05Striker and Safety Mechanism
  10. 05:59Loading the M95 with Clips
  11. 06:52Clip Ejection After Firing
  12. 07:13M95 Calibers: 8x56R vs 8x50R
  13. 08:16M95 Recoil and Shooting Experience
  14. 09:37German Interest in the M95
  15. 10:03Nazi Ammunition for M95
  16. 10:30Examining a Fake Nazi M95
  17. 11:05Identifying Fake Waffenamps
  18. 11:55Why the M95 Markings are Fake
  19. 13:13Proof of Fake Markings
  20. 14:06The Value of Fake Markings
  21. 15:39Steyr M95 Recap
  22. 16:09Other Faked Firearms
  23. 16:50Force-Matched Serial Numbers
  24. 17:30Video Conclusion and Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Steyr M95 rifle?

The Steyr M95 is known for its straight-pull bolt action, which allows for rapid cycling. It uses in-block clips holding five rounds and was chambered in calibers like 8x50R and later 8x56R. Many were converted from rifle length to carbines for WWII use.

How can one identify fake Nazi markings on a Steyr M95?

Fake Nazi markings, such as Waffenamps, often appear too crisp or freshly struck on the wood or receiver. Genuine markings from the WWII era typically show signs of age and fading. The Germans only marked firearms they produced, so incorrect or excessive markings are red flags.

What is the significance of the 'S' stamp on a Steyr M95 barrel?

The 'S' stamp on a Steyr M95 barrel indicates that the rifle has been rechambered to the 8x56R caliber. This was a more powerful cartridge with a spitzer bullet, replacing the original 8x50R round-nosed bullet. Ammunition for 8x56R is still readily available.

Why were Steyr M95 rifles used by German troops in WWII?

In their carbine form, Steyr M95 rifles were adopted by some German troops in WWII because they were lightweight, handy, and chambered in a potent caliber. Their straight-pull bolt action also made them fast to operate, potentially faster than the standard K98k Mauser with sufficient clips.

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