Mauser 98: The Rifle Linked to Charlie Kirk Assassination Attempt

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10 in Utah. The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, used a vintage Mauser 98 rifle. This decades-old German weapon presents significant challenges for modern law enforcement.

Investigators discovered the firearm near the crime scene hours after the shooting. According to NBC News, the rifle’s age made it nearly impossible to trace through standard methods.

Decoding the Historic Bolt-Action Weapon

The Mauser Model 98 is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .30-06 caliber. It was originally manufactured for military use in both World Wars. Millions of these weapons entered the United States with returning soldiers.

This particular firearm belonged to Robinson’s grandfather. Prosecutors confirmed the weapon had no serial number or identifying marks. This is common for firearms manufactured before 1960s gun legislation.

Bolt-action rifles require manual reloading between shots. The user must pull the bolt backward and then forward to chamber a new round. This mechanism makes them slower than modern semi-automatic weapons.

Security Concerns Over Untraceable Firearms

The use of this vintage weapon raises serious security concerns. Former federal agents expressed alarm over the implications. Retired ATF official Scott Sweetow spoke to NBC News about the threat.

“Short of the security afforded to the president, there’s no way to defend against this,” Sweetow stated. These untraceable weapons remain common in American households despite their age.

Law enforcement officials note that bolt-action rifles rarely appear in violent crimes. Most gun violence in the United States involves pistols or semi-automatic rifles. This case represents an unusual exception to established patterns.

The Kirk assassination highlights ongoing challenges with historic firearms in modern crimes. The Mauser 98 rifle represents both a historical artifact and a potential security loophole. Investigators continue examining how such weapons might be monitored without violating Second Amendment rights.

Thought you’d like to know

What makes the Mauser 98 difficult to trace?

Manufactured before modern gun laws, it lacks serial numbers. This absence of identifying marks prevents standard tracing methods. Millions of such weapons exist in the United States.

How common are bolt-action rifles in crimes?

They are extremely rare in violent offenses. Most gun violence involves pistols or semi-automatic rifles. Former ATF agent Tim Sloan confirmed this pattern to NBC News.

What charges does Tyler Robinson face?

The 22-year-old faces aggravated murder and six other counts. Prosecutors are pursuing the case with substantial evidence. The investigation remains ongoing.

How did the suspect obtain the rifle?

The weapon belonged to Robinson’s grandfather. Authorities have not disclosed how the grandfather acquired it. The rifle’s history before the family remains unknown.

Why are vintage weapons a security concern?

They circumvent modern tracing systems entirely. Their widespread availability creates potential loopholes. Security experts consider this a challenging vulnerability.

Sources: NBC News, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives