Why Does Sgt. Schultz Carry a .30-40 Krag Instead of a Kar98k Mauser?

Question: 

You look old enough to have watched “Hogan’s Heroes” on TV as a younger man. Well, now it’s been back, late at night, for quite a while and what caught my attention is Sgt. Schulz’s rifle. I believe the main rifle of Germany during World War II was the Model K98k 8mm Mauser, yet I am seeing him toting around a .30-40 Krag! Can I be wrong?

 -C.B. of Willits, California

Answer: 

You are right on two counts. First: I am definitely old enough to have watched “Hogan’s Heroes” first run. Second, Sgt. Schulz (portrayed by actor John Banner) does carry a U.S. Krag-Jorgensen .30-40 rifle. I am not sure exactly what model it is, but I’d guess an 1898 as they are a bit more common than the earlier versions. Why they gave him a Krag instead of a Kar98k Mauser is anybody’s guess — possibly because Krag actions are extremely smooth, and it would be easier for an actor to operate one rather than a 98k’s.

-Garry James