Cavalry models featured a turned-down bolt handle, and early versions had a stacking hook near the end of the stock on the right side.

After regaining independence in 1918, the Polish Army was armed with weapons left over from the nations that occupied Poland during the Partition Era, including Russian M91 Mosin–Nagants, Austrian Steyr-Mannlichers, and German Gewehr 98s.

French Berthiers and Lebels from the soldiers of the Blue Army were also on hand, as well as the Japanese Arisaka and guns from Great Britain such as the Lee–Enfield.

As a result, at the end of Polish-Soviet War in 1921, the Polish army was armed with approximately 24 types of guns and 22 rifles firing different ammunition.

In an effort to reduce logistical difficulties, the Polish Army sought to adopt a single type of rifle.

Conveniently, the Treaty of Versailles, having established the Free City of Danzig, gave the Polish Army access to the weapons-making facilities at the Danzig Arsenal, facilitating the choice of the Mauser 98 action as the basis for any new Polish military rifle.

98 began in July 1922, after the Danzig machinery was moved to Warsaw and creating the National Rifle Factory in Radom.

Following the postwar shift to large-ring carbines with 600 mm barrels and Gewehr 98-style bayonet lug/muzzle lengths, such as the Czechoslovak vz.

A three-position safety catch was attached at the rear of the bolt, securing the firing pin.