Mauser M71/84


The Mauser Model 71/84, adopted as the Gewehr 71/84 or Infanterie-Gewehr 71/84, or "Infantry Rifle 71/84", was the second rifle model in a distinguished line designed and manufactured by Paul Mauser and Wilhelm Mauser of the Mauser company and later mass-produced at Spandau arsenal.

History

After troop trials in 1882 and 1883, the design was updated in 1884 with an 8-round tubular magazine designed by Alfred von Kropatschek, making this the German Army's first repeating rifle. This version was designated the Gewehr 1871/84, of which over a million examples were produced.

Variants

Jäger

The same configuration as the standard infantry rifle, with the addition of a sling swivel at the butt.

M1887

Adopted by the Ottoman Empire, it differed from the M71/84 in that it had a side-mounted cleaning rod, only two barrel bands, a second locking lug on the rear of the bolt and that it was in 9.5×60mmR, which Paul Mauser touted as the most efficient cartridge. A total of 270,000 rifles and 4000 carbines were delivered before adopting the M1890. In 1911, the Ottomans looked into having their rifles converted to 7.65×53mm smokeless by the Mauser factory and Steyr, though they ultimately turned down the proposal, a few were made.

Artillery &; Cavalry Carbine

In 1884, Serbia purchased 4,000 units each at the Oberndorf plant for the use of the Serbian cavalry and Artillery in their proprietary 10.15x63mmR cartridge. In 1937, all remaining Model 1884 carbines were converted to the 1870s vintage 11×59mmR Gras cartridge, which was in good supply in Yugoslav Army depots after the Balkan War.

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