Mauser Model 1871
The Mauser Model 1871, officially designated as the Gewehr 71 by the German Empire, was the first successful rifle designed by brothers Paul and Wilhelm Mauser and adopted in 1872 as the standard-issue infantry rifle for the newly unified German Army, marking a shift from needle-fire to metallic cartridge firearms.[1][2] This single-shot, bolt-action rifle featured a manually operated turning-bolt mechanism derived from the earlier Prussian Dreyse system but improved for reliability with rimmed brass cartridges, weighing approximately 4.6 kg with an overall length of 1,344 mm and a 855 mm barrel rifled in four right-hand concentric grooves.[1][2] Chambered for the black-powder-loaded 11.15x60mmR cartridge (also known as .43 Mauser), it achieved a muzzle velocity of about 436 m/s and was sighted for ranges up to 1,600 meters, enabling effective infantry tactics in the post-Franco-Prussian War era.[1][2] Developed amid the rapid military modernization following Germany's 1871 unification under Otto von Bismarck, the Model 1871 emerged from competitive trials in 1871 against designs like the Bavarian Werder rifle, with the Mauser's metallic cartridge system proving superior for its simplicity and power.[1] Production began that year at the Mauser factory in Oberndorf, supplemented by state arsenals such as Spandau (which produced around 300,000 units) and Steyr in Austria-Hungary (475,000 for Prussian and Saxon forces), totaling over 1.8 million rifles, carbines, and short rifles by the late 1880s.[1][2] Although Bavaria initially retained its Werder rifle until re-chambering them for the Mauser cartridge in 1877, the Gewehr 71 unified German armament and saw service in colonial campaigns, the Boer War, and even limited reserve use during World War I.[1][3] The rifle's design influenced subsequent Mauser models and was exported widely, with variants including the shorter Jägerbüchse M71 (48.7 inches long, for jäger troops, adopted 1876) and the Karabiner M71 (39.4 inches, for cavalry and artillery, with 80,000–100,000 produced).[1] In 1884, amid pressures from repeating rifle advancements observed in conflicts like the Russo-Turkish War, the Model 1871/84 repeating variant was introduced, incorporating an 8-round tubular magazine inspired by Winchester designs while retaining the original bolt action and a cut-off for single-shot fire.[2][3] Other adaptations included the M1879 border guard rifle (shorter barrel, reduced to 11.15x37.5mmR cartridge) and exports like the Serbian Mauser-Milovanović M1878/80 (in 10.15mm) and Turkish Model 1887 (9.5x60mmR), demonstrating the platform's adaptability and the Mauser firm's growing international reputation.[2][3] The Gewehr 71's legacy lies in pioneering the bolt-action as a dominant military rifle type, paving the way for smokeless powder designs like the Gewehr 98.[2]History
Development
The Mauser Model 1871 rifle was invented in 1867 by brothers Paul and Wilhelm Mauser as an improvement over the Prussian Dreyse needle gun, which had proven unreliable during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866.[1][4] Working initially in Liège, Belgium, the Mausers sought to address the Dreyse's vulnerabilities, such as its paper cartridge and ignition issues, by developing a metallic cartridge-firing bolt-action system. In Liège, they partnered with American inventor Samuel Norris, who helped convert French Model 1867 Chassepot needle-fire rifles to bolt-action and develop initial prototypes for metallic cartridges.[5][6] Their design retained elements of the Dreyse's turn-bolt mechanism but incorporated a more robust locking system and improved extraction.[1] Initial prototypes were tested in 1868 and 1869, with the first successful version emerging in 1869, featuring a basic bolt-action that demonstrated superior handling and accuracy compared to contemporary needle guns.[4] These early models were offered to Prussian authorities but initially rejected, prompting further refinements.[5] The trials process unfolded from 1870 to 1871, with Prussian competitions beginning in October 1870 against rivals like the Bavarian Werder rifle, which used a similar metallic cartridge but a tilting-block action.[4][1] Over 2,500 test rifles underwent rigorous evaluations for endurance, accuracy, and ease of maintenance, leading to iterative modifications based on military feedback, including enhancements to the bolt for better reliability such as a self-cocking mechanism, elastic extractor, and cam-operated primary extraction.[4] By late 1871, the final acceptance design was fixed, incorporating a distinctive wing safety lever to prevent accidental discharge.[1] Early manufacturing faced challenges at the Oberndorf arsenal, where the Mauser brothers established their operations after returning from Belgium in 1870, relying on limited machinery and a small workforce to transition from prototype to production. The factory began output in 1873, producing approximately 100,000 rifles between 1873 and 1884, primarily for Württemberg forces.[7][1]Adoption and Production
The Mauser Model 1871 was formally adopted by the Prussian Army on 14 February 1872 as the Infanterie-Gewehr 71, marking it as the first standard-issue bolt-action rifle for the newly unified German Empire following the proclamation of the empire in January 1871.[8] This adoption unified infantry armament across the German states under Prussian leadership, excluding Bavaria initially, which retained its Werder rifle until later integration.[1] Production commenced immediately after adoption, with initial orders placed for around 100,000 units to equip frontline troops, and deliveries beginning in earnest by mid-1872 at state arsenals.[9] Manufacturing was distributed across key facilities, including the Prussian state arsenals at Spandau and Erfurt for the majority of output, and the Mauser brothers' factory in Oberndorf, which contributed approximately 100,000 rifles between 1873 and 1884, primarily for Württemberg forces.[1] Additional production occurred at Steyr (Österreichische Waffenfabrik) for about 475,000 units destined for Prussia and Saxony from 1873 to 1878, as well as smaller runs at Amberg for Bavaria starting in 1877 and a limited contract of around 6,000 at the National Arms & Ammunition Company in Birmingham, England, from 1876 to 1878.[1] The bolt-action mechanism facilitated efficient mass production, enabling an estimated total output of over 1.8 million rifles and Jägerbüchse short rifles, plus 80,000 to 100,000 carbines, through 1884.[1] The rifle's production supported the standardization of the 11×60mmR black-powder cartridge across the empire, streamlining ammunition logistics and manufacturing at royal powder mills.[1] Export contracts began in 1877, with Serbia among the first recipients, adopting a variant known as the Mauser-Koka based on the Model 1871 design.[10] By the late 1880s, as repeating rifles gained prominence, the single-shot Model 1871 was gradually phased out in favor of the Gewehr 88 commission rifle between 1888 and 1890.[11] Surplus units were either converted to repeating configurations, such as the Model 1871/84, or exported to nations including the Ottoman Empire, China, and Japan, extending the rifle's global reach.[10]Design
Mechanism and Features
The Mauser Model 1871, also known as the Gewehr 71, featured a manually operated bolt-action mechanism with a horizontal bolt handle and a two-piece bolt design. The bolt locked into the receiver via a single guide rib serving as the primary locking lug, positioned forward of the receiver bridge, which provided secure closure for firing while allowing relatively straightforward operation.[1][12] This turn-bolt system represented an evolution from earlier needle-gun designs, enabling reliable chambering and extraction in a single-shot configuration. A distinctive safety feature was the horizontal wing-type lever mounted on the rear of the bolt shroud, which, when engaged, locked both the firing pin and the bolt to prevent accidental discharge and unauthorized cycling.[1][12] Loading involved retracting the bolt to expose the receiver, dropping a single 11 mm rimmed metallic cartridge through the open top, and then closing the bolt to chamber the round; ejection was manual, as the design lacked an automatic ejector, requiring the user to tip the rifle to remove spent cases.[1][2] The rifle's construction emphasized durability with a full-length wooden stock featuring steel fittings, including two barrel bands and a nosecap, along with a fixed bayonet lug on the front band to accommodate bayonet attachment for close-quarters combat.[12][2] Adjustable iron sights consisted of a blade front sight and a rear sight with a flip-up leaf zeroed at 400 meters, supplemented by a larger graduated leaf ranging from 500 to 1,600 meters for longer-range engagements.[1] The trigger mechanism was housed within an oblong guard, providing a standard single-stage pull suited to military use. Ergonomically, the Model 1871 measured 1,344 mm in overall length and weighed 4.6 kg when unloaded, contributing to its stability during aiming despite the black powder era's fouling challenges.[2] Sling swivels were positioned under the middle barrel band and trigger guard for carry convenience. Among its innovations, the rifle marked the first widespread adoption of a metallic cartridge system in German military service, replacing paper-cartridge needle guns, and incorporated robust materials with a gas escape channel in the receiver to mitigate risks from cartridge ruptures.[1] This design's emphasis on interchangeable parts and resistance to powder residue fouling set a precedent for subsequent bolt-action rifles.[1]Ammunition and Specifications
The Mauser Model 1871 was chambered for the 11.15×60R cartridge, a rimmed black powder round developed specifically for the rifle. This cartridge featured a slightly bottlenecked case measuring 60 mm in length with a rim diameter of approximately 16.5 mm, loaded with a 370-grain paper-patched lead round-nose bullet propelled by 77 grains of black powder.[1][13] Ballistically, the 11.15×60R achieved a muzzle velocity of 1,430 feet per second (435 m/s) from the rifle's barrel, delivering muzzle energy of about 1,680 foot-pounds. The effective range for individual aimed fire was 400 meters, while the rifle's leaf sights allowed for a maximum sighted range of 1,600 meters. Chamber pressure was typical for black powder loads of the era, ensuring reliable operation without excessive stress on the action.[13][1]| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 855 mm (33.7 in) with 4 right-hand grooves, 1:24" twist |
| Rate of Fire | 10-12 rounds per minute in trained hands |
| Chamber Pressure | Typical for black powder (~14,000 psi) |
Variants
Standard Configurations
The standard configurations of the Mauser Model 1871 consisted of single-shot bolt-action rifles and carbines adapted for specific branches of the German military, all chambered in the 11×60mmR black-powder cartridge and featuring the core bolt mechanism with a turning-bolt lock and wing-type safety. These variants maintained the basic design principles of the original 1871 model while incorporating modifications for weight, length, and handling suited to infantry, light troops, engineers, artillery, and mounted units.[1] The Infanterie-Gewehr 71 was the foundational configuration, serving as the standard-issue rifle for line infantry with a full-length walnut stock, two barrel bands, a nosecap, and provisions for a cleaning rod and bayonet lug; it measured 1,344 mm overall with an 855 mm barrel and weighed approximately 4.6 kg empty. Adopted in February 1872 following Prussian trials, it was marked "I.G. Mod.71" on the receiver and equipped with sling swivels under the middle barrel band and front of the trigger guard, along with an unfinished steel buttplate.[1][15] The Jäger-Gewehr 71, adopted on January 18, 1876, provided a lighter alternative for Jäger light infantry battalions, featuring a slimmer stock for improved maneuverability, a single barrel band, and a spurred finger rest on the trigger guard; its barrel length was reduced to 747 mm for better handling in skirmish roles, resulting in an overall length of 1,240 mm and a weight of about 4.2 kg. Sling swivels were positioned under the barrel band and beneath the buttstock, with the same unfinished steel buttplate as the infantry model.[1][10] Specialized models included the Ingenieur-Gewehr 71 for engineer troops and the Artillerie-Gewehr 71 for artillery personnel. These were minor adaptations of the standard Infanterie-Gewehr 71, produced in limited numbers for branch-specific needs such as improved handling in close-quarters or provisions for tools like a cleaning rod, but shared the infantry rifle's general dimensions, sling swivel, and buttplate configurations. Detailed specifications for these variants are limited in historical records.[1] Carbine variants offered compact alternatives for mobile units. The Kavallerie-Karabiner 71, adopted in August 1876, was designed for cavalry with a 513 mm barrel, 998 mm overall length, and 3.3 kg weight; it featured a full-length stock to the nosecap, a single barrel band, no cleaning rod or bayonet lug, and sling swivels under the band and near the buttstock (some with a sling ring instead). The Infanterie-Karabiner 71 served as a short rifle for certain infantry roles, maintaining compatibility with standard bayonets and slings similar to the cavalry model, though specific dimensions are not well-documented. Carbines in total across these configurations numbered approximately 100,000 units, with variations in buttplate designs (e.g., curved for cavalry ergonomics) and sling attachments to accommodate holstered or saddle use.[1][16]| Variant | Role | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight (empty) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infanterie-Gewehr 71 | Line infantry | 855 mm | 1,344 mm | 4.6 kg | Two barrel bands, cleaning rod, bayonet lug |
| Jäger-Gewehr 71 | Light infantry | 747 mm | 1,240 mm | 4.2 kg | Single barrel band, slimmer stock, spurred trigger guard |
| Ingenieur-Gewehr 71 | Engineers | 855 mm | Not specified | Not specified | Minor stock adaptations for mobility (limited documentation) |
| Artillerie-Gewehr 71 | Artillery | 855 mm | Not specified | Not specified | Provisions for cleaning rod (limited documentation) |
| Kavallerie-Karabiner 71 | Cavalry | 513 mm | 998 mm | 3.3 kg | No bayonet lug, optional sling ring |
| Infanterie-Karabiner 71 | Short infantry | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Compatible with infantry bayonets |
Repeating and Export Models
The Gewehr 71/84, adopted by the German Empire in 1884 as its first standard-issue repeating rifle, represented a significant evolution from the single-shot Model 1871 by incorporating an 8-round tubular magazine housed beneath the barrel, allowing for rapid follow-up shots while retaining compatibility with the 11×60mmR black powder cartridge.[17] This design, developed by Paul Mauser and patented in 1881, featured a gravity-assisted lifter mechanism that elevated cartridges from the magazine tube into the chamber, with a total capacity of 9 rounds (8 in magazine + 1 in chamber).[11] A key technical addition was the magazine cutoff lever, which enabled troops to switch between single-shot and repeating modes, conserving ammunition during routine duties and reserving the magazine for combat scenarios.[17] Weighing approximately 4.6 kg unloaded, the rifle's added forward balance from the magazine tube made it slightly heavier than its predecessor, but production emphasized reliability with refined bolt lugs and sights graduated up to 1,600 meters.[17] Approximately 950,000 units were manufactured between 1885 and 1890 at state arsenals in Spandau, Erfurt, Amberg, and Danzig, with an additional 21,000 produced by Mauser's Oberndorf factory for Württemberg forces; it served primarily in reserve roles until being phased out by the Gewehr 88 in 1888.[17][11] Export models of the Model 1871 often incorporated repeating mechanisms tailored to foreign requirements, beginning with the Serbian M1878/80, known as the Mauser-Koka after Major Kosta Milovanović's modifications for improved durability.[18] This single-shot variant, chambered in a reduced-power 10.15×63mmR cartridge, featured progressive rifling to enhance accuracy with black powder loads, a coil-spring safety, and an extractor-ejector system absent in the original German design, with approximately 100,000 produced at Mauser's Oberndorf facility starting in 1880.[18] The Turkish M1887, ordered in 1886, advanced the repeating concept further as a direct adaptation of the 71/84, strengthening the bolt with an additional locking lug and chambering it for the 9.5×60mmR cartridge, while incorporating modified rear sights for better visibility and an 8-round tube magazine.[19] Approximately 200,000–250,000 were produced at Oberndorf, serving as the Ottoman Empire's primary infantry arm into the early 20th century.[19] Specialized export configurations included the German Grenz-Aufseher-Gewehr (G.A.G.) M1879, a compact single-shot rifle for border guards, produced in limited numbers of about 2,500 to 3,000 by C.G. Haenel in Suhl and chambered in a shortened 11.15×37.5mmR cartridge to reduce recoil and weight to 3.2 kg.[1] Later conversions focused on upgrading surplus stocks for repeating capability, such as the Serbian M80/07C, where roughly 48,000 M1878/80 rifles were reworked starting in 1907 at the Kragujevac arsenal to accept the 7×57mm Mauser smokeless cartridge via new barrels, reinforced receivers with added locking lugs, and stripper-clip guides on the rear bridge for 5-round loading.[20][21] Limited trials for repeating adaptations occurred in Turkey and China during the 1890s, involving tubular magazine prototypes tested against imported 71/84 patterns, though few advanced beyond evaluation due to the shift toward smokeless powder designs.[1] Post-1900 surplus from these models saw widespread modifications for civilian and colonial applications, with many rifles sporterized by shortening barrels, adding express sights, and rechambering for hunting cartridges like 9.3×74mmR to suit big-game pursuits in Africa and Asia.[13] German and export armories, including Kragujevac, facilitated these alterations on demilitarized stocks, transforming military relics into sporting arms that remained in use by colonial hunters and farmers well into the mid-20th century.[21]Operational History
German Empire Service
The Mauser Model 1871, designated as the Infanterie-Gewehr 71 (I.G. Mod. 71), was officially adopted by the Prussian Army in February 1872, marking it as the first standard-issue bolt-action rifle chambered for a metallic cartridge in the newly unified German Empire. Although developed in response to lessons from the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, where Prussian forces had relied on the outdated Dreyse needle gun, the Model 1871 entered service too late for widespread use in that conflict, with only provisional testing occurring in the final months. It became the primary arm of the Imperial German Army, equipping infantry units across Prussia and, after conversions from the Bavarian Werder rifle, the Kingdom of Bavaria by 1877. The rifle's adoption reflected the Empire's push toward modernization, replacing paper-cartridge weapons with a reliable brass-case system suited to the era's tactical needs.[1] In German military doctrine during the 1870s and 1880s, the Model 1871 emphasized disciplined line infantry tactics, including coordinated volley fire to deliver massed black-powder volleys against enemy formations at ranges up to 400 meters. Training focused on rapid reloading and synchronized firing to maintain formation cohesion, aligning with the Imperial Army's standing force of approximately 425,000 men (as of 1880), which required efficient production to arm active and reserve units. Production totals exceeded 1.8 million rifles, Jägerbüchse short rifles, and carbines between 1872 and 1888, distributed across state arsenals like Spandau (300,000 units) and private factories such as Steyr (475,000 units), ensuring annual output met mobilization demands without shortages. This scalability supported the Empire's conscription-based system, where soldiers underwent rigorous drills to execute volleys effectively in open-order battles.[1][22][1][23] By the late 1880s, the Model 1871 began phasing out in favor of repeating rifles, starting with the tube-magazine Gewehr 71/84 in 1884 and culminating in the smokeless-powder Gewehr 88 by 1888, as logistics shifted to rearm active divisions with the new 7.92×57mm cartridge while demoting single-shots to reserves. Despite exports of over a million surplus rifles to nations like China, significant numbers remained in German inventory by 1914, primarily for second-line forces. During World War I (1914–1918), these rifles armed Landsturm and Landwehr militia units for rear-area defense and training, as frontline troops received Gewehr 98s; their use highlighted the Empire's resource strains, with older black-powder arms pressed into service amid ammunition shortages for modern weapons.[11][24] Following the war, surplus Model 1871 rifles entered Weimar Republic stockpiles, with select examples marked in 1920 to denote Reichswehr ownership under Treaty of Versailles constraints limiting forces to 100,000 men. These were employed sparingly for basic training and cadet instruction into the 1930s, until further rearmament phased them out entirely in favor of updated Mauser designs, reflecting the rifle's enduring but diminishing role in German military logistics.[25][26]International Conflicts and Use
The Mauser Model 1871 saw extensive use by Ethiopian forces during the Italo-Ethiopian War of 1896, particularly in the pivotal Battle of Adwa, where Emperor Menelik II's army employed the rifle alongside other imported European arms to decisively defeat the Italian invaders.[27] Exports to Ethiopia included the single-shot 11mm bolt-action model, which contributed to the Ethiopians' numerical superiority in modern firearms during the campaign.[27] In Asia, the rifle was exported to Japan shortly after its introduction and later played a role in modernizing the arsenal amid the Meiji Restoration's military reforms.[2] Korea acquired the Model 1871 in the late 19th century, with the Korean Empire adopting it around 1893 as part of efforts to equip its forces against internal unrest and external threats, though specific combat deployments remain sparsely documented.[2] Similarly, the Kingdom of Siam (modern Thailand) imported the rifle in the late 1800s to bolster its military during border skirmishes with neighboring states, reflecting broader Southeast Asian adoption of European bolt-actions for defense against colonial expansion.[28] During the Second Boer War (1899–1902), Boer commandos in the South African Republic and Orange Free State employed the Model 1871, with the Transvaal government having purchased quantities of the rifle prior to the conflict, supplementing their primary armament of later Mauser variants in guerrilla actions against British forces.[29] In the Boxer Rebellion of 1900, Chinese imperial troops wielded the Model 1871 carbine against multinational expeditionary forces, including German contingents ironically armed with their own obsolescent stocks of the rifle, highlighting its widespread proliferation in East Asia.[30] The Balkan Wars (1912–1913) further demonstrated the rifle's endurance, as Serbian and Turkish armies deployed licensed M71-based models in infantry engagements, with Ottoman forces relying on older black-powder variants amid the empire's logistical strains.[31] The Easter Rising of 1916 in Ireland marked a notable instance of smuggled German exports, where Irish Volunteers imported approximately 900–1,500 Model 1871 rifles—known as "Howth Mausers"—via gunrunning operations in 1914, using them in urban fighting against British troops before many were seized by authorities.[32] During World War I, the rifle saw limited service with the Ottoman Empire, where variants like the Model 1887 (derived from the 1871 design) equipped reserve units in secondary theaters, and with Chinese forces, which retained stockpiles of the 1871 from earlier purchases for training and peripheral roles despite the adoption of smokeless-powder successors.[33] Ethiopia continued to retain Model 1871 rifles post the 1935–1936 Italian invasion, with surviving examples integrated into irregular resistance units during the occupation, underscoring the weapon's persistence in remote or under-equipped armies.[34] The Model 1871's foreign production and exports totaled around 500,000 units across licensed facilities in countries like Serbia, Turkey, and China, extending its utility into the mid-20th century.[1] It remained in service until at least 1945 in isolated regions such as Honduras and Venezuela, where national guards and militias employed surviving stocks for internal security and border patrols long after global militaries had transitioned to repeating rifles.[2]Comparisons and Legacy
Technical Comparisons
The Mauser Model 1871's bolt-action design offered distinct advantages over the British Martini-Henry rifle, another single-shot black powder arm adopted in the early 1870s. While both rifles relied on manual reloading, the Mauser's turn-bolt mechanism enabled faster cycling than the Martini-Henry's lever-action, facilitating quicker follow-up shots in combat scenarios. Additionally, the Mauser demonstrated superior long-range performance, with an effective range extending to 1,600 meters versus the Martini-Henry's 400 yards (370 meters). These attributes stemmed from the Mauser's rifling and cartridge ballistics, which provided better stability and penetration at distance.[35][1][36] In comparison to the Swiss Vetterli Model 1869 rifle, an early repeating bolt-action design, the Mauser 1871 prioritized reliability over magazine capacity. The Vetterli's tubular magazine held 11 rounds, allowing sustained fire without individual loading, whereas the Mauser was limited to single shots. However, the Mauser proved more robust in adverse conditions, such as mud, where the Vetterli's complex magazine was prone to jamming. Ballistic data from 1880s tests highlighted the Mauser's edge in energy delivery, with the 11mm cartridge achieving approximately 1,680 ft-lbs at the muzzle compared to the Vetterli's 1,330 ft-lbs, derived from muzzle velocity measurements and standard kinetic energy calculations (E = ½mv², where m = 24 g bullet mass and v = 435 m/s yields ~2,278 J or ~1,680 ft-lbs, adjusted for period loads).[37][35] The Mauser 1871 also compared favorably to early versions of the Norwegian Krag-Jørgensen rifle in terms of action durability. The Mauser's robust turn-bolt locking system was better suited for adaptation to higher-pressure smokeless powder loads in subsequent designs, whereas the Krag's smoother but less secure bolt was optimized for black powder. Weights were comparable, with the Mauser at 4.5 kg and the Krag at approximately 4.2 kg, making both suitable for infantry carry without significant ergonomic differences. Prussian trials in the 1880s, including evaluations of repeating conversions, underscored the Mauser's foundational reliability and scalability.[38][2] Overall, the Mauser Model 1871 marked the transition from the Prussian needle-gun era to modern metallic-cartridge bolt-actions, establishing standards for strength and precision that influenced global designs. Its design established bolt-action mechanisms as the global standard for military rifles, influencing later Mauser exports and competitors. However, its single-shot configuration became obsolete by the 1890s with the rise of reliable repeating rifles like the Mauser 71/84.[35][13]| Aspect | Mauser 1871 | Martini-Henry | Vetterli Model 1869 | Krag-Jørgensen (early) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Bolt-action, single-shot | Lever-action, single-shot | Bolt-action, tubular magazine | Bolt-action, 5-round box |
| Capacity | 1 round | 1 round | 11 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Weight (unloaded) | 4.5 kg | ~4.1 kg | ~4.0 kg | 4.2 kg |
| Effective Range | 1,600 m | 370 m | ~400 m | ~600 m |
| Muzzle Energy (approx.) | 1,680 ft-lbs | 1,800 ft-lbs | 1,330 ft-lbs | 1,900 ft-lbs (smokeless) |
| Key Advantage | Reliable bolt, range | Rapid lever reload | High capacity | Smooth action |