Why does this gun have a backwards trigger? The Werder rifle with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson
The Werder Model 1869 is a unique Bavarian breech-loading rifle featuring a distinctive 'backwards trigger' lever that operates the falling block and a powerful extractor. This design, based on the Peabody system, significantly sped up manual reloading compared to contemporary rifles. Originally chambered in 11x50mm Werder, many were later converted to 11x60mm Mauser. The rifle played a role in the historical context of the Franco-Prussian War.




