Ethiopian Oddities: Strange Smallbore Gewehr 71 Carbine

Published on November 30, 2021
Duration: 5:16

This video from Forgotten Weapons details a highly modified Mauser 1871 Carbine originating from Ethiopia. Expert Ian McCollum highlights dangerous modifications, including a re-chambering for smokeless powder with an inadequate original locking system, a crudely cut .30 caliber bore, and a fabricated stock. The rifle is deemed unsafe to fire due to these unsafe alterations.

Quick Summary

The Ethiopian Mauser 1871 Carbine featured in this video is considered dangerously unsafe to fire. Expert Ian McCollum explains it was re-chambered for high-pressure smokeless powder, but its original locking system is only suitable for low-pressure black powder, risking catastrophic failure. The bore is crudely cut to approximately .30 caliber.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Video Introduction & Subject
  2. 00:15Original Mauser 1871 Carbine
  3. 00:40Ethiopian Modifications
  4. 00:56Weapon Condition & Markings
  5. 01:25Re-chambering & Bore
  6. 02:02Safety Concerns
  7. 02:22Fabricated Stock & Handguard
  8. 02:38Non-Functional Bayonet Lug
  9. 03:00Rear Sight & Ergonomics
  10. 03:54Sling & Stock Art
  11. 04:21Concluding Thoughts & Danger

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary safety concerns with the Ethiopian Mauser 1871 Carbine?

The main safety concern is that it was dangerously re-chambered for high-pressure smokeless powder cartridges. Its original locking system is only suitable for low-pressure black powder, making it extremely unsafe to fire.

What modifications were made to the Mauser 1871 Carbine from Ethiopia?

The rifle was re-chambered to an approximate .30 caliber smokeless powder, its bore was crudely cut, a new Mauser-style stock and handguard were fabricated, and a non-functional bayonet lug was added. The rear sight leaf is also missing.

What was the original caliber and type of the Mauser 1871 Carbine?

The Mauser 1871 Carbine was originally chambered in 11mm Mauser, a rimmed cartridge designed for black powder, and was typically used by cavalry units.

Why is the modified Mauser 1871 Carbine considered unsafe to fire?

It's unsafe because the original bolt-action's locking mechanism, designed for low-pressure black powder, cannot safely handle the higher pressures of modern smokeless powder cartridges, risking catastrophic failure.

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