Bavarian Lightning: The 1869 Werder Pistol

Published on February 6, 2020
Duration: 13:01

The 1869 Werder pistol, nicknamed the 'Lightning' pistol, was a unique Bavarian military firearm developed by Johann Ludwig Werder. It featured a tilting block action with a dual-trigger system for rapid reloading and was chambered in 11x35mm. Despite its innovative design, its service life was limited after German unification and replacement by the Mauser 71.

Quick Summary

The 1869 Werder pistol, nicknamed the 'Lightning' pistol, featured a unique tilting block action and a dual-trigger system. The rear trigger fired the gun, while the front trigger released the breech block and extractor for rapid reloading, enabling a high rate of fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The 1869 Werder 'Lightning' Pistol
  2. 00:35History and Development by Johann Ludwig Werder
  3. 01:45Bavarian Military Adoption: Rifle, Carbine, Pistol
  4. 02:42Caliber and Cartridges: 11x50mm vs 11x35mm
  5. 03:08Mechanical Operation: Tilting Block & Dual Triggers
  6. 04:50Disassembly: Removable Fire Control Group
  7. 05:28Internal Mechanism Analysis & 'Lightning' Speed
  8. 08:48Markings: Unit Markings and Serial Numbers
  9. 10:40Service History and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the 1869 Werder pistol unique?

The 1869 Werder pistol featured a unique tilting block action and a dual-trigger system. The rear trigger fired the weapon, while the front trigger released the breech block and activated the extractor, allowing for rapid reloading and earning it the nickname 'Lightning' pistol.

What caliber was the 1869 Werder pistol chambered in?

The 1869 Werder pistol was chambered in a reduced 11x35mm cartridge. This was distinct from the 11x50mm cartridge used in the Werder rifle variant, though both fired a similar bullet weight.

Who developed the Werder pistol?

The Werder pistol system was developed by Johann Ludwig Werder. It was adopted by the Bavarian military after trials in 1868, with King Ludwig II selecting it over competitors.

What was the rate of fire for the Werder system?

The 'Lightning' nickname for the Werder system suggests a high rate of fire. The rifle version, in particular, was capable of approximately 20-24 rounds per minute due to its efficient breech-loading mechanism and spring-loaded breech release.

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