History of WWI Primer 017: German Gewehr 1888 "Commission Rifle" Documentary

Published on January 19, 2016
Duration: 36:30

The Gewehr 1888, or "Commission Rifle," was Germany's rapid response to smokeless powder rifles like the French Lebel. It features a unique Mieg barrel jacket and a modified Mannlicher magazine, chambered in the new 7.92x57mm cartridge. Early production faced significant issues with bursting barrels due to steel quality and ammunition pressure problems, leading to marked improvements like 'nm' and 'Z' designations.

Quick Summary

The Gewehr 1888, or 'Commission Rifle,' was Germany's answer to the French Lebel's smokeless powder. It featured a unique barrel jacket and used the 7.92x57mm cartridge. Early models faced barrel bursting issues, later resolved with better steel and rifling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Gewehr 1888's Genesis
  2. 00:44Technical Specs: Weight, Length, Caliber
  3. 01:00Design Influences: Mieg's Barrel Jacket
  4. 03:46Action & Magazine: Amalgam of Designs
  5. 07:36The 8mm Mauser Cartridge Explained
  6. 08:17Manufacturers & Production Details
  7. 09:03Mechanical Operation: Clip & Bolt System
  8. 12:20Patent Disputes: Mieg & Mannlicher
  9. 18:45The Bursting Barrel Crisis & Solutions
  10. 23:50Ammunition Pressure Issues
  11. 25:16The 'Judenflinten' Scandal
  12. 29:24Range Performance & Handling

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary reason for the development of the Gewehr 1888 rifle?

The Gewehr 1888 was developed by Germany as a rapid response to the French Lebel 1886 rifle, which introduced smokeless powder technology, forcing Germany to adopt a modern repeating rifle.

What were the main technical specifications of the Gewehr 1888?

The Gewehr 1888 weighs approximately 8.5 lbs, has an overall length of 49 inches, and uses a 5-round fixed magazine fed by an en bloc clip with 7.92x57mm ammunition.

What caused the 'bursting barrel crisis' with early Gewehr 1888 rifles?

Early G88s suffered from bursting barrels due to issues with steel quality, barrel taper, and significantly, the evaporation of ethyl acetate in older smokeless powder, which increased chamber pressures.

Who manufactured the Gewehr 1888 rifle?

Production was primarily handled by German state arsenals like Spandau, Danzig, Erfurt, and Amberg, along with commercial firms such as Ludwig Loewe and Steyr. Mauser was not involved in its production.

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