I Have This Old Gun: German G41 (M) Rifle

Published on June 29, 2018
Duration: 6:00

This video provides an expert-level overview of the German G41(M) semi-automatic rifle, detailing its development, technical specifications, and historical context. It highlights the design's complexities, reliability issues stemming from its gas trap system, and its comparison to the more successful Walther G41(W) and later Gewehr 43. The rarity and collectibility of the G41(M) are also emphasized.

Quick Summary

The German G41(M) rifle, developed by Mauser, was a complex semi-automatic firearm featuring a gas trap system and a bolt-action fallback. It suffered from reliability issues due to fouling from corrosive ammunition, making it less successful than the Walther G41(W). With only about 6,000 produced, the G41(M) is a rare collector's item today.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to G41(M) Rifle
  2. 00:20WWII German Rifle Standard (Kar98k)
  3. 00:49Kar98k Shortcoming (Semi-Auto)
  4. 01:05German Innovation vs. Quirks
  5. 01:38Wehrmacht Design Requirements
  6. 02:02Walther and Mauser Submissions
  7. 02:44G41(M) Complexity and Prejudices
  8. 03:05Bolt-Action Fallback Requirement
  9. 03:22G41(M) Gas System Flaws
  10. 03:52Walther's Win, Mauser's Failures
  11. 04:37Gewehr 43 Adoption and Differences
  12. 04:51G41 Fate and Rarity
  13. 05:07G41 Production Numbers
  14. 05:34G41 Rarity and Collectibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main design requirements for the German G41 semi-automatic rifle?

The Wehrmacht required semi-automatic operation with a manual bolt-action fallback, but specifically prohibited gas ports in the barrel or external moving parts, leading to complex designs like the gas trap system used in the G41(M).

Why was the Mauser G41(M) considered less successful than the Walther G41(W)?

The G41(M) suffered from reliability issues due to its complex gas trap system, which was prone to fouling. The Walther G41(W), while also having some issues, was generally more reliable and produced in much larger numbers, making it the more common variant.

What is the significance of the gas trap system on the G41(M) rifle?

The gas trap system was an attempt to meet Wehrmacht requirements for a semi-automatic rifle without using a barrel gas port. However, it proved problematic with corrosive ammunition and fouling, leading to frequent malfunctions and its eventual abandonment in favor of simpler gas port designs like the G43.

How rare are the G41(M) and G41(W) rifles today?

The Mauser G41(M) is exceptionally rare, with only about 6,000 produced. The Walther G41(W) was more common, with production estimated between 40,000 and 140,000 units. Both are considered rare collector's items, with the G41(M) being significantly rarer.

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