Page 366 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

364 SELF-LOADING RIFLES

1914–1945 The old bolt-action rifles developed during the final years

of the 19th century were still in service at the outbreak of World
War II, and despite their age remained highly effective. But

major breakthrough took place with the introduction of the
ARS the war proved to be a transitional stage for the rifle. The first ▲ MAUSER The Gewehr 98 was issued
INFANTERIEGEWEHR 98
to the German army during
self-loading rifle, which allowed repeated shots to be fired by
both world wars. Although
Date 1898
simply pulling the trigger. The key development, however, came
somewhat cumbersome
Origin Germany
when used in confined spaces,
with the German Sturmgewehr 44, the first assault rifle and
ORLD W forerunner of the AK47, its revolutionary medium-powered Weight 9lb (4.15kg) the rifle was rugged, reliable,
and accurate.
Barrel 29in (74cm)
7.92 × 33mm cartridge allowing soldiers to deliver effective
Caliber 7.92mm
automatic fire for the first time.
Fixed-focus
eyepiece
THE W ▶ MOSIN-NAGANT The M1891/30 was the
standard rifle of the Red
M1891/30PU
Army during World War II.
Date 1930
Selected models of the rifle
Origin Soviet Union
were fitted with a 3.5-power
Weight 8 ⁄4lb (4kg) PU telescopic sight, to be
3
Barrel 29in (73cm) used by snipers.
Caliber 7.62mm
Cocking handle
Rear sight
Safety catch

▲ M1 GARAND RIFLE
Date 1932 Ten-round detachable
box magazine
Origin US
1
Weight 9 ⁄2lb (4.31kg) ▲ LEE ENFIELD A successor to the SMLE
RIFLE NO. 4 rifle of World War I fame,
Barrel 24in (61cm) the Lee Enfield rifle No. 4
Date 1939
Caliber .30-06 had a heavier barrel and a
Origin UK relocated rear sight, and was
Designed by John Garand, the Weight 9lb (4.1kg) designed for mass production.
M1 rifle was the first general issue
self-loading rifle to be accepted Integral five-round Barrel 25in (64cm)
for military service. By the end magazine Caliber .303in
of World War II, over five million
of them had been manufactured.

▲ MAUSER KAR98K
Date 1935
Origin Germany
1
Weight 8 ⁄2lb (3.9kg)
Barrel 23 ⁄2in (60cm)
1
Caliber 7.92mm × 57 Rate-of-fire selector
The “Karabiner” 98K was a
modified version of the Gewehr 98,
and became the standard German
rifle of World War II. More than
14 million were manufactured
between 1935 and 1945. During Pistol grip
that time, the design was further
simplified to speed up production.