The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Gewehr 41(M) semi automatic rifle. The receiver and bolt are made from steel castings and machined components. It is marked on the top G41(M) 1942 and the serial number on the left side -11549. The barrel has a large muzzle compensator that incorporates the gas recoil piston. It has a 10 round external magazine, using the same ammunition as the Kar 98K - the standard bolt action weapon of the German infantry. It has a full wood laminated stock with a repair at the wrist and a top hand guard. It has a non original hexagonal bolt for the main take down screw. The muzzle has a bayonet lug and there is a slot in the butt for a sling. The gas operating piston and cleaning rod are missing.
This is an example of the first type of German semi-automatic self loading rifle. The gases from the fired round are trapped by a cone at the muzzle and used to push a floating rod backwards against the bolt, allowing the rifle to cycle automatically after each shot, expelling the empty cartridge case and loading a new round. The weapon was also manufactured by Walther, a the Gewehr 41 (W). Only 7000 Mauser variants were produced, many of which had to be returned to the factory due to mechanical issues. The Walther variant was a more reliable weapon, but it and the Mauser were heavy expensive and complex to produce. They also accumulated carbon at the muzzle, requiring extensive maintenance.
Gewehr 41 semi automatic rifle. The receiver and bolt are made from steel castings and machined. It is marked on the left side G41 duv (denoting Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik) 43 and the serial numb
Gewehr 41 semi automatic rifle. The receiver and bolt are made from steel castings and machined. It is marked on the left side G41 ac 43 (denoting Walther 1943) and the serial number 676. The barrel h
Gewehr 41 semi automatic rifle. The receiver and bolt are made from steel castings and machined components. It is marked on the left side G41 duv 43 and the serial number - 347. The barrel has a large
Karabiner 43 semi-automatic sniper rifle. The receiver and bolt are machined from steel castings, with many exterior surfaces being mechanically unfinished. Markings on the left side are K43, ac (den
Gewehr 43 semi automatic rifle. The receiver and bolt are machined from steel castings, with many exterior surfaces being mechanically unfinished. Markings on the left side are G43, ac 44 and the seri
G43 Rifle. Semi automatic action marked K43 qve 45 and the serial number. It has a cast and machined action with a right hand cocking arm. The laminated stock has Nazi proof marks on the butt and the
