Another pair of transitional Bergmann transitional prototypes today, this time ones that sit between the 1896 and 1897 designs (No2/3/4 and No5). One of these is basically an 1896 frame with an 1897 upper assembly and locking system, while the other is basically an 1896 action with an 1897 grip frame and stock attachment socket. Their serial numbers indicate that they were actually part of standard production, although they do not conform to the standards of the 1896 and 1897 models.
Light MGs
Last Gasp of the German Maxim: the Air-Cooled MG 08/18
The MG 08/18 was developed at the very end of World War One as a lighter alternative to the MG 08/15. It used an air-cooled barrel, and between not needing water and having lighter parts […]
Prototype
RIA: Walther A115 Prototype Rifle
The Walther A115 was one of the semiauto rifles developed in pre-WWII Germany. Apparently only three were made, and it uses a neat combination of sheet metal construction with a rotating bolt and annular gas […]
Single Shot Rifles
RIA: Imperial Gewehr 71 (Video)
The Gewehr 1871 was the first rifle adopted by the newly-formed German state after its unification at the end of the Franco-Prussian War. It replaced the decades-old Dreyse needle rifles, and fired an 11x60mm black […]
Is it not surprising that Schmeisser was hesitant to go with detachable magazines? Detachable box magazines add costs and require another control function on the gun in order to work in the full assembly… or am I wrong?
And also might lead to jam, if not seated at proper depth and/or canted.