THE RIFLES OF THE ARMIES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3693, 30 November 1912, Page 10

THE RIFLES OF THE ARMIES.

ADVENT OF POINTED BULLETS

The rifles of the various States offer an interesting comparison in these days, _ when high velocity ammunition with its deadly accuracy, has become a factor in the attack (writes the Military correspondent of the “Morning Post.”) The rifles which are in the hands of the Turkish and Balkan forces are for the most nart Mausers and Mannliehers of differing patterns, and some 50,000 Russian Nogani small arms, firing the old bullet, but strong enough for the new if obtained. Thus it will be seen that the rifles used in the last great wars, namely, the Mauser and the Russian, will once more be used if hostilities become general. Of these weapons the Mauser is, perhaps, powerful, and it is in the hands of Turkey and Servia. It is of interest to note that it is upon the Mauser model that Great Britain is designing her new Army rifle. The Mauser lias a detachable vertical magazine, and is charger loaded. The cartridge is the rimless kind, with a cupro-nickel envelope, and a charge of 402 grains of nitro-cellulose. The barrel is polished and browned externally. The back-sight is formed with a thin tube underneath, which encircles the barrel and is screwed upon it. The cut-off is similar to the British rifle. There are many types of | Mauser rifle derived from the parent pattern, and they include the arms used. by Belgium, Germany, Turkey, Servia, Portugal and Spain. Similarly there are many patterns of the Mannlieher, which for years was, and, indeed, now is, one of the best match rifles used at Bisley for experimental purposes. The forces armed with military Mannliehers include those of Greece, Holland, Roumania, Italy, Austria, and Bulgaria. Tire muzzle velocity. ranges from 2000 feet per ■second to 2200 by the Greek small arm. Recent reports indicate that endeavors have been made, especially by Servia, to obtain supplies of up-to-date modern higli-vplocity ammunition similar to that which is used by the French, German and United States Armies.