Schwarzlose Model 1898

Semi-Automatic Pistol
Schwarzlose Model 1898
TypeSemi-Automatic Pistol
Place of originGerman Empire
Service history
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerAndreas Wilhelm Schwarzlose
Designed1898
Produced1898-1905
No. built<1000
Specifications
Mass785 grams (27.7 oz) with empty magazine
Length273 millimetres (10.7 in)
Barrel length163 millimetres (6.4 in)

Caliber7.65×25mm Borchardt
7.63×25mm Mauser
ActionShort recoil with rotating bolt locking
Muzzle velocity390–441 m/s
Effective firing range100 metres (110 yd)
Maximum firing range600 metres (660 yd)
Feed system6 or 8-round detachable box magazine
SightsIron
Diagram from the British patent for the Schwarzlose 1898

The Schwarzlose Model 1898 was a full-size, locked-breech, rotary-bolt, semi-automatic pistol invented by Prussian firearm designer Andreas Wilhelm Schwarzlose.[1] It was chambered for cartridges such as the 7.65×25mm Borchardt and 7.63×25mm Mauser.[2]

Most pistols used a six-shot detachable magazine, but a few were built with a larger frame for an eight-shot magazine. The rear sight was vertically adjustable, and the firing pin served as a cocking indicator by protruding to the rear. The Schwarzlose design was advanced for its time, but not widely adopted with less than 500 pieces being manufactured.[1][3][4]

Small lots were sold to the Boers during the Boer War. Another lot was sold to members of the Russian Social-Democratic Party who were plotting insurrection, but were confiscated at the Russian border and issued to the Imperial Russian Frontier Guards.[4][5]

Users

  •  Orange Free State
  •  Russian Empire
  •  Transvaal

See also

  • Schwarzlose Model 1908

References

  1. ^ a b Antaris, Leonardo M. (2017). "In the Beginning". American Rifleman. 165 (10). National Rifle Association of America: 80.
  2. ^ Hogg, Ian; Walter, John (29 August 2004). Pistols of the World. David & Charles. pp. 279–280. ISBN 0-87349-460-1.
  3. ^ Lee, Jerry (23 April 2013). The Official Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices 2013. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 936. ISBN 978-1-4402-3543-6.
  4. ^ a b Ezell, Edward Clinton (1993). Handguns of the World: Military Revolvers and Self-loaders from 1870 to 1945. Marboro Books. pp. 150–153. ISBN 978-0-88029-618-2.
  5. ^ Hammerfell, Richard (2015). Firearms Illustrated - Pistol Edition. Digital Services. p. 213. GGKEY:PKJGL3K97WH.

External links

  • Gunwriters' Questions and Answers, P. T. Kekkonen. #17, April 2002.
  • Forgotten Weapons - Schwarzlose 1898 Semiauto Pistol