The most famous weapons used during the First World War

During the First World War (1914 – 1918), many weapons developed before the First World War were used, for example the Russian repeating rifle Mosin model 1891.

The First World War also brought a development of the brand-new rifles with the goal to have more effective weapons than the enemy. The reason for development of new weapons was also the fact that, from the technological point of view, it was necessary to produce the simplest possible weapons. Consequently, this allowed their mass production, since the huge number of soldiers demanded the huge number of weapons.

Let’s have a look at weapons used during the First World War that became legends.

MACHINE GUN MAXIM MODEL 1910

This legendary Russian machine gun, together with so called “lafeta” (wheeled mount) was used as standard. “Lafeta” was a carriage with wheels for faster movement, as this machine gun had large dimensions and great weight. Since the year 1910, it was produced in armament factory in Tula. Its total weight together with the wheeled mount was up to approx. 65kg. It was calibrated for 7.62x54 R rifle cartridges. The barrel length was 720mm and it was cooled by water. The shooting cadence was up to 600 rounds per minute.  The fired cartridge reached the velocity up to 860 m/s. The capacity of a standard cartridge belt was 250 cartridges.

PISTOL PARABELLUM P08

This German self-loading pistol Parabellum P08 was produced since the year 1900 in Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM). It was particularly famous for its specific shape and design. In the early 20^th century, it was considered one of the most reliable weapons in the world. Even rarer is the model P04, which had longer barrel and attachable wooden stock. The original caliber of this pistol was cal. 7.65 Luger, which lately replaced by more powerful caliber 9x19 (Luger). There were also prototypes cal.  .45 ACP, that were intended for the American market. The number of pieces produced is estimated at around four million (in the period 1900-1942).

RIFLE MANNLICHER

Austrian repeating rifle Mannlicher had various markings as part of its several innovations (M1885, M1886, M1888 and M1895). Production started in the year 1885 and a total of around three million pieces were produced. It was widespread in Austrian-Hungarian, Romanian, Italian and lately in Czechoslovak armies. Rifle Mannlicher was calibrated for 8x50 R cartridge, which reached the muzzle velocity up to 620 m/s. The capacity of the integrated cartridge box was five cartridges as standard. The production of these rifles was terminated in the year 1921.

PISTOL COLT M1911

It was designed by John M. Browning. The pistol was introduced to the American army in the year 1911. It was characterized by its timeless design and construction. Model 1911 is still manufactured under various brands around the world. This model is calibrated for .45 ACP cartridge and reaches muzzle velocity up to approx. 250 m/s. The standard magazine capacity was seven cartridges. The design of this model has become an inspiration for weapon designers in the development of pistols around the world.

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