Erfurt Rifle 88

The Gewehr 88, also known as the "Commission Rifle," was introduced in 1888 by the Rifle Testing Commission (GPK) to catch up with the technical lag behind modern repeating rifles such as the French Lebel 1886. It was a transitional design between the old needle-fire and single-shot rifles and the later Mauser systems.

It was manufactured in state armories such as Erfurt, Spandau, and Danzig. The Erfurt examples are stamped with "Erfurt" and the corresponding year of manufacture on the receiver.

Condition: good

not matching numbers

Designation: Gewehr 88 ("Commission Rifle")
Manufacturer: Royal Prussian Rifle Factory Erfurt
Caliber: 8×57 IS (also 7.92×57 mm Mauser, Infantry Spitzer bullet)
Loading system: Repeating rifle with a bolt system
Magazine: 5-round box magazine (originally for packet loaders, later adapted for Mauser cartridges)
Overall length: approx. 1,250 mm
Barrel length: approx. 740 mm
Weight (unloaded): approx. 4.0 kg
Sighting: Open sights with adjustable folding rear sight up to approx. 2,000 m

Technical features
System: The Gewehr 88 features a bolt system that differs from later Mauser developments. It uses a detachable box magazine that was originally loaded with Mannlicher packet loaders (5-round clip).
Barrel: The rifle was equipped with an internal barrel jacket ("sleeve tube") that served for cooling and protection.
Caliber adjustment: Originally, the rifle fired the 8×57 I (with round-nose bullet). Many rifles were later converted to the stronger cartridge 8×57 IS with spitzer bullet, which is indicated by the stamp "S" on the receiver. The conversion also included the widening of the cartridge chamber.

This item has acquisition requirements. Sale only to holders of an acquisition permit.
Product safety information: This product was made available on the marketplace before 13.12.2024. For manufacturer and safety information, please contact the offering dealer.
WARNING: Presentation of the acquisition permit is required for the purchase of this product!!!