Video—I Have This Old Gun: German G41 (M) Rifle

by
posted on July 6, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Early in World War II, the German Ordnance Department wanted a semi-automatic rifle for the military, and both Mauser and Walther submitted samples for what would become the G41. Walther's design would eventually be chosen, but there were restrictions placed on the design that only Mauser respected. The restrictions included: no gas port or holes in the barrel, no moving parts on the outside, and a bolt action had to be added in case the auto-loading mechanism failed. Thus, the result was an overly complex, unreliable and bulky gun. The G41 (M) was striker-fired, rotating-bolt locking and featured a traditional bolt/charging handle that automatically disconnected the bolt assembly from the recoil spring should the rifle be used in manual mode. Only about 6,000 G41 (M)s were made and it is one of the rare World War II small arms for collectors today. For more on the German G41 (M), watch this "I Have This Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.








Latest

North South Skirmish Association 1
North South Skirmish Association 1

Roar of the Muskets: The North-South Skirmish Association

The North-South Skirmish Association keeps Civil War history alive through competition shoots using Civil War-era arms at its Fort Shenandoah home base, as well as at regional shoots across the country.

Interest in Gunsmithing Grows as Potential AI Safe Haven

We’re told AI could eventually eliminate every job, and the trades will just be the last to go. But a pair of experts dedicated to training gunsmiths have a different opinion on the fate of their graduates.

Pietta Re-Introduces Starr Revolver Models

Late last year, Pietta announced it would be re-introducing their Starr revolver in both its double-action and single-action form, and now, the guns are finally arriving stateside.

Why the Murder Rate Quickly Fell to a Likely Historic Low

If the gun-control Left is to be believed, then the murder rate in the U.S. should be going up. After all, gun sales and ownership rates have been rising for the last few decades and anti-gun groups claim that gun ownership is the cause of violent crime. This, of course, is nonsense.

16 New Bolt-Action Rifles for 2026

From cutting-edge precision rifles designed for competition or hunting to traditionally styled guns that emulate designs from yesteryear, 2026 saw the introduction of an incredible array of bolt-action rifles.

Review: Chiappa Rhino 60DS 10 mm Auto

The Italian-designed-and-manufactured Chiappa Rhino remains unique today as the only current revolver with the barrel mounted at the bottom of the frame, firing from the chamber at the 6-o’clock position.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.