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  1. #1
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    Default Descendants of the Boer Mauser

    The Mod. 1896 Boer Mauser and the British/American rifles it inspired: P.13, P.14 and M.17.

    . Attachment 27289

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Descendants of the Boer Mauser

    Wouldn't the M1903 fit in second from the top?

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    Default Re: Descendants of the Boer Mauser

    Related, but a somewhat different line of descent. The M1903 Springfield was inspired by the American experiences against the earlier M1893 Spanish Mauser during the American/Spanish War, particularly at the Battle of San Juan's Hill. The later Boer Mauser was a slightly modified version of the M1893.

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    Default Re: Descendants of the Boer Mauser

    A historic picture Terrylee!
    That P.13 must be as scarce as hen's teeth!
    In my mind it was filed under "will only ever see in books."
    And then you managed to get a M.1917 here in SA as well..

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Descendants of the Boer Mauser

    Thanks Daan! To add to what is already mentioned above I attach a simple chart covering the Boer Mauser's ancestry and descendants. Its emphasis is on how this rifle influenced British and American thinking and the timeline rather than precise technology.

    In our context it commences with the British Pattern 1913 which, broadly speaking, was an updated and improved development of the rifle which had so impressed them during the Boer War. Due to the commencement of the First World War and problems with the ammunition the P.13 never passed beyond the trial stage.

    However, the P.13 design was followed by the Americans during the First World War under British contract to manufacture its successor, the P.14. For obvious logistic reasons this rifle was still chambered for the existing .303 rimmed cartridge. It mainly served as a second line weapon.

    In the final rifle of our series, the M.17, we have a most worthy descendant of the Boer Mauser, both technical and politically. Introduced by the Americans upon entering the First World War to supplement the shortage of M.1903 Springfields, it was basically a P.14 chambered for their superior .30-06 cartridge.

    M.17 rifles armed at least 2/3 of the American soldiers who fought in France, and it was the American intervention that resolved the First World War in favour of the allies.

    Dankie, Oom Paul!

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    Default Re: Descendants of the Boer Mauser

    Very interesting piece of history.

    I always wondered why the Brits did not base their new rifle (P13/P14) on the more modern M98 Mauser action. It sported improvements like cock-on-opening lockwork and a few others.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Descendants of the Boer Mauser

    In what way would you describe the 30-06 as superior to the 303 for trench warfare, Terry? Excessive recoil, flatter trajectory or what?

    Peter

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    Default Re: Descendants of the Boer Mauser

    Rimless round with flatter trajectory. The .303 rifle has not only been used in trench warfare.

    Terry

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    Default Re: Descendants of the Boer Mauser

    Yes; the M1903 30-06 was created due to the poor performance of the 30-40 Krag Jorgensen against the 7mm Mausers in the Spanish American war. Teddy Roosevelt and his troops were a brave bunch charging up San Juan hill considering the Mauser had a much greater range than the Krag.

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