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Quick Look
The Gewehr 41, developed by Germany during World War II, was an early semi-automatic rifle aimed at increasing infantry firepower. Designed with a gas-operated system to improve rate of fire over bolt-actions, it saw limited wartime use. Today, it is primarily of historical interest and sought after by collectors.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Innovative semi-automatic design for its era
- Historically significant in World War II small arms
- Unique gas-operated mechanism
- Limited but important production variants
- Highly collectible due to rarity
Key Variants
Gewehr 41(W)
Developed by Walther, this variant was noted for its complex gas system and used mainly by German forces on the Western Front.
Gewehr 41(M)
The Mauser design, featuring a simpler but less reliable gas system, saw limited production and field use.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | Gewehr 41 | M1 Garand | SVT-40 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | N/A (historic) | Historic $85 (1940s) | Historic value |
| Capacity/Size | 10-round clip | 8-round en bloc clip | 10-round detachable mag |
| Weight | Approx. 4.1 kg (9 lbs) | Approx. 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) | Approx. 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) |
| Optics-Ready | No | No | Partial (rare scopes) |
| Trigger Type | Single-stage | Single-stage | Single-stage |
| Notable Pro | Pioneered German semi-auto rifles | Reliable US army rifle | High rate of fire for Soviets |
| Notable Con | Complex gas system prone to fouling | Heavy clip design | Less reliable under battlefield conditions |
Best Use Cases
- Historical military collections
- World War II reenactments
- Firearms museums and exhibitions
- Collector’s range shooting
FAQs
Can I legally own a Gewehr 41 in the United States?
Ownership depends on federal and state laws; many original rifles are pre-1968 and classified as collectible. Always verify local regulations and required licenses.
What is the caliber of the Gewehr 41?
The Gewehr 41 fires the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge, standard for German rifles during WWII.
How does the Gewehr 41's gas system work?
It uses a muzzle gas trap system to cycle the action, which proved complex and prone to fouling compared to later designs.
