The Gewehr 71/84 is a bolt action tubular magazine repeating rifle adopted by the German Empire in 1884 as a modernization of the single shot Gewehr 71. Both rifles are chambered in 11x60mm Mauser, a large bore black powder cartridge that served as the standard German military round from 1871 until the adoption of the 7.92x57mm Mauser with the Gewehr 88 Commission Rifle. The 71/84 addressed the single shot limitation of the original Gewehr 71 by incorporating an eight round tubular magazine beneath the barrel, fed by a lifter mechanism that presents cartridges to the action as the bolt is cycled. The bolt locks via the base of the bolt handle seating into its recess in the receiver, serving as the primary locking surface. The rifle incorporates a magazine cutoff that allows the shooter to block the feed from the tubular magazine, effectively converting the rifle to single shot operation while keeping the magazine in reserve. This feature enabled soldiers to fire individually loaded rounds for sustained engagements while retaining a full magazine for rapid fire when needed. The 71/84 was manufactured at several German state arsenals including Spandau, Amberg, Danzig, and Erfurt, with production running from 1885 through 1888.

This example was manufactured at the Spandau Arsenal in 1888, placing it in the later years of 71/84 production. The rifle bears serial number 4211, with the matching serial suffix "11" found across the visible hardware throughout the rifle. The rifle has had its action blued. The barrel measures 31.5 inches. No additional accessories included.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Spandau Arsenal
• Model: Gewehr 71/84
• Date of Manufacture: 1888
• Serial Number: 4211
• Barrel: 31.5 inches
• Caliber: 11x60mm Mauser
• Action: Bolt action, bolt handle locking
• Finish: Reblued finish throughout
• Stock: Walnut
• Magazine: Eight round tubular, with magazine cutoff