M1889 Belgian Mauser

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	Weapon: M1889 Belgian Mauser Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: Belgium Year Adopted: 1889 Overall Length (mm): 1250.0 Overall Length (in): 49.21 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82

The M1889 Belgian Mauser was the first rifle to use the revolutionary smokeless powder 7.65x53mm cartridge, marking a significant advancement in firearms technology. Developed by Paul Mauser for Belgium and adopted in 1889, the rifle featured a bolt-action system with a five-round internal magazine. It was the first Mauser design to incorporate a clip-loading system, allowing for faster reloads. The M1889 saw extensive service with Belgian forces during World War I and, despite its older design, was still in use during World War II. Over 300,000 rifles were produced, and it laid the groundwork for future Mauser designs that would go on to dominate military bolt-action rifles worldwide. The M1889 was known for its reliability and accuracy, characteristics that would become hallmarks of the Mauser brand.