Rifleman Q&A: 1871 Mauser Munitions

by
posted on January 14, 2023
** 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. **
Mauser M71

Q: I have an old Mauser M71 and need help understanding what ammunition it is designed to use. I see many different designations published similar to the 11x60 mm R that I believe it is chambered for. Can you help?


A: The appropriate ammunition for your Mauser M71 is known by a number of names, including 11x60 mm R, 11.15x60 mm R, 11 mm Mauser and .43 Mauser. There were quite a number of similarly sized (mostly military) cartridges developed during the last half of the 19th century that feature similar nomenclatures, such as: 11x59 mm R French Gras, 11.15x58 mm R Spanish, 11.15x58 mm R Austrian Werndl, .43 Spanish, .43 Egyptian and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, readily available sources for the ammunition you seek are not plentiful. 

Latest

IHTOG French MAS49 1
IHTOG French MAS49 1

I Have This Old Gun: French MAS-49

Despite being early adopters of several semi-automatic rifles for military use, the French army took several decades to work out a standardized semi-automatic rifle for general service use. The rifle that finally came to being was the MAS-49.

Polite Society Industries Launches with Complete Suppressor Line

"An armed society is a polite society," goes the famous quote, which is also the inspiration behind Polite Society Industries, a new suppressor manufacturer that now has a complete line available to consumers.

A New Armed Citizen Survey That is Endlessly Fascinating—and Politically Incorrect

The 2026 National Firearms Survey conducted by William English of Georgetown University estimates that armed citizens in America use their guns 2.2 million to defend themselves or others.

Review: Heckler & Koch VP9CC

HK’s new VP9CC offers VP9 features in a micro-size pistol.

Former Barnes Bullets CEO Randy Brooks Passes Away

Randy Brooks, former president and CEO of Barnes Bullets, passed away on Aug. 27 peacefully in his Mona, Utah, home.

NRA-ILA Names Patriot Mobile Official Partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour

America’s only Christian conservative wireless provider, Patriot Mobile, will keep the tour connected as the NRA-ILA team takes the Second Amendment fight on the road.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.