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

Gotw Savage Arms 110 Core Tactical 1
Gotw Savage Arms 110 Core Tactical 1

Gun of the Week: Savage Arms 110 Core Tactical

Recently, Savage Arms has embarked on an ambitious project to update and modernize its extensive line of bolt-action rifles, and one of the latest enhanced models available is the company's 110 Core Tactical bolt-action.

Political Report | NRA Responds to ATF’s Regulatory Overhaul

Administrative rules are not the most glamorous aspect of national governance. But they are fundamental to bureaucracy’s inner workings and how they affect, for better or for worse, the daily lives of ordinary Americans.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 25, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

U.S. Troops Using Captured Small Arms in World War II

American troops took a healthy interest in Axis small arms during World War II. Sometimes they were simply looking to collect a war trophy. On other occasions, GIs and Marines looked to use those firearms against their former owners.

Standing Guard | The Midterms and Freedom

Politics is something most of us only step into because we must. We’d rather smile in the warm autumn sun as we help a son or daughter, or grandson or granddaughter, break their first clay or plink steel with their first .22 rifle.

America’s Retaliation for the Lives Taken by Iraqi Sniper “Juba”

The killing of the Iraqi insurgent sniper known as "Juba" was a collective effort by thousands of Marines, culminating in one single shot.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.