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

NRA Logo On Blue
NRA Logo On Blue

2026 NRA Board Election Results

The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 elections for the NRA Board of Directors.

A Celebration of American Freedom: The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

With acres of exhibition space, addresses from NRA’s leadership, an epic country concert and literally tens of thousands of guns on display, the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston­—and our nation’s 250th celebration—are not to be missed.

The "Dreaded Dry-Fire" Training Talk

Talk to the best shooters in the world, and you will hear the same story: the majority of their skill development did not happen on the range with ammunition. It happened with dry-fire practice.

U.S. Army Testing Improved Gun Barrel Material

In a joint collaboration with Geissele Automatics and Carpenter Technologies, the U.S. Army indicated that it's currently developing a new kind of steel for gun barrels that promises greater longevity and performance.

Rifleman Review: KelTec PR57

KelTec is known for its out-of-the-box designs, so when it came to designing a dedicated personal-protection firearm, the PR57, the company took a different approach than nearly every other firearm maker out there.

VOID Suppressors: Canik Joins the Silence Movement

Canik is largely known for its handguns, but with its new VOID line, the company recently joined the movement of manufacturers producing their own suppressors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.