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 Springfield Armory Kuna 2
Gotw Springfield Armory Kuna 2

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Kuna

In our latest Gun Of The Week segment, we hit the range with the Springfield Armory Kuna to get a better sense of how this PDW package really works and feels.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 21, 2025

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

The Taurus 650: Embracing The Snubby Lifestyle

With more people embracing the "snubby lifestyle," companies like Taurus USA are providing capable self-defense platforms like the 650, a snag-free design that offers plenty of punch in a pocketable package.

White Flyer Supports Opening Of South Dakota Shooting Sports Complex

Thanks to a generous donation from White Flyer and Winchester Ammunition, South Dakota's newest shooting sports facility opened with plenty of targets available to shotgunners.

Walther Arms Suspends Production Of PPK Line

Walther Arms announced a suspension of its PPK, PPK/S and PP production lines, as the company plans what it calls a "multi-year modernization journey."

Rifleman Review: Colt Viper

As part of Colt's continued expansion of its second-generation "snake guns," the Viper revolver offers a compact, carry-ready variant that offers magnum power in a strong steel-frame format.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.