At the beginning of the 19th century, new breech-loading capsule rifles appeared. According to experts, at that time one of the most promising weapon systems was considered needle-shaped under a unitary paper cartridge. In Germany, the first rifle unit using this system was the Draize needle rifle. The German weapons designer developed it in 1827. Information on the creation history, device and technical characteristics of the Draise rifle can be found in this article.
History
In 1809, the German designer I.N. Dreise worked in France at the Samuel Paul arms factory, where he saw many different types of small arms. Draise's attention was drawn to needle rifles. Ignition of the cartridge was carried out using a needle. In 1814, the German designer returned to his homeland and began to work on creating his own shooting model. According to experts, Dreise used the idea of Paul, deciding in his product to also use unitary paper cartridges and incandescent needle capsule. In service with the Prussian army, the Dreise rifle arrived in 1840. The military highly appreciated the combat qualities of this rifle unit. For this reason, all information about Draise's new weapons has been kept secret for a long time. In the technical documentation, the rifle was listed as Leichtes Percussionsgewehr-41. Thanks to a unitary paper cartridgeless cartridge and a sliding shutter, the rate of the rifle was increased five times.
Description
The Draise rifle is a single-shot rifled weapon, which is equipped with a projectile through the barrel. The breech blocking is carried out using a tubular shutter that slides in the horizontal plane. By means of a combat larva (front), the bolt abuts against the edge of the barrel, due to which its reliable obturation is ensured. The internal part of the bolt became the place of the mainspring. In the rifle, the German designer decided to use a long and thin drummer, which could reliably pass through a paper cartridge, break through the spire, and chop the capsule. The receiver is connected to the breech section of the barrel with four screw rifling. The barrel is mounted to the bed by means of special mounting rings. A rifle with a solid wooden stock, butt and forearm. The material used is walnut.
The forend is equipped with a ramrod for cleaning the barrel. Weapons with a smooth trigger guard containing a special interception under the fingers of the arrow at the back. Due to the presence of a long detachable bayonet, the rifle is quite effective in close combat. As sights, a front sight and a rear sight are used. Additionally, in the design of the gun there are hinged shields that increase the aiming range by a couple of hundred meters.
Operating principle
The explosive was ignited by means of a long needle, which equipped the trigger of a rifle. After the trigger is pulled, the needle, which was part of the lock, pierces the capsule. As a result of ignition of the shock composition, a shot occurs. Gunpowder gases act on the spire and compress it into barrel rifles. Thus, the bullet is compressed, which, as it moves from the barrel, is transmitted torque.
About technical specifications
- The weapon is a type of needle rifle.
- Weighs no more than 4.7 kg.
- The total length is 142 cm, the trunk is 91 cm.
- The bullet weighs 30.42 g, and the ammunition weighs 40 g.
- The rifle works with a sliding bolt.
- Within one minute, up to 12 shots can be fired from a gun.
- The fired projectile moves toward the target at a speed of 305 m / s.
- The rifle with single-shot ammunition is effective at a distance of not more than 600 m.
About modifications
The Draise rifle served as the basis for the creation of the following models:
- Zundnadelgewehr M / 41. It is an infantry rifle of 1841 release. It is a fairly original model.
- M / 49. The Dreyzi rifle (model 1849) provides for design changes that affect the shutter, sight and fixtures responsible for obturation. In addition, this gun with a shortened barrel.
- M / 54. The rifle of 1854 of release.
- M / 57. This option of small arms is a dragoon (hussar) carbine, which does not provide for the presence of a bayonet.
- M / 60. Structurally, the weapon is practically no different from the base model. Changed only the length of the rifle.
- M / 62. Shortened version of the gun 1942 release.
- M / 65. The gun was developed specifically for rangers.
- U / M. The sapper rifle began to be produced since 1865. The design of the weapon is the same as in the 54th model. There is a shortened barrel and a new bayonet.
- M / 69. The model is a sapper rifle with minor design modifications.
Finally
According to experts, after the appearance of the rifle developed by the German designer, many European countries switched to needle guns. Military personnel used such weapons until the 70s of the XIX century, until rifle samples appeared for ammunition with a metal sleeve. The Draise rifle itself was replaced by a 1871 Mauser.