M1841 Dreyse Needle-Gun

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	Weapon: M1841 Dreyse Needle-Gun Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1841 Caliber: 15.4mm Action: Bolt-Action Overall Length (mm): 1420.0 Weight (kg): 4.00 Effective Range (m): 600

The M1841 Dreyse Needle-Gun was a revolutionary bolt-action rifle designed by Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse in Germany. It was the first military rifle to use a self-contained paper cartridge, ignited by a needle-like firing pin that penetrated the cartridge to strike a percussion cap at its base. The weapon featured a breech-loading mechanism, which allowed soldiers to reload and fire more rapidly than traditional muzzle-loading muskets. Chambered for a .61 caliber (15.4mm) round, the Dreyse Needle-Gun was lightweight and practical for field use, embodying significant advancements in firearm technology during the mid-19th century.

Production of the Dreyse Needle-Gun began in the early 1840s at the Prussian Royal Arsenal and private factories, with tens of thousands manufactured by the time of its widespread deployment. The rifle became the standard issue for the Prussian Army and played a pivotal role in several mid-19th century conflicts, including the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. Its rate of fire and ease of use gave Prussian forces a tactical advantage, allowing them to dominate on the battlefield. However, the paper cartridges were susceptible to moisture, and the needle mechanism could wear out with repeated use, highlighting some of its limitations.

The M1841 Dreyse Needle-Gun achieved notoriety for its role in changing military tactics, transitioning armies from muzzle-loaders to breech-loading firearms. While it was eventually superseded by more advanced rifles, such as the Mauser designs of the late 19th century, its innovative design laid the groundwork for modern bolt-action firearms. Today, the Dreyse Needle-Gun is remembered as a groundbreaking weapon that exemplified Prussia's military ingenuity and set a new standard for infantry rifles in the 19th century.

A Mad Minute with the Dreyse Zundnadelgewehr (Prussian Needle Rifle)

Zundnadelgewehr