Mauser M712 Machine Pistol

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	Weapon: Mauser M712 Machine Pistol Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1932 Caliber: 7.63 Mauser Action: Blow Back Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 265.0 Weight (kg): 1.00 Effective Range (m): 100

The Mauser M712, also known as the "Schnellfeuer" (rapid fire) variant of the Mauser C96, was introduced in the early 1930s as an automatic version of the famous Mauser pistol. Retaining the iconic "broomhandle" grip and boxy profile of the C96, the M712 featured a selector switch that allowed the user to toggle between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. The pistol was chambered for the 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge, renowned for its high velocity and flat trajectory, and was compatible with detachable box magazines, typically holding 10 or 20 rounds. It could also be fitted with a wooden shoulder stock, doubling as a holster, to enhance control during automatic fire.

Production of the M712 was relatively limited, with estimates suggesting fewer than 100,000 units were made between 1932 and the late 1930s. Its high manufacturing costs, combined with the niche demand for automatic pistols, restricted its widespread adoption. However, it was exported extensively to countries such as China and Spain, where it saw significant use in conflicts like the Chinese Civil War and the Spanish Civil War. The M712's combination of rapid-fire capability and compact size made it an appealing choice for cavalry, vehicle crews, and guerrilla fighters, although its high rate of fire (up to 900 rounds per minute) made it difficult to control without the shoulder stock.

The Mauser M712 gained notoriety for its role in various conflicts during the turbulent interwar and early World War II periods. It was both praised and criticized: its firepower and versatility made it a formidable weapon in close-quarters combat, but its high rate of fire led to rapid ammunition depletion and reduced accuracy in automatic mode. The M712's distinct design and historical significance have made it a sought-after collector's item and a fixture in popular culture, often featured in movies and video games as an iconic firearm of the early 20th century.