Serbian and Yugoslav Mauser Rifles

Few realize it but an obscure little Balkan country which had recently gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire, played a profound role in the development of the Mauser rifle. Serbia's purchase of the Model 1871 rifle came just in time to save the Mauser company from bankruptcy. It became the Serbian Model 1880. Among other innovations for which Serbian designers were responsible was the famous "ring-of-steel" which provided complete support for the cartridge base, and which was introduced into the Gew.M1898 rifle in 1905. Serbia, later renamed Yugoslavia, also helped develop the "intermediate-ring" Mauser action. Yugoslav Mausers €" Models 1924, Model 24/47 and Model 1948 €" are prized collectors items. Mr. Bogdanovic's book is the first in English to provide a complete discussion of these, and every other "Yugoslav" Mauser rifle from 1880 to the present, including all sniper rifles, hunting and target rifles and .22 sporting rifles. In Serbian and Yugoslav Mauser Rifles, each model is discussed in its own chapter. All serial numbers are presented by year. All markings are presented and translated and all finishes and changes to all models a described in text and charts and well illustrated with both photographs and excellent drawings for clarity. These are the rifles that proved so deadly to the Nazi occupiers in World War II in the hands of the famous Yugoslav "partisans."