BACKGROUND: The M1913 Gewehrgranatgerät (rifle grenade device) was the first of a series of long-range percussion rifle grenades developed by the Germans to be launched using the Mauser infantry rifle armed with a blank cartridge. The 4mm steel body was cast with external fragmentation grooves and was filled with 80 g ammonium nitrate high explosive for a total weight of 900g. So it has some weight to it. The detonator was located in the base plug which was activated by the inertia of firing the grenade from the rifle by means of a blank cartridge. Firing the grenade from a rifle ignited a small fuse which released a compressed percussion pin which would strike the detonator on impact. The range could be adapted by the rifle angle, but when a closer range was required a 9cm metal disk was screwed at the top of the body that served as a aerodynamic brake during the trajectory. The main problem with the M1913 Gewehrgranatgerät was its excellent aerodynamic properties which would cause it to sink deep into the ground before exploding which would significantly reduce effect. Additionally, all rifle grenades are terrible inaccurate and land randomly. So they invented trench mortars.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 18cm long, segmented, cast iron and brass construction head. Complete with original 48cm long steel rod. Very hard to find.

Please note, due to Postal Regulations. De-activated firearms and Inert Ordnance may not be shipped outside of Canada.