Mauser Model 1871
The Mauser Modell 1871 adopted as the Gewehr 71 or Infanterie-Gewehr 71 ( I.G.Mod.71 was printed on the rifles themselves) was the first of millions of rifles manufactured to the designs of Peter Paul and Wilhelm Mauser (see Mauser). The action was based on Germany's Dreyse Needle Gun, which had been seen service in the Franco Prussian War. It was adopted by the German Empire but not Bavaria.
In 1870 and 1871 there were competitive trials among several strong designs. The Mauser performed well and was provisionally adopted at the end of 1871 pending the development of an acceptable safety. The now well recognized Mauser "wing" type safety lever was developed for the Gewehr 1871. This weapon is a conventional looking bolt action single shot chambered in 11 millimeter. The action included only a bolt guide rib as its single locking lug, locking forward of the receiving bridge.
In 1884, the design incorporated an 8-shot tubular magazine, making this Germany's first repeating rifle.