Beaumont M1871
Geweerfabriek Hembrug · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1871
Also known as: Geweer M1871, Dutch Beaumont, M1871 Beaumont
Overview
The Beaumont M1871 was the standard single-shot bolt-action service rifle of the Royal Netherlands Army, designed by Dutch engineer Edouard de Beaumont. Chambered for the 11mm Beaumont black-powder centerfire cartridge, its most distinctive feature was a V-shaped leaf mainspring housed inside the hollow two-piece bolt handle, which was compressed and cocked as the bolt was lifted. It served as the Netherlands' primary infantry rifle from 1871 until the adoption of the Mannlicher M1895.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4415 g (155.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1320 mm (51.97") |
| Barrel Length | 830 mm (32.68") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 450 m/s (1476 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2126 J (1568 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 14 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 11x52mmR Dutch Beaumont · primary — also known as 11mm Beaumont, 11.3x50mmR, 11x52R
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech Loading
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Single Shot, Metallic Cartridge, Leaf Mainspring In Bolt Handle, Bayonet Lug, Ladder Rear Sight
Variants
- Beaumont-Vitali M1871/88 — Magazine Conversion
Service history
Operators
- Royal Netherlands Army · adopted 1871 · as Geweer M1871
Conflicts
- Aceh War (1873-1914)
Production
Production years: 1871-1888
Replaced from 1895 by the Mannlicher M1895; many converted to Beaumont-Vitali magazine pattern
Origin
Country of origin: Netherlands
Designer: Edouard de Beaumont
Discontinued: 1888
Notes
From 1888 many rifles were upgraded with a Vitali four-round box magazine, becoming the Beaumont-Vitali M1871/88. Manufactured at the Dutch state arms factory at Hembrug (Zaandam) and by contractors including P. Stevens of Maastricht.
Background
The Beaumont's signature trick was hiding its mainspring inside the bolt handle itself, a clever space-saving feature that made the otherwise conventional rifle instantly recognizable and gave the action its characteristic stiff, leaf-sprung cocking feel.