Beaumont M1871/79
Geweerfabriek Hembrug · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1879
Also known as: Geweer M1871/79, M1871/79 Beaumont, Dutch Beaumont Model 1871/79
Overview
The Beaumont M1871/79 was the updated pattern of the Royal Netherlands Army's single-shot bolt-action service rifle, designed by Dutch engineer Edouard de Beaumont. The 1879 modernization adapted the rifle to a more powerful 11mm black-powder cartridge, fitting a new leaf rear sight graduated to 1,800 metres and drilling dual gas-vent holes in the bolt to vent the gases of a ruptured case; the original bolt-locking safety was deleted. Like the parent M1871 it retained the distinctive V-shaped leaf mainspring concealed inside the hollow two-piece bolt handle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4415 g (155.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1320 mm (51.97") |
| Barrel Length | 832 mm (32.76") |
| 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 | 1800 m (1968 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 Beaumont, 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 To 1800m, Dual Bolt Gas Vent Holes
Variants
- Beaumont-Vitali M1871/88 - Magazine Conversion
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Royal Netherlands Army · adopted 1879 · as Geweer M1871/79
- Ethiopian Empire
Conflicts
- Aceh War (1873-1914)
Production
Estimated total produced: 147,300 · Production years: 1871-1888
Total Beaumont production across all patterns estimated at ~147,300 by P. Stevens (Maastricht), J.F.J. Bar (Delft) and a Suhl consortium; M1871/79 was a rebuild of existing M1871 rifles
Origin
Country of origin: Netherlands
Designer: Edouard de Beaumont
Discontinued: 1888
Notes
Only European-based Dutch Army rifles received the 1879 upgrade; naval and colonial examples kept the original M1871 sight. From 1888 most surviving rifles were further converted with a Vitali four-round box magazine to become the Beaumont-Vitali M1871/88. A batch of surplus M1871/79 rifles is believed to have been sold to Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia and bears the Lion of Judah stamp.
Background
The Beaumont's signature trick was hiding its V-leaf mainspring inside the bulbous two-piece bolt handle. The 1879 update kept that quirk untouched while quietly punching gas-vent holes into the bolt, an early acknowledgement that black-powder cases sometimes let go and the shooter's face was in the line of fire.