M.95 Loopgraafgeweer
Geweerfabriek Hembrug · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1916
Also known as: Geweer M.95 Loopgraafgeweer, M.95 Periscope Rifle, M.95 Trench Rifle
Overview
The M.95 Loopgraafgeweer is a trench-warfare adaptation of the Dutch Geweer M.95 bolt-action rifle, developed in 1916 during the Netherlands' World War I mobilization. It mounted the standard 6.5x53R Mannlicher rifle in a periscope firing apparatus so a soldier could aim and fire over a trench parapet while remaining under cover. The underlying weapon retained the Mannlicher turn-bolt action and the en-bloc clip feeding a fixed five-round magazine, so its ballistics matched the parent rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4350 g (153.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1287 mm (50.67") |
| Barrel Length | 790 mm (31.10") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | En Bloc Clip |
| Muzzle Velocity | 740 m/s (2428 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2792 J (2059 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 12 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 6.5x53mmR · primary — also known as 6.5mm Dutch, 6.5x53R Mannlicher, 6.5x53R Dutch, 6.5x53R Romanian
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: En Bloc Clip, Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Periscope Sighting Apparatus, Trench Parapet Firing Frame, En Bloc Clip Loading, Split Bridge Receiver
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Royal Netherlands Army · adopted 1916
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1916-1918
Produced in limited numbers as a periscope trench-rifle rig on the standard Geweer M.95
Origin
Country of origin: Netherlands
Designer: Ferdinand Mannlicher
Notes
A niche periscope-rifle rig rather than a mass-issue model; produced in small numbers for static trench defence. Specifications reflect the host Geweer M.95 rifle, as the periscope frame did not alter the barrel, action, or cartridge.
Background
Though the neutral Netherlands never entered World War I, its army studied the trench stalemate on its borders and in 1916 fielded a periscope version of the M.95 so a rifleman could return fire without lifting his head above the parapet.