Maxim Gun (MG08)

Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken · Machine-Gun · Discontinued · 1908

Weight (empty)26500 g (934.8 oz)
Overall Length1175 mm (46.26")
Barrel Length721 mm (28.39")
Magazine Capacity250 rounds
Action TypeShort Recoil
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Muzzle Velocity900 m/s (2953 fps)
Muzzle Energy3700 J (2729 ft·lbf)
Effective Range2000 m (2187 yd)
Frame MaterialSteel

Primary Caliber: 7.92x57mm Mauser

The Maxim Gun, patented in 1884 by American-British inventor Hiram Stevens Maxim, was the world's first recoil-operated automatic machine gun and the progenitor of virtually every self-loading firearm that followed. This entry documents the MG08 (Maschinengewehr 08), the German Imperial Army's standardized Maxim variant adopted in 1908 and manufactured primarily by Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) in Berlin and the Spandau arsenal. Chambered for the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge, the MG...

Country of Origin: Germany

Designer: Hiram Stevens Maxim