Zastava M1899/08
Vojno-tehnički zavod Kragujevac · Rifle · Discontinued · 1908
Also known as: Serbian Mauser M1899/08, M1899/08, Model 1899/08 Mauser
Overview
The Zastava M1899/08 is a bolt-action service rifle, the 1908 production update of the Serbian Mauser M1899 chambered for the 7x57mm Mauser cartridge. Built on the Mauser Model 1895 pattern with a turning-bolt action feeding a five-round integral box magazine loaded by stripper clip, the /08 designation reflects manufacturing refinements introduced during production at the Serbian state arsenal (Vojno-tehnički zavod) in Kragujevac. It served the Serbian Army through the Balkan Wars and the First World War alongside the earlier M1899 and M1899/07 rifles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1230 mm (48.43") |
| Barrel Length | 740 mm (29.13") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 700 m/s (2297 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2744 J (2024 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 7mm Mauser, .275 Rigby, 7x57
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip, Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Charger Loading, Five Round Integral Magazine, Controlled Round Feed, Tangent Rear Sight, Upper Handguard
Variants
- Serbian Mauser M1899 - Base Model
- Serbian Mauser M1899/07 - Improved
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Kingdom of Serbia · adopted 1908 · as M1899/08
- Kingdom of Yugoslavia · adopted 1918
Conflicts
- First Balkan War (1912-1913)
- Second Balkan War (1913)
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1908-1915
Produced as part of Serbia's ongoing 7x57mm Mauser rifle program; the M1899-series rifles were built under Mauser license, with later production and rework carried out at the Kragujevac arsenal (Zastava)
Origin
Country of origin: Serbia
Designer: Paul Mauser
Discontinued: 1915
Notes
The M1899, M1899/07 and M1899/08 designations denote successive minor modifications made during the production run of Serbia's 7x57mm Mauser rifles between 1899 and 1915. The arsenal at Kragujevac later became Zastava Arms.
Background
Serbia's 7x57mm Mausers used the same flat-shooting small-bore smokeless cartridge the Boers had wielded so effectively against the British, and large numbers of these M1899-pattern rifles were captured by Austro-Hungarian forces during the invasions of Serbia in 1914-1915.