Mauser Model 78-80—The First Serbian Repeater

The following information on the Serbian Mauser Model 78-80 comes from Chapter 9 of Mauser Rifles and Pistols by W. H. B. Smith. Mauser Rifles and Pistols is also available to purchase in print.

Shortly after the German adoption of the 71-84, Paul Mauser designed a similar arm for Serbia in caliber 10.15 mm. 4000 of these were delivered as 7-shot carbines; and 4000 more slightly longer and heavier as 8-shot rifles for use by artillerymen.

Mauser Model 78-80 action closed
Model 78-80 Serbian Right Side View Of Receiver Section With Action Closed: This is merely a slightly modified German 71 type. The receiver bridge and cocking-piece vary in shape and size.

Except for the mechanical differences entailed in the caliber and magazine capacity changeovers, these were the same as the German 71-84.

Mauser Model 78-80 top
Model 78-80 Serbian Top View Of Action: The left hand receiver wall in this design more fully encloses the bolt than in the earlier German type. This was one of the important modifications of design. It gave added strength to the action and provided for easier loading and better type ejection.
Mauser Model 78-80 full
Model 78-80 Serbian Infantry Rifle, Right side view of the rifle with action closed: This design was also made in the shorter carbine form. This rifle measured 50.7 inches overall and weighed 9.9 lbs. The caliber was .395 inch, the barrel being rifled with 4-grooves to the right. The sights were ranged from 300 to 2025 meters. This cartridge measured 3.08 inches overall and weighed 617 grains. The length of the case was 2.35 inches and its weight 208 grains. The bullet weighed 340 grains, and measured 1.13 inches overall. Powder charge was 4.8g of special black powder. Many of these rifles were encountered in World War II in the Balkans. Some were converted to use box type magazines.
Mauser Model 78-80 phantom open
Model 78-80 Serbian Right Side Phantom View With Action Opened And Cartridge In Feedway Ready For Forward Bolt Thrust: Knob of bolt handle is not shown. The striker pin is drawn back into the breech bolt cylinder as a result of the camming action as the bolt handle was lifted. Pushing the bolt forward will cause its face striking against the base of the cartridge to drive the cartridge forward and chamber it. The extractor movably mounted in the bolt head will snap over the rim of the case ready to extract it on rearward movement. As the bolt handle is turned down to lock into its receiver cut, the turning motion will act through the cam faces on the rear of the bolt cylinder and on the cocking-piece to complete cocking the arm and leave the sear holding the striker in rear position ready for firing.
Mauser Model 78-80 phantom closed
Model 78-80 Serbian Right Side Phantom View With Action Closed And Cartridge In Chamber Fired: All parts are forward and at rest. Note that this is a single shot rifle. Cam action as the bolt handle is lifted pulls the firing pin away from the primer of the fired case and draws it back inside the bolt.

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Mauser 78-80 - The First Serbian Repeater

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