Mauser

Firearms manufacturer in Germany MauserIndustryArms industryPredecessorKöniglich Württembergische GewehrfabrikFounded31 July 1874 (1874-07-31)FoundersWilhelm and Paul MauserDefunct2004SuccessorsMauser Jagdwaffen GmbH (civilian weapons)Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH (military weapons)Headquarters Isny im Allgäu, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyProductsFirearms Mauser, originally the Königlich Württembergische Gewehrfabrik, was a German arms manufacturer. Their line of bolt-action rifles and semi-automatic pistols was produced beginning in the 1870s for the German armed forces. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Mauser designs were also exported and licensed to many countries, which adopted them as military and civilian sporting firearms.[unreliable source?] The Gewehr 98 in particular was widely adopted and copied, becoming one of the most copied firearms designs and it is the foundation of many of today's sporting bolt-action rifles.[self-published source?] Around 10 million Gewehr 98-style rifles were produced. History King Frederick I of Württemberg founded the enterprise as Königliche Waffen Schmieden (literally: Royal Weapons Forges) on 31 July 1811. Originally locat