Chapter 285
Chapter 285: Berlin - Mauser Arsenal
Inside the Hechingen Arsenal in Berlin, Director Mayne was demonstrating the performance of two rifles to Ernst. On the table were the Dreiser rifles used by the Prussian army and the Chasaipo rifles captured on the battlefield.
Mayne began by explaining the improvements of the Chasaipo rifle over the Dreiser rifle. While the Chasaipo rifle borrowed several features from the Dreiser rifle, it addressed some of its shortcomings. For instance, the Dreiser rifle had issues with its locking system, leading to gas leaks that affected gunpowder effectiveness and bullet velocity. The Chasaipo rifle solved this problem by using a solid bolt and adding a rubber seal ring, significantly improving gas sealing, muzzle velocity, and range. Additionally, the placement of the primer on the Chasaipo bullet reduced failure rates.
Ernst agreed that the Dreiser rifle had become outdated and needed replacement. He informed Mayne of his intention to retire the Dreiser production line and shift focus to the development of new firearms. Ernst revealed that he had already contacted collaborators for this project.
Mayne, curious about the collaborators, asked whom Ernst had in mind. Ernst inquired if he was familiar with the Mauser brothers from the Kingdom of Württemberg.
Mayne confirmed knowledge of the Mauser brothers and their father, Anders Mauser, who was a renowned gunsmith at the Royal Arsenal in Oberndorf-Württemberg. He explained that the Mauser brothers had previously collaborated with Samuel Norris on the Mauser-Norris rifle but had been kicked out by their partners.
Ernst acknowledged the Mauser brothers' past difficulties but mentioned that he intended to collaborate with them. He shared his plan to establish the "Berlin-Mauser Arsenal" and clarified that he would respect their request to retain the name "Mauser Arsenal" for their small workshop.
Mayne raised concerns about the Mauser brothers' ability to succeed, given their past challenges. However, Ernst remained confident in their potential and stressed the importance of giving young innovators a chance. He emphasized that the Hechingen Arsenal in Berlin would focus on firearms research and development, while the East African facility would primarily serve as a processing factory. Education in East Africa would need to develop further before it could support R&D functions.
Ernst also expressed his determination to continue serving the Prussian arms market. He believed that even if other countries didn't order their rifles, the Kingdom of East Africa would support the new firearm.
Mayne expressed cautious agreement with Ernst's plan, emphasizing the need for careful research and development in firearms. Ernst assured him that he had confidence in the Mauser brothers' abilities, especially with a more advanced working environment.
When Mayne asked if Ernst understood guns, Ernst admitted that he relied on intuition rather than expertise in firearms. Nonetheless, he remained confident that the Mauser brothers' designs, with the right support, would lead to success in firearm development.