In Mauser Bolt Rifles, Ludwig Olson has explained the origin of the Mauser semi-automatic rifle as follows:- 'Paul Mauser died May 29, 1914, at the age of 76. During his later years he was engaged in development of semi-automatic rifles and pocket pistols. The pistols proved successful, but the semi-automatic rifles were not fully developed. Paul Mauser felt obligated to develop a satisfactory semi-automatic rifle for the German Army since he promised Kaiser Wilhelm II to do so during a demonstration firing of the Mauser Military pistol in 1896. While firing one of his semi-automatic rifles during a test in 1901, Paul Mauser had an accident which caused loss of sight in his left eye. While these rifles possessed many ingenious features, most never got beyond the trial stage.'

The following is a comparative chart of the specifications of both the Luger and the Mauser self-loading rifle as compiled by John Sayers of Interarms:-
MAUSER 98 LUGER

Serial Number 16 4
Calibre 6 x 57mm 7.92mm
Operation Short Recoil Short Recoil
Locking System Twin Lugs Toggle
Overall Length 125cms(49") 125cms(49")
Barrel Length 69cms(27") 70cms(27.5")
Weight 4.13Kgs(9lb 2oz) 4.34Kgs(9lb 9oz)
Magazine Capacity 5rds 5rds

A full technical sheet for the rifle will be provided on the view