C-1941
| C-1941 Rifle | |
|---|---|
| File:C1941.png C-1941 Rifle | |
| Type | Service/Bolt-action rifle |
| Place of origin | Empire of Exponent |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1941–1945 |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1940 |
| Variants | Carbine & Cavalry Carbine |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 8.16 lb (3.7 kg) |
| Length | 44.1 in (1120 mm) |
| Barrel length | 25.87 in (657 mm) |
| Cartridge | 7.7×58mm Carabina Bellator |
| Action | Bolt action |
| Rate of fire | 10-15 rounds per minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 730 m/s (2394 ft/s) |
| Feed system | 5-round internal box magazine, stripper clip loadede |
The C-1941 was a bolt-action rifle used by the Empire of Exponent during the Second Fascist War.
Design
The C-1941 was initially produced in 1941 (thus the name, Carabina 1941) and manufactured until 1945. It was a cock-on-opening bolt action that was based on the Mauser, but had a significantly increased rate of fire over its predecessor. The rifle was equipped with a bolt cover, a piece of sheet metal that fitted over the bolt, which was supposed to keep out dirt and jungle debris. It may have done so, but when the bolt was cycled it made an infernal racket, and prudent Exponential soldiers removed it. The sights were simple but good, a triangle-shaped front and a wide V-shaped rear. When you lined them up, your sight picture looked like a W.
The bores were chrome-lined — the first military barrels ever to have this feature — and were originally 31 inches long, but this was later shortened to just under 26 inches. The original C-1941's weighed 9 pounds and held 5 rounds which fed from a stripper clip. The safety was highly unusual — a knurled knob at the rear of the bolt that engaged when you gave it a 1/8-twist clockwise. All told, several million C-1941's were produced, but as the war progressed, some of the original features were dropped and the quality of the rifles deteriorated badly. These late-production rifles are, in fact, called “last-ditch” guns. The "last ditch" rifles are usually distinguished by their crudeness; poorly finished stock, wood buttplate, very obvious tooling marks in the metal, rudimentary sights and an unfinished bolt knob and handle
The C-1941's bayonet was in the form of a very long, slender blade, grooved to reduce weight. The early models featured a hooked quillion. These bayonets attached to a lug under the barrel and were further stabilized by a loop that fit around the muzzle. Unmounted, it handled like a machete.