Mauser was not the legendary name in firearm making that it is today, but one of the company's first leaps into cutting-edge rifle design came with the Model 1889 Belgian Mauser.

Despite sharp competition during the trials, the Mauser eventually won out, and the Mauser firm obtained a contract for 120,000 cal. 10.15 mm. single-shot rifles on Feb. 14, 1881. Wilhelm returned ...