Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the bolt-action rifles category.
01 / Overview
Dreyse needle gun
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
BOLT-ACTION RIFLES · PRE-WWI / INDUSTRIAL AGE
94
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
85
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the bolt-action rifles category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General3MOD.3
- DesignerJohann Nikolaus von Dreyse
- Weight (Empty)4.9 kg
- Notable UsersPrussia, China, Romania, Montenegro, Egypt, Brazil, Bavaria, Dahomey, Great Britain (trials), Tokugawa Shogunate, French auxiliary army
◈Cartridge & Calibre2MOD.2
- CartridgeAcorn-shaped lead bullet in paper cartridge
- Calibre15.4 mm
▣Operation4MOD.4
- Action TypeBolt Action
- Feed SystemSingle Shot
- Magazine Capacity1
- Cyclic Rate of Fire5
◇Ballistics3MOD.3
- Muzzle Velocity305 m/s
- Effective Range (point)200 m
- Maximum Range678 m
◆Barrel & Sights3MOD.3
- Barrel Length910 mm
- Sight TypeV-notch and front post iron sights
- Iron SightsYes
▤Production & Cost2MOD.2
- Total Production1,375,000
- Variants10
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
- 1841Production started
- 1851First deployment: Platine War
- 1867Sale: Romania (20,000 units)
- 1876Production ended
185
years in service
35
years in production
1,375,000
units produced
0
countries operating
ⓘ 9 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries9country
Dreyse needle gunSALES1records
| Year | Buyer | Quantity | Amount | Present Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1867 |  Romania | 20,000 | — | — |
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
05 / MASS Score
BOLT-ACTION RIFLES RANKING Bolt-Action Rifles · Pre-WWI / Industrial Age
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
299BOLT-ACTION RIFLES94PRE-WWI / INDUSTRIAL AGE · BOLT-ACTION RIFLES162PERFORMANCE/PRICE · BOLT-ACTION RIFLES
ⓘ Rankings are within theBolt-Action Riflescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
A bolt action is a type of firearm action that requires the user to manually cycle the bolt to load and eject cartridges. It is uncommon in pistols.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A firearm feed system where only one round is chambered and fired per cycle, requiring manual reloading.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources