Gerat 06: Germany’s Incremental Steps Towards Roller Delay

The Gerät 06 is one of the steps in the development of the roller delay system that became H&K. The initial experiments involved replacing the flaps in a G43 rifle bolt with simpler rollers. In addition to making this as an experimental system in 8x57mm, Mauser also made a model in 8x33mm – and this is the Gerät 06. It is roller locked and gas operated, with a short stroke piston inside the handguard. Only a few of these were made before it was deprioritized in favor of the roller delayed Gerät 06H. This example was captured by American forces at the end of World War Two, and today resides in the Springfield Armory collection. It is unfortunately missing its stock and bolt assembly.

Thanks to the Springfield Armory National Historic Site for giving me access to this truly unique specimen from their reference collection to film for you! Don’t miss the chance to visit the museum there if you have a day free in Springfield, Massachusetts:
https://www.nps.gov/spar/index.htm