In 1841, Prussia took the revolutionary decision to adopt the needle gun. At that time other armies had just finished the conversion from flintlock to percussion lock. The infantry of these nations was still armed with smoothbore muzzleloaders for a large part. The needle gun was not only a breech-loader but also used a paper cartridge.
Prussia created a technical advantage for their Infantry that would last more than 20 years.
The army reform of 1859-60 and the technical advantage of their armament made the Prussian army the strongest of Europe. The German empire was created after the army under the command of Moltke, one of the best strategists of this period, was victorious in the wars of 1864, 1866, and finally the war of 1870-71.
This book only describes the rifles developed by Nikolaus von Dreyse and used by the Prussian army.
Models that never left the trial stage are not addressed. This book also does not discuss Wall guns or needle guns using other systems or weapons in use by other countries.
This book presents a lot of information found only in contemporary military literature and the Prussian instruction manuals. Ammunition, maintenance, repairs, handling, and shooting of the rifle is described in detail.
This book is an addition to previous publications about needle guns.
There is also much information for collectors. For example, information that will enable collectors to distinguish between contemporary and recent repairs.
A link is established between the collectors, who will never shoot their needle gun and the shooters of needle guns that compete in matches. For this reason, information is provided on how to shoot needle guns, and how to make ammunition.

Autorentext

Wolfgang Finze:
Born in 1949, Degree in Physics. Active target shooter -muzzleloaders and needle rifles included. Author of many articles in VISIER magazine and Visier-Special about Arms technology, History, and the history of the German Shooters Association (DSB). Expert advising the Association of Arms Technology and History (VDW).
Author of four Books on the subject of Needle Rifles:

Preußische Zuendnadelgewehre: Leitfaden für angehende Sammler und Schützen (200 Seiten, ISBN-13: 978-3739201085) (Prussian Needle rifles, Guideline for prospective Collectors and Shooters)
Preußische Zündnadelgewehre in Deutschland 1861 - 1871 und die Aptierung nach Beck: Leitfaden für Sammler (224 Seiten, ISBN-13: 978-3744894135) (Prussian Needle rifles, and the Beck conversion)
Schießen mit preußischen Zündnadelgewehren: Tipps zur Handhabung, Pflege und zur Munition (56 Seiten, ISBN-13: 978-3752812305) (The use of Prussian needle rifles, Tips for making cartridges and, maintenance)
Chassepot-Zündnadelgewehre: Hinweise und Tipps für Sammler und Schützen (124 Seiten, ISBN 978-3752829136) (Chassepot needle rifles: Tips for Collectors and Shooters)
Author of a book about the Bavarian Podewils rifle and a book about shooting muzzleloading rifles (Mit Pulver und Blei - Schießen mit Vorderladergewehren (ISBN-13: 978-3752609615) (With Powder and Lead - Shooting Muzzleloaders)