The standard German cavalry and artillery carbine of WWI, shortened from the Gewehr 98 for mounted and vehicle-borne troops. The "a" designation indicates the first carbine variant of the Gew 98 action. Carried with a sling attachment on the side of the stock rather than underneath. Widely used in the German Spring Offensive of 1918 by stormtrooper units who needed a more compact arm for trench raiding. Type: Pistol Action: Semi-Automatic Caliber: 9mm Luger Capacity: 5 Year introduced: 1916, Germany Weight: 44 oz Overall length: 12" Status: Discontinued Military use: Yes Intended use: military