Brazilian Mauser Model 1908

Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1908

Also known as: Fuzil Mauser Modelo 1908, M1908 Brazilian

Overview

The Brazilian Mauser Model 1908 is a large-ring, Gewehr 98-pattern bolt-action rifle chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, supplied to Brazil by DWM in Berlin from 1908 until the outbreak of the First World War. Built to the highest standard of pre-WWI German commercial manufacture, it features the full 98 controlled-feed action with a third safety lug and a tangent-leaf rear sight. Later Brazilian-made derivatives included the Model 1908/34 and a short-rifle configuration.

Specifications

Weight (empty)4100 g (144.6 oz)
Overall Length1250 mm (49.21")
Barrel Length740 mm (29.13")
Action TypeBolt Action
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeInternal
Muzzle Velocity850 m/s (2789 fps)
Muzzle Energy2744 J (2024 ft·lbf)
Effective Range600 m (656 yd)
Maximum Range4000 m (4374 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist220 mm (8.66")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Production years: 1908-1914

Original DWM contract ran from 1908 to the outbreak of WWI; no firm aggregate total surfaced. Later upgrades were produced domestically in Brazil

Origin

Country of origin: Germany

Designer: Paul Mauser

Discontinued: 1914

Notes

DWM examples can be identified by the 'Berlin' receiver address. Sources disagree on empty weight, ranging from about 3.8 to 4.1 kg, and no firm total production figure surfaced.

Background

The Brazilian Model 1908, alongside the Argentine Model 1909, is often held up as the high-water mark of pre-WWI German commercial Mauser production: finished to the finest grade and built to last for generations, with the maker identifiable from the 'Berlin' marking on the receiver.