IMBEL Mosquefal Mq M968
Industria de Material Belico do Brasil · Rifle · In Service · 1968
Also known as: MosqueFAL, Mq M968, Fuzil Mosquefal
Overview
The IMBEL Mosquefal (Mq M968) is a Brazilian bolt-action rifle produced by IMBEL's Fábrica de Itajubá. It was created from 1967 onward by converting roughly 10,000 older Mauser-pattern mosquetões chambered in .30-06 to fire the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, standardizing ammunition with the FN FAL then in service. The conversion retained the original Mauser 98 bolt and firing mechanism (the .30-06 and 7.62 NATO share a common base diameter) while fitting a new FAL-pattern barrel, an adapted NATO chamber, a peep-aperture rear sight, a taller front post, and a grenade-launching muzzle brake. Its name is a portmanteau of 'mosquetão' and 'FAL'. It remains in use with the Brazilian Army and Military Police, chiefly in marksmanship and reservist training programs.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3920 g (138.3 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 m/s (2822 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3524 J (2599 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Safety, Bolt Sleeve Safety
- Features: Mauser 98 Action, Fal Pattern Barrel, Peep Rear Sight, Grenade Muzzle Brake, Stripper Clip Loading
Service history
Operators
- Brazilian Army · adopted 1968 · as Mq M968 Mosquefal
- Tiro de Guerra (Brazilian Army reservist training)
Production
Estimated total produced: 10,000 · Production years: 1967-1970
Converted from approximately 10,000 existing .30-06 Mauser mosquetões to 7.62x51mm NATO
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Notes
Model number 968 reflects the 1968 introduction; development began in 1967. Weight of 3.92 kg is quoted without bayonet.
Background
The Mosquefal's name mashes together 'mosquetão' (the Brazilian Mauser carbine) and 'FAL' — because the frugal conversion rebarreled thousands of old .30-06 Mausers to shoot the FN FAL's 7.62 NATO round, letting a bolt-action antique share a cartridge with Brazil's modern battle rifle.