La Coruña M43 Mauser
Fabrica de Armas La Coruña · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1943
Also known as: Modelo 1943, M43, Mauser Model 1943, Fusil M43
Overview
The La Coruña M43 Mauser (Modelo 1943) is a Spanish bolt-action service rifle chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser. Manufactured at the Fábrica de Armas de La Coruña arsenal, it is a short rifle virtually identical to the German Karabiner 98k, feeding from a five-round internal magazine loaded via stripper clips. It served as the standard Spanish infantry rifle from 1943 until it was gradually replaced by the CETME battle rifle from the late 1950s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1105 mm (43.50") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 760 m/s (2493 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3696 J (2726 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.92x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 8mm Mauser, 7.92 Mauser, 8x57 IS, 7.9x57mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Wing Safety
- Features: Stripper Clip Loading, Controlled Round Feed, Cleaning Rod, Bayonet Lug, Turned Down Bolt Handle
Variants
- M43 Sniper - Sniper
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Armed Forces · adopted 1943 · as Modelo 1943
Conflicts
- Ifni War (1957-1958)
Production
Production years: 1944-1957
Produced at the La Coruña arsenal as the standard Spanish service rifle until CETME adoption
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Paul Mauser
Discontinued: 1957
Notes
Receivers are typically stamped with 'La Coruña' or the Spanish Air Force eagle. Not to be confused with the earlier M93 Spanish Mauser. A number of M43 actions were later rebuilt into the 7.62mm NATO FR-7 training/reserve rifle.
Background
Spain kept the classic Mauser 98 action in frontline service well into the Cold War, producing the K98k-pattern M43 at La Coruña; a handful were later fitted with cheap post-war optics, one of which Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons called 'the worst actual military sniper rifle I have ever seen.'