Argentine Mauser Model 1909

Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1909

Also known as: Fusil Mauser Argentino Modelo 1909, M1909 Argentine

Overview

The Argentine Mauser Model 1909 is a large-ring, Gewehr 98-pattern bolt-action rifle chambered in 7.65x53mm Argentine, adopted by Argentina after its 1909 arms commission. Built first by DWM in Berlin and later domestically by the FMAP arsenal in Rosario, it features the full 98 action with a third safety lug, cock-on-opening striker and gas-relief holes. Famed for its superb pre-WWI German finish, it served the Argentine Army for roughly fifty years until the FN FAL replaced it.

Specifications

Weight (empty)4170 g (147.1 oz)
Overall Length1240 mm (48.82")
Barrel Length740 mm (29.13")
Action TypeBolt Action
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeInternal
Muzzle Velocity840 m/s (2756 fps)
Muzzle Energy2957 J (2181 ft·lbf)
Effective Range550 m (601 yd)
Maximum Range5000 m (5468 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist240 mm (9.45")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 285,000 · Production years: 1909-1959

Estimates conflict: roughly 160,000 from DWM plus around 85,000 from FMAP aggregate; American Rifleman cites about 210,000 from DWM alone between 1909 and 1912

Origin

Country of origin: Germany

Designer: Paul Mauser

Discontinued: 1959

Notes

Surplus rifles usually had the national crest on the receiver ring ground off; an intact crest indicates a non-surplused example.

Background

When Argentina set out to replace the Model 1909 in 1953 it trialed the M1 Garand, the StG 44 and the Johnson rifle before settling on the FN FAL; the Model 1909's receiver crest was routinely ground off when rifles were sold as surplus, making a crested example a collector's prize.