Mauser Model 1893

Mauser · Rifle · Discontinued · 1893

Also known as: Spanish Mauser, Modelo 1893, Fusil Mauser Modelo 1893, M93

Overview

The Mauser Model 1893 is a bolt-action rifle designed by Paul Mauser and chambered in 7x57mm Mauser. Commonly known as the Spanish Mauser, it introduced the now-iconic flush, staggered-column five-round internal box magazine loaded by stripper clip, an enclosed bolt face, and dual forward locking lugs. Adopted by Spain on 7 December 1893 and also fielded by the Ottoman Empire and Brazil, its accuracy and rapid stripper-clip reloading made a lasting impression on U.S. forces during the 1898 Spanish-American War and directly influenced the design of later service rifles.

Specifications

Weight (empty)4000 g (141.1 oz)
Overall Length1234 mm (48.58")
Barrel Length737 mm (29.02")
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity5 rounds
Magazine TypeInternal Box
Muzzle Velocity700 m/s (2297 fps)
Muzzle Energy2750 J (2028 ft·lbf)
Effective Range500 m (547 yd)
Maximum Range2000 m (2187 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist220 mm (8.66")
Number of Grooves4
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Production years: 1893-1943

Produced by Mauser, Ludwig Loewe & Co., DWM, Fabrique Nationale, Fabrica de Armas (Oviedo), and Industrias de Guerra de Cataluna. The Oviedo arsenal alone produced more than 500,000 rifles and carbines.

Origin

Country of origin: Germany

Designer: Paul Mauser

Discontinued: 1943

Notes

The Model 1893 served extensively in the Spanish-American War (1898), the Rif War (1920-1927), and the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). German production ran 1893-1899 with Spanish arsenal production continuing into the 1940s.

Background

American soldiers at San Juan Hill in 1898 were so impressed by the rapid, accurate fire of Spanish troops armed with the Model 1893 that the U.S. Army accelerated development of its own Mauser-pattern rifle, the M1903 Springfield, paying Mauser royalties for the patents it borrowed.