Mauser Modelo 1891
Ludwig Loewe & Company / Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1891
Also known as: Argentine Mauser, Fusil Mauser Modelo Argentino 1891, Modelo Argentino 1891
Overview
The Mauser Modelo 1891 is a German-designed bolt-action service rifle adopted by Argentina and chambered in the 7.65x53mm Argentine cartridge. Developed by Paul Mauser from the earlier Model 1889 and manufactured by Ludwig Loewe & Company and later Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken, it features a cock-on-closing action and a distinctive single-stack detachable box magazine that protrudes ahead of the trigger guard, loaded rapidly from a five-round stripper clip. Widely exported across South America, it saw long service and was still carried by Argentine police into the 1960s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1220 mm (48.03") |
| Barrel Length | 740 mm (29.13") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 650 m/s (2133 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2884 J (2127 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.65x53mm Argentine · primary — also known as 7.65x53mm Mauser, 7.65 Belgian Mauser, 7.65x54mm, 7.65 Argentine
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip, Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Bolt Safety, Cock On Closing
- Features: Single Stack Projecting Magazine, Charger Loading, Tangent Leaf Rear Sight, Walnut Full Stock, Cleaning Rod
Variants
- Mauser Modelo 1891 Carbine - Carbine
- Mauser Modelo 1891 Engineer's Carbine - Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Argentine Army · adopted 1891 · as Fusil Mauser Modelo Argentino 1891
- Bolivian Army · adopted 1897 · as Modelo 1895
- Peruvian Army · adopted 1891 · as Peruvian Model 1891
- Colombian Army
- Ecuadorian Army
Conflicts
- Chaco War (1932-1935)
Production
Production years: 1891-1900s
Argentina's initial contract covered roughly 180,000 rifles and 30,000 carbines; additional Argentine-pattern 1891s were built for Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and others.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Paul Mauser
Notes
Loaded via a five-round stripper (charger) clip into a single-column magazine that projects below the stock; the magazine is detachable for cleaning but not intended for rapid tactical swaps. The design directly preceded the improved staggered-column Spanish Mauser Model 1893.
Background
Argentina's crest was proudly rolled onto the receiver of every rifle; when the rifles were later sold as surplus the government often ordered the national crest ground off so the arms could not be mistaken for current Argentine issue.