Mendoza C-1934
Productos Mendoza S.A. · Machine Gun · Discontinued · 1934
Also known as: Mendoza M1934, Modelo C-1934
Overview
The Mendoza C-1934 is a Mexican gas-operated, air-cooled light machine gun designed by Rafael Mendoza and adopted by the Mexican Army in 1933. Chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, it fires from an open bolt using a long-stroke gas piston and a rotary bolt with radial locking lugs, fed from an offset 20-round top-mounted box magazine. Noted for its remarkable lightness and inexpensive construction without sacrificing reliability, it featured a quick-change barrel, folding bipod, and selective-fire capability.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 8400 g (296.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1170 mm (46.06") |
| Barrel Length | 630 mm (24.80") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 805 m/s (2641 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3630 J (2677 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 450 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 7mm Mauser, .275 Rigby, 7x57
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic, Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Folding Bipod, Top Mounted Magazine, Offset Sights, Selective Fire, Rotary Bolt
Variants
- Mendoza RM-2 - Rechambered
Service history
Operators
- Mexican Army · adopted 1933 · as C-1934
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1933-1945
Served as the standard Mexican Army light machine gun from the mid-1930s until replaced after World War II
Origin
Country of origin: Mexico
Designer: Rafael Mendoza
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The offset top-mounted magazine allowed the sights to be positioned over the bore axis. Praised for its simplicity and low parts count compared to contemporary European light machine guns. Later evolved into the .30-06 chambered Model 45 and RM-2 variants.
Background
Rafael Mendoza developed a line of indigenous Mexican machine guns prized for being lighter and cheaper to manufacture than imported designs, allowing Mexico to field a domestically produced automatic weapon rather than rely on foreign suppliers.