Spanish Mauser M43
Fabrica de Armas La Coruña · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1943
Also known as: M43, Fusil Modelo 1943, La Coruña M43, Spanish Model 1943 Mauser Short Rifle
Overview
The Spanish Mauser Model 1943 (Fusil Modelo 1943, or M43) is a Spanish bolt-action service rifle, essentially a domestically produced short-rifle copy of the German Karabiner 98k built on the robust large-ring Mauser 98 action. Manufactured at the Fabrica de Armas La Coruña arsenal in Galicia, it was adopted by the Spanish Army in 1943 to standardize the army on the 7.92x57mm cartridge, replacing the older 7x57mm Spanish Mauser rifles that survived the Spanish Civil War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 760 m/s (2493 fps) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| 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, 8x57 IS, 7.92x57mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Stripper Clip, Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Three Position Wing Safety, Controlled Feed
- Features: Large Ring Mauser 98 Action, Straight Bolt Handle, Stripper Clip Fed, Hooded Front Sight, Dual Bayonet Lug, Tangent Rear Sight
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Army · adopted 1943 · as Fusil Modelo 1943
Conflicts
- Ifni War (1957-1958)
Production
Production years: 1943-1957
Large military production over 1943-1957; no reliable total figure documented in accessible sources
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1957
Notes
Distinguished from the Kar98k by a straight (rather than turned-down) bolt handle and an unusual dual bayonet lug that allows mounting both older Spanish-pattern and German 84/98-clone bayonets. Later supplemented by the FR7 and FR8 7.62mm CETME conversions on the same La Coruña line.
Background
The M43 is essentially a 'Spanish K98k' built on a prized large-ring Mauser 98 action, but with a rare quirk: a double bayonet lug that lets it mount both vintage Spanish and German-style 84/98 bayonets, a cross-compatibility feature almost unheard of among Mausers.