Argentine Mauser 1909 (7.65x53mm)
Kim du Toit
May 20, 2003
11:00 PM CDT
Yesterday, we looked at the Spanish Mauser Model 1895.
In 1890, Argentina decided to adopt the Mauser for their main battle rifle, and ordered it in the then-unknown caliber of 7.65mm (actually, the 7.65x53mm, or 7.65mm Argentine). The Mausers thus chambered were known as the 1891 Argentine Mauser, and were made by Ludwig Loewe and DWM (Mauser).
The 1891 spec was later changed into the Gew 98 design, and called the Model 1909, made both in Germany and in the then-new Argentinian arms factories (FMAP) at Rosario and at Santa Fe. I think it’s a better rifle. Here’s an example, with its long 29” barrel:
Unlike the 1891, the Mod 1909 rifle saw no military action, and so they’re typically in better condition than the 1891. Their actions are superbly made, and the 1909 action is often used as a “base” for customizing work. Unfortunately, the rifle is usually re-chambered into a more popular caliber, and that’s a real pity.
Because the 7.65mm Argentine is a peach of a cartridge. It has low recoil, but nevertheless manages to get performance which rivals the .308 Win (according to the late Frank Barnes, Mr. Cartridge himself). It’s flat-shooting, and the bullet arrives with authority, especially the larger 180gr variant—which does have more recoil than the more-common 150gr weight, incidentally. Ammo is expensive (about $40 per 20 for the commercial stuff, made by Norma), but it’s not difficult to find. However, there is a considerable amount of decent mil-surp stuff around, which sells for much less (around $40 per 100).
The Model 1909 was also released in a carbine version, and it too is a beauty, with a near-full fore-end stock, turned-down bolt handle and 21” barrel:
If you find an Argy Mauser 1909, grab it with both hands. The 1909 is made with higher-quality steel than the Spanish Mausers (so is the 1891, by the way), so you’re less likely to get a horrible one.
Expect to pay around $350, and up to $750 for a decent 1909—there are a few available at gunsamerica.com, under “Military Misc. Rifles - Non-US”.
Aaargh. Every time I think I’ve finally scratched the mil-surp itch for the last time, I remember another one…
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