Austria ceased shipping rifles to Chile and kept them for its own armed forces. Another significant point in the Model 1912’s history is that Chile’s order was not completely filled when World War I broke out in August 1914. The Austrian-produced, Chilean Model 1912’s receiver was left in the white.Īn interesting difference between Chile’s Models 18 is that the Austrian-made rifle actions were left in the white. According to Ball’s book, by 1898 Chile had 80,000 Model 1895 rifles on hand, along with 30,000 carbines. Sights remained the same as with Model 1895 infantry rifles, except sight graduations only went to 1,400 meters. Both had turned down bolt handles and sling swivels on the stock’s left side, indicating they were meant to be carried across a horse soldier’s back. The former were fitted with 21.25-inch barrels, and the latter with 18.25-inch barrels. Model 1895s were also produced in short rifle and carbine configurations. They were produced by Ludwig Lowe & Company’s factory in Berlin. Sights were an open ladder-type rear with graduations to 2,000 meters, and an inverted V front. Restamped, they were then shipped to South America instead.Ĭhile’s Model 1895s were fitted with straight-grip stocks, and barrels were 29.60 inches long. According to Ball’s book, some of Chile’s Model 1895s were actually true Model 1893s originally intended for South Africa’s Boers. Essentially, these rifles’ actions were close to Spain’s Model 1893, except a shoulder was added to the right rear of the receiver to act as a stop for the bolt handle in case the locking lugs failed. Primarily because of German influence in the nineteenth century, Chile adopted a Mauser-designed turn-bolt with an internal box magazine. Soon thereafter, a Chilean Model 1895, also a 7mm Mauser, was added. The Crest on the Modelo 1912 was from Chile, so along with definite proof that the Model 1935 was also Chilean, that pinned down the fact that both were 7x57mm Mausers. Then the research began primarily in Mauser Military Rifles of the World, Third Edition by Robert W.D. The other was stamped “Chile” on the front ring, and “Orden Y Patria” with a crossed-rifles insignia along with “Modelo 1935.” Both had excellent bores and overall were in nice condition. One was marked “Modelo 1912” with an intricate crest atop the front receiver ring. Both were quickly determined to be based on Mauser’s Model 1898, because their firing pins were cocked upon the bolt’s opening. Two rifles remaining in the estate certainly met those criteria. It should be stated here that at the time I knew virtually nothing about Chilean Mauser rifles, but I do recognize quality of manufacture and modest prices.
Shown for comparison is (3) an original 7.65x53mm Argentine and a (4) handload with a spitzer bullet. These cartridges include (1) an original military 7x57mm load and a (2) handload with a spitzer bullet.
0 kommentar(er)
