Uruguay's Forgotten Mauser - The Dovitiis

Published on December 6, 2016
Duration: 14:01

This video details the rare Uruguayan Dovitiis Mauser, a unique conversion of the German Mauser 1871. Originally chambered in 11mm black powder, these rifles were modernized in France to fire the 6.5mm Daudeteau cartridge. The conversion resulted in a hybrid firearm with German receivers and French barrels, designed for a flat trajectory suitable for less-trained troops. Despite the technical effort, the project ultimately failed in Uruguay due to ammunition issues and the later adoption of the Mauser 1895.

Quick Summary

The Uruguayan Dovitiis Mauser is a unique conversion of the German Mauser 1871, modified in France to fire the 6.5mm Daudeteau cartridge. This hybrid rifle features German receivers and French barrels, designed for a flat trajectory, but ultimately failed due to ammunition issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Shooting Demo
  2. 00:10Uruguayan Military History
  3. 01:30Modernization & Antonio de Dovitiis
  4. 03:12The Saint-Denis Conversion
  5. 04:23The 6.5mm Daudeteau Cartridge
  6. 06:34Technical Hybrid Features
  7. 08:11Project Failure and Legacy
  8. 11:51Carbine vs. Rifle Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Uruguayan Dovitiis Mauser?

The Uruguayan Dovitiis Mauser is a rare firearm, a conversion of the German Mauser 1871 rifle and carbine. It was modified in France to fire the 6.5mm Daudeteau cartridge, featuring a hybrid German-French design.

What caliber was the Dovitiis Mauser converted to?

The Dovitiis Mauser was converted from its original 11mm caliber to fire the 6.5mm Daudeteau cartridge. This modern small-bore round was chosen for its flat trajectory.

Why did the Dovitiis Mauser project fail in Uruguay?

The project failed primarily due to poor quality of the domestically produced 6.5mm Daudeteau ammunition. Uruguay eventually adopted the more reliable Mauser 1895 repeater.

What are the key technical features of the Dovitiis Mauser?

It's a hybrid design, using the original German Mauser 1871 receiver and bolt, but incorporating French-made barrels, sights, and clearing rods. Carbine versions often have bent bolt handles.

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