Peruvian Mausers: 1891 and 1909

Published on February 3, 2017
Duration: 15:29

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Peruvian Mauser Model 1891 and 1909 rifles, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It details their historical context, distinguishing features like the 'Lange Visier' rear sight, and common issues such as mismatched bolts due to import practices. The content is highly informative for firearm enthusiasts and collectors interested in these historical military rifles.

Quick Summary

The 1891 Peruvian Mauser, originally an Argentine contract rifle, was sold to Peru and features a protruding magazine. The 1909 Peruvian Mauser is a refined Gewehr 98 variant with an internal magazine. Both commonly feature the 'Lange Visier' sight, often zeroed at 400m. Mismatched bolts are frequent due to import practices.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Peruvian Mausers 1891 & 1909
  2. 01:11History of the Model 1891
  3. 03:47Technical Specs of the 1891
  4. 04:27Introduction to the Model 1909
  5. 06:00Refurbishment of the 1891 Model
  6. 08:571891 Bayonets
  7. 09:44Model 1909 Details and Markings
  8. 11:02The Lange Visier Sight
  9. 12:34Mismatched Bolts and Import History
  10. 14:10Later History and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the 1891 and 1909 Peruvian Mauser rifles?

The 1891 Peruvian Mauser features a protruding single-stack magazine and was originally part of an Argentine contract, later sold to Peru. The 1909 Peruvian Mauser is a commercial export version of the Gewehr 98 with an internal box magazine and represents a more refined Mauser bolt-action design.

Why do many Peruvian Mausers have mismatched bolts?

Mismatched bolts are common on Peruvian Mausers in the US due to historical Peruvian storage practices of keeping bolts separate and the import methods of companies like Interarms, which prioritized import volume over matching serial numbers.

What is the significance of the 'Lange Visier' sight on Peruvian Mausers?

The 'Lange Visier,' or 'rollercoaster' sight, is a distinctive feature found on both the 1891 and 1909 Peruvian Mausers. It reflects early military doctrine, often being zeroed at a minimum of 400 meters for long-range volley fire.

Were Peruvian Mausers ever converted to other calibers?

Yes, some Peruvian Mausers were later converted to fire .30-06 Springfield ammunition. This was part of modernization efforts, though Peru also transitioned to purchasing new rifles from FN in Belgium in the 1930s.

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