Type 45/66 Siamese Mauser

Published on August 11, 2013
Duration: 7:08

The Type 66 Siamese Mauser, manufactured by Japan's Koishikawa Arsenal, shares the Mauser 98 mechanism but features unique Siamese markings and a Chakra emblem. Originally chambered in 8x50mm rimmed, it was updated to 8x52mm spitzer in 1923, requiring sight modifications. These rifles, used by the Thai military until the 1960s, are now often converted to .45-70 due to their rimmed bolt face. A distinctive feature is the buttstock trapdoor for a muzzle cover.

Quick Summary

The Type 66 Siamese Mauser, made in Japan by the Koishikawa Arsenal, shares the Mauser 98 mechanism. Originally 8x50mm rimmed, it was updated to 8x52mm spitzer in 1923, requiring sight modifications. These rifles feature unique Siamese markings and a special buttstock compartment for a muzzle cover.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction to the Siamese Mauser
  2. 00:53Mechanism and Manufacturing Origins
  3. 01:36Receiver Features and Markings
  4. 02:37Caliber Evolution: 8x50mm to 8x52mm
  5. 03:33Sight Modifications & Siamese Characters
  6. 04:45Service History & .45-70 Conversions
  7. 06:02Unique Buttstock Storage Feature

Frequently Asked Questions

Who manufactured the Type 66 Siamese Mauser?

The Type 66 Siamese Mauser was manufactured by the Koishikawa Arsenal in Tokyo, Japan, between 1903 and 1908. Approximately 400,000 rifles were produced under contract for Siam (Thailand).

What caliber was the Siamese Mauser originally chambered in?

The Siamese Mauser was originally chambered in the 8x50mm rimmed cartridge. It was later updated to the Type 66 configuration in 1923 to fire the more efficient 8x52mm spitzer cartridge.

What is unique about the Siamese Mauser's buttstock storage?

The Siamese Mauser features a distinctive keyhole-shaped trapdoor in its buttplate. Unlike most rifles, this compartment was specifically designed to store a brass muzzle cover for the barrel and front sight.

Why are Siamese Mausers often converted to .45-70?

Siamese Mausers are frequently converted to .45-70 by gunsmiths because their rimmed bolt face is well-suited to accommodate the large rimmed .45-70 cartridge, making the conversion relatively straightforward.

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