Mauser Modelo Argentino 1891

[YogSothoth]

I recently came into possession of a Mauser Argentino 1891 rifle. The history of the rifle is fourth-hand, but apparently a "friend's friend's" grandfather picked it up in Europe during WWII (off a German solider, apparently). He brought it home and passed it down to his son, who passed it down to his son who "doesn't like guns" and gave it to a friend of his. The friend also has no use for the rifle (thought he might, but doesn't) and gave it to me. I have no way to determine how accurate this history is, but it makes for an interesting story. It's spent most of its post-war life sitting in various attics or basements.

I have no idea what's been changed out, but someone definitely added a scope (which seems to interfere with the safety on the rear) and I have no idea what was done with the original rear sights. There's a leather sling as well, but I have no way of telling how old it is - seems to be in decent condition. The friend also gave me an ammo case with several boxes of 7.65 Mauser ammo, so I assume the rifle was never converted to .308 Winchester, as I've heard many have. This ammunition will need to be disposed of, as it is all in very rusty condition.

I have no idea when the rifle was last fired, but judging by the rust on the exterior, it's been a while. The wood seems to be in good condition. I don't know enough about rifles to take this thing apart and give it a good cleaning, although it does seem like there are manuals out there. What I'd like to do is bring it to a competent armorer/gunsmith and have them give it a fully checkup. If it's salvageable, I'd love to have it cleaned up and restored to working condition. I don't know that it will be possible to do this for a reasonable cost, so my brother-in-law has already asked if he can hang it on the wall in his new workshop that he's building in Vermont. It's a very nice-looking rifle (if you disregard the rust, of couse).

The stampings read:
Mauser Modelo Argentino 1891
Deutsche Waffen - und munitionsfabrikek
Berlin

There appears to be a couple of "shaking hands" stamps.

Any suggestions on where I should bring this rifle for assessment? I was planning on calling Four Seasons and seeing if they could check it out, since they have some 1891 variants listed for sale, but would appreciate any other suggestions.

 

[TonyD]

I know nothing about them but it sounds nice. A lot of folks rebarrel and rechamber them for .308 and have a great shootin' stick.

 

[Wildweasel]

I have one in parts here (without any wood) If you need another for parts (Actally I think It is a 1909 ) and remember they are NOT 7.62/.308!

It was likly just a surp gun bought back in the 50's/60's.
they where not used by the germans.

 

[YogSothoth]

Thanks much for the replies.

I wouldn't be surprised if the story I was told was completely fabricated (although where it was started, who knows?). From what I've read about the history of the rifle, it didn't seem to make much sense that a Mauser 1891 Argentinian model would be on a German soldier, as the standard issue was the more modern Mauser 98K, if I'm not mistaken. Still, the 1891 and the 1909 are supposed to be fine rifle designs made with good materials.

The more I look at the overall condition of this rifle, the more convinced I am that it will only see service as a wall hanging. Still, I'll bring it somewhere to get an expert opinion.

It's kind of a bummer that it was never maintained. There were a good 8 boxes of 7.65 ammo too, all of which are useless now (I read that 7.65 ammo is pretty expensive to get now, too).

Oh well, who am I to complain? It was a freebie! hehe.

 

[Len-2A Training]

Here's some references to check out on the rifle.

Robert Ball of CT is the acknowledged expert on Mausers and has written a number of books on the subject.

http://www.empirearms.com/maus-faq.htm

and

http://comunidad.ciudad.com.ar/ciudadanos/efontenla/ (some English and Portugese, I'll assume)