Brazilian M1908 Mauser Sporter 18” Barrel 7x57mm Bolt Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
LSB#: LSB260415MJ023
Make: Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken, Berlin Germany (DWM)
Model: Model 1908
Serial Number: 1227 Uu
Year of Manufacture: 1908-1914 / ATF Modern Due To Sporterization
Caliber: 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Barrel Length: 18”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade set atop a ramped base with a protective hood. The rear sight is a sliding tangent U-notch marked out to 20. The receiver has a two-piece Buehler scope base with a weaver K3 mounted to it. The scope is in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a two-piece sporter wood stock set with a forend cap, barrel band w/ sling stud, finger grooves, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, sling stud, and steel buttplate. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock rates at about Very Good + overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, In The White
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore along with light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, and spots of thinning throughout along with light spots of patina. The refinished parts have turned to a brown patina. The action has light wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. Receiver mounted safety, Timney Gold trigger.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Brazilian Model 1908 Mauser began life as a military rifle manufactured by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) in Berlin for the Brazilian government, one of the finest contract Mauser variants ever produced. Built on the legendary Mauser 98 action and chambered in the highly respected 7x57mm Mauser cartridge, the Model 1908 earned a reputation for exceptional strength, reliability, and accuracy. Many Brazilian rifles were later sporterized during the mid-20th century as surplus military arms became widely available, transforming rugged service rifles into practical hunting firearms. This example has been shortened to an 18-inch barrel and fitted with desirable sporting features including a Buehler scope base, Weaver K3 scope, Timney Gold trigger, and receiver-mounted safety, creating a classic American-style sporting rifle built upon one of the strongest controlled-round-feed actions ever designed. This rifle now presents as a well-executed custom sporter that retains approximately 70% of its refinished metal finish with honest handling wear consistent with field use. The refinished metal has developed an attractive brown patina in places, while the stock remains in Very Good Plus condition with only light handling marks and no chips or cracks. The Weaver K3 scope complements the rifle well and remains in Very Good condition. While the bore shows a gray appearance with worn rifling and some light erosion and fouling, it remains serviceable. Combined with the crisp markings, functional action, and quality aftermarket upgrades, this rifle offers considerably more appeal than a typical surplus conversion.
Whether sought as a classic hunting rifle, an affordable entry into Mauser collecting, or as the basis for continued sporting use, this Brazilian Model 1908 represents the enduring versatility of the Mauser system. The 7x57mm Mauser cartridge remains respected for its mild recoil and excellent ballistic performance, and the combination of proven DWM craftsmanship with tasteful sporting modifications makes this an attractive rifle for shooters who appreciate traditional bolt-action sporting arms. It is equally at home in the deer woods, at the range, or as an example of the mid-century American tradition of transforming military Mausers into dependable sporting rifles. -R.E.