Chilean Styer Model 1912 Mauser 29” Barrel 7x57mm Bolt Action Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,326.00
LSB#: WY240910JH013
Make: Waffenfabrik Steyr, Austria
Model: 1912
Serial Number: D 5719
Year of Manufacture: Post 1912
Caliber: 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver has the Chilean crest with, “MODELO 1912” The left side of the receiver is marked, “D. 5719 / WAFFENFABRIK STEYR AUSTRIA” All serialized parts are matching save for the firing pin housing, safety tab, and cleaning rod. There are various small proofs throughout. There is an import mark on the barrel.
Barrel Length: 29”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall triangular post set into a serrated base. The rear sight is a V-notch on a sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood stock with a muzzle cap w/ bayonet lug & cleaning rod, parade sling hook, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, semi-pistol grip w/ QD sling bar, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are no r cracks. But there are some minor chips. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good to Excellent overall condition as a C&R.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at a 9.5/10.
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 92% of its metal finish. There is a layer of dried oil on the receiver and rear sight. There is light thinning, scratches, and small rust spots on the barrel and barrel bands. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as C&R.
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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Chilean Steyr Model 1912 Mauser, chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, is a bolt-action rifle that highlights Chile’s continued reliance on the Mauser design for its military forces. Manufactured by the Austrian arms company Steyr, this rifle was part of Chile’s effort to modernize its military during the early 20th century. The Model 1912 is often regarded as one of the finest Mauser rifles produced during this era, combining the robust and reliable Mauser 98 action with Steyr’s renowned craftsmanship. At the core of the Model 1912 is the Mauser 98 action, a highly respected bolt-action system that set the standard for military rifles worldwide. The controlled-feed mechanism, featuring a large claw extractor, ensured that the rifle could reliably chamber and extract rounds under harsh conditions. The action’s dual front locking lugs provided a strong lock-up, capable of safely handling the pressures generated by the 7x57mm Mauser cartridge. This cartridge was a popular choice in Latin America, known for its excellent ballistics, including a flat trajectory, good accuracy, and manageable recoil. It was effective for both military engagements and hunting. The Chilean Model 1912 was built with a high level of craftsmanship, typical of Steyr’s manufacturing standards. The rifle featured a 29-inch barrel, designed to maximize the ballistic performance of the 7x57mm round, offering excellent accuracy and range. The hardwood stock, typically made from walnut, was robust and well-finished, providing a durable and stable platform for shooting. The rifle’s overall design emphasized reliability and longevity, essential qualities for military service in the varied terrain of Chile. The Model 1912 was adopted by the Chilean military during a period of modernization and remained in service for many years, reflecting the durability and effectiveness of the design. Chile had previously relied on earlier Mauser models, such as the Model 1895, and the adoption of the Model 1912 demonstrated the country’s continued trust in the Mauser system. This rifle played a significant role in equipping Chilean forces, both for defense and for maintaining internal order. Historically, the Chilean Steyr Model 1912 served in a period of relative stability in Chile, where the military was focused on modernization rather than large-scale conflict. The rifle’s robust design, combined with the effective 7x57mm cartridge, ensured that it remained a reliable tool for Chilean soldiers in a variety of roles. Over time, many of these rifles were well-maintained and some were even converted to different calibers as military needs evolved.
Overall, the Chilean Steyr Model 1912 Mauser in 7x57mm is a highly regarded bolt-action rifle that showcases the quality and reliability of the Mauser 98 action combined with Steyr’s expert craftsmanship. Built for the Chilean military, this rifle offered excellent performance in terms of accuracy, durability, and firepower. Its historical significance lies in its role in the modernization of Chile’s armed forces and its long-lasting service life, making it a notable example of early 20th-century military rifle design. -R.E.
