Uruguayan Mauser Model 1908 Bolt Action Rifle In 7x57mm, 1910 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,061.63
WOA#: WY240603KN004
Make: Deutsche Waffen-Und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), Berlin Germany
Model: 1908
Serial Number: 3376
Year of Manufacture: 1910
Caliber: 7x57mm Mauser
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “1910” with a Uruguayan crest. The left side is marked, “3376 / Deutsche Waffen-Und Munitionsfabriken, Berlin” The bolt parts are all matched to “6176” The stock is marked, “1826” The bottom metal is marked, “3376” There are various proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 29”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post set atop a serrated ramped base. The rear sight is a V-notched sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug & hole for cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are light pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP is 13” Overall this stock set rates at a Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 5/10 as a C&R.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The bolt, receiver, and barrel bands have patina. There are light pitting marks throughout. The barrel has finish loss. There are scratches and nicks throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions mostly 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 Uruguayan Mauser Model 1908 is a bolt-action rifle that holds a significant place in the history of South American military firearms. Produced by the renowned German arms manufacturer DWM (Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken), the Model 1908 was part of a broader trend in which many South American countries adopted Mauser rifles for their military forces. Uruguay, seeking to modernize its army, chose the Model 1908 for its reliability, accuracy, and robust construction. Chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, a popular cartridge at the time for both military and sporting use, the Model 1908 offered a good balance of power and recoil. The 7x57mm round was well-regarded for its flat trajectory and effectiveness at various ranges, making it suitable for the varied terrains found in Uruguay. The Uruguayan Mauser Model 1908 features a straight bolt handle, a five-round internal magazine, and a full-length wooden stock. The rifle is equipped with a simple yet effective iron sight system, calibrated for distances up to 2,000 meters, although practical effective ranges were typically much shorter. The Model 1908 served the Uruguayan military for many years and was likely used in various roles, from standard infantry service to training purposes. Over time, as military technology advanced and semi-automatic and automatic firearms became the norm, the Model 1908 was gradually phased out of front-line service. However, its legacy continued as these rifles were often passed down to civilian use or sold as surplus.
Today, the Uruguayan Mauser Model 1908 is a sought-after collector’s item, prized for its craftsmanship, historical significance, and connection to the broader history of Mauser rifles in South America. Its design reflects the quality and innovation that Mauser brought to the firearms industry, making it a notable piece of military history. -R.E.
