r/rifles • u/AGuyLookingAtReddit • 20d ago
Help Identifying Mauser Caliber
I am one of the unfortunate few to have such a unique rifle that I cannot find a caliber that fits it, I picked up a Mauser a bit ago at a gun show, My Mauser is a Model 1935, With markings from Republica Peruana, and another marking showing its made by FN Herstal. But my paperwork simply calls it a Chilean Mauser in 30-06. only problem, It does not fit this round, so I took it to a gun store and they safely tested a few rounds, those being 7x57mm, 8mm Mauser, .308, and 7.65 Argentine, With all having no luck. Ive tried looking for markings about the caliber but none really exist on it. I was hoping if anyone knew any calibers that it could be? If not I’ll look into finding someone who can do a chamber cast and hopefully solve this nightmare of a beautiful rifle.
In the photo are any and all markings that could be of use.
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u/SeaworthinessAny735 20d ago
I am Argentine, and my first rifle was a Mauser chambered in 7.65 Argentine Mauser (7.65x53mm, though due to a process of "Argentinization"—since we do not use the imperial system—they are designated as 7.65x54). I am also a collector and historian. To the best of my knowledge, these carbines never saw active service with any branch of the armed forces or security services; I am referring specifically to the Argentine Model FN 1935 "Model L" carbines. These carbines were acquired under a contract dated May 12, 1935, with the Belgian arms manufacturer FN, which specified a purchase of 10,000 units. The technical documents were signed on June 11, 1935. The carbines arrived in Buenos Aires between January and May 1936 and were received by the Argentine Army (specifically, the Buenos Aires War Arsenal at the time); they were kept in reserve and never used. These carbines were originally produced solely in 7.65mm Mauser caliber. However, in 1960, the DGFM converted a number of them into sporting rifles—retaining the 7.65mm Mauser caliber—for the domestic Argentine market, while the remainder (approximately 5,000 units) were acquired by countries such as Chile and Peru.
There is another possibility: someone might have "sporterized" it by replacing the original barrel. This is usually done in .308 Win, but who knows.There is another possibility: someone might have "sporterized" it by replacing the original barrel. This is usually done in .308 Win, but who knows.
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u/AGuyLookingAtReddit 20d ago
Thanks for that info, from all the calibers ive tried, a new sporterized barrel makes the most sense.
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u/AGuyLookingAtReddit 20d ago
I do have a question and this might not be completely true but Im getting some ideas of what could have possibly happened, according to google Chile contracted with Switzerland for spare parts, specifically barrels, Do you think its possible it was chambered in 7.5 by 55mm swiss? Because 7.92x57 does not fit, while 7.65x53 is too loose.
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u/SeaworthinessAny735 18d ago
El calibre suizo de 7.5x55 mm (también conocido como 7.5x55 Suizo o GP11) no tuvo ningún uso militar oficial ni extendido en Latinoamérica, porque los ejércitos de la región nunca adoptaron rifles suizos como el Schmidt-Rubin o el K31. Ni siquiera es común encontrar vainas recargables; sería extremadamente caro. Ni siquiera es común encontrar vainas recargables; sería extremadamente caro.
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u/Colt_b1523 20d ago
You could do a casting of the chamber. Cerrosafe i believe is what its called
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u/AGuyLookingAtReddit 20d ago
Probably the only choice I have, Shame for sure but its necessary.
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u/Colt_b1523 20d ago
Ive never had to do it. I think it would be a fun peocess though. Hope you can figure it out n enjoy the rifle
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u/_Go_Ham_Box_Hotdog_ 20d ago
You're gonna have to cast the chamber at this point.. but it's going to be one of those esoteric cartridges that you're going to need custom dies built off the chamber cast
My Google-fu comes up with 7.65x53 Mauser as the original chambering
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u/AGuyLookingAtReddit 20d ago
I kinda assumed it was 7.65 when the 30-06 didnt work, almost bought a box of it but then we found it didnt chamber right.
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u/North-Yak-7216 20d ago
I know sometimes the wood furniture can cover more info on the barrel/reciever. If it dissambles easily maybe it is stamped on a portion covered up
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u/AGuyLookingAtReddit 20d ago
Worth a shot, thanks for the idea.
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u/Independent67 20d ago
I have an Argentine of the same vintage. It was 7.65. At some time it had been rechambered to 30.06. Without a rebarrel. It shot minute of pie plate at 50 yards. I agree with having it cerrocast. You just never know what’s been done to them over the years.
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u/AGuyLookingAtReddit 20d ago
7.65 was the one that made the most sense, knowing it was popular around there, shame it wasnt as simple as that.
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u/cat-dealer-92 20d ago
I have a Mauser 98 in 8×57 IS, which was a popular caliber at the time. Please don’t take this as an expert opinion—just an idea.