Mauser Model 1908

The Mauser Model 1908 were series of Gewehr 98 pattern bolt-action rifles. First produced by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) and Mauser, they were exported to Uruguay and Brazil. In this latter country, Brazilian War Material Industry produced upgraded versions until the rifle was replaced by the FN FAL.
Design.
Model 1908.
The Model 1908 rifle was a copy of the Mauser Gewehr 98, chambered in 7×57mm Mauser and with a simple tangent-leaf sight and a longer upper hand-guard. A variant was also shortened to a -short rifle configuration.
Models 1935 and 08/34.
The 7mm Mauser-made Model 1935 rifle was similar to the Model 1908 but featured grasping grooves. A short rifle variant also existed. Not to be confused with the Czech-made Model 1908/34 police carbine (Vz. 12/33), the Model 1908/34 short rifle was an upgraded version of the Model 1908 using local wood.
Later variants.
The Mosquetão Itajubá M1949 was a 08/34 short rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield. The Mosquetão Itajubá M954 was a variant fitted with a threaded muzzle, that enabled the use of a flash suppressor or of a grenade launcher. Its buttplate was inspired by the one of the Gewehr 43 (a copy of which was manufactured under the same designation).
The Mosquetão 7,62mm Modelo 968 or M968 was one of the last Mauser service rifles produced. This rifle fired the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge, a grenade launcher was fixed to its barrel and its stock was reinforced with rubber. These features were also used on the FN FAL, hence the "Mosquefal" nickname.
History and service.
Large numbers of Model 1908 rifles and short rifles was purchased between 1908 and 1914. While DWM was the main manufacturer, Mauser produced 100,000 Model 1908 with "DWM Obendorf" stamps. Some Mauser 1908 saw combat during the Contestado War. Later, Model 1935 rifles and short rifles were purchased in unknown quantities from Mauser. They were fielded against the Cangaço bandits. To improve the country's independence from foreign suppliers, the Model 08/34 was produced in Itajuba.
Uruguay received DWM-made Model 1908 rifles and short rifles before 1914 and used them into the 1950s. Several "Mystery Mausers", similar to the Model 1908 but chambered in 7.92×57mm Mauser, can be found with Arabic markings or an hexagram.
In the early 1950s, surplus Brazilian 1908 rifles and short rifles were exported to the Dominican Republic. The Brazilian markings were replaced by Dominican markings and the rifles were designated Model 1953. During the US intervention in the Dominican Civil War, these Mauser rifles were found to be very effective since they had longer range than the M16 rifle.
Post-war, Itajuba plant produced the M1949 and M954 short rifles for the Brazilian armed forces. During the Araguaia Guerrilla War, the rebels were able to acquire 7.62 Mausers from the state police of Pará. The M968 was produced for the Brazilian police.