Its action is pure M1893, which to refresh your memory, is a 'small ring' Mauser design that cocks on closing (which I prefer to the later, stronger 98 action which cocked on opening). Originally chambered in the hot-for-its-day 7x57mm Mauser cartridge, the M1893 wasn't the strongest bolt action on the block, but it didn't really need to be. I've blogged about two Spanish Mausers before:, and the Think of the M1916 as the M1893's little brother, so to speak. So why bother owning one, let alone writing about it? Simple: this rifle has character, longevity, and yes, an interesting history in its own right. Actually, as far as bolt action Mauser pattern rifles go, it’s pretty Plain Jane. It didn’t boast amazing fit and finish or exceptional accuracy. It didn’t fire a shot in World War I, or World War II (as Spain was neutral in both conflicts), and to my knowledge, there aren’t any cool stories about its use in combat. The M1916 Mauser wasn’t a revolutionary rifle, and it’s not a very valuable or sought-after collector piece today. Our subject today is a Spanish workhorse, an example of a firearm that started with a then-remarkable 19th century design, and ended up as a.well, 19th century design. Alas for Spain's firearms industry: today, it is but a pale shadow of its formal self. But once upon a time.

Yes, a mere quarter century ago, Spain was a major player in the industry.

Smaller companies () made high end, double barrel shotguns that were works of art. Firms like Astra, Star, and Llama produced interesting, affordable, and reliable firearms that were exported around the world. The serial number is found on the.Įven during the dark years of the Franco dictatorship, Spain developed the excellent the CETME rifle, which influenced other countries firearms designs. The bottom line tells us that the pistol is made under patents that the Mauser firm holds. Some good info on the Spanish Mausers here: Also, you can check the serial number against the ranges on this site to see which version you have. If it is a Model 1916, it is a Mauser Model 1893 rifle manufactured for the Spanish army at the Oviedo armory. Spanish Mauser 308? All matching serial numbers. Over the years, the sword gave way to the firearm, and Spain continued its tradition of fine weaponry. Indeed, an especially hard, durable type of steel produced in Spain for bladed weapons became known as Toledo Steel. Since pre-Roman times, the Iberian peninsula has been known for its production of high quality steel swords. Spain’s history with weapons manufacture is a long one. 1916 Spanish Mauser Serial Numbers Rating: 4,8/5 3894votes

1916 spanish mauser serial numbers