The country of Brazil first issued a contract for Mauser-style rifles with Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) in Germany in 1908. Another contract was later given to Mauser some years later. The Model 1908 rifle was nearly a direct copy of the German Gewehr 98 rifle. However, the Brazilian 1908 featured a more "modern" tangent-style rear sight as opposed to the large "ski slope" sights found on the Gewehr 98.
Following Germany's adoption of the Karabiner 98K in the early 1930's, the South American country once again sought to emulate the arms of its European ally, and shortened the Model 1908 from its original barrel length of 29" to a more manageable 22". In addition to shortening the barrel, Brazil's new arm, now known as the 1908/34 also featured a modernized turn down bolt handle, shortened stock, and re-designed nose cap; all features borrowed directly from the K98K
With Germany's commercial contracts limited by the countries' own efforts to re-arm itself in preparation for WWII, Brazil contracted with Czechoslovakian Arms manufacturer CZ to produce the 1908/34. A total of over 100,000 M1908/34 rifles were produced by CZ, along with a small number of guns produced domestically in the city of Itajuba during an effort to reduce the countries reliance on foreign suppliers.
The 1908/34 saw service against the Cangaco Bandits in the late 1940's; and a number were later exported to the Dominican Republic in the 1950's, where they used during the Dominican Civil War. They were largely well-received among Dominican troops, who found them to have a longer effective range that the US-supplied M16 rifle.
This particular M1907/34 was made under contract by CZ, and the receiver is marked "Ceskoslovenska Zbrojovka". It is in excellent condition and features a very crisp and legible Brazilian Crest on the top of the receiver. It is all correct and original It features a beautiful stock with no damage and beautifully crisp edges; indicating that it has never been sanded or refinished.
The M1908/34 was reportedly robust and and well made, and this gun is no exemption. The action of the bolt is smooth and crisp with no visible wear or damage to the lugs.
The magazine is intact and functional; with a crisp magazine spring.
The bluing is excellent with much of the original finishing turning "plum" with age.
The barrel is chambered in 7×57mm Mauser and is full length. The bore is a bit dark but with strong rifling and no major rust or pitting.
*This weapon was made after 1899 and MUST be shipped to Federal Firearms License holder for transfer. Never bought a gun through an FFL before? Simply add the weapon to "your cart" and checkout as normal. Upon completing the checkout, call your favorite local gun shop and have them send a copy of the Federal Firearms License to:
[email protected]. We'll ship the gun to your FFL as soon as we receive their license copy. Still have questions? Give us a call at (262) 473-5444 and we'd be glad to walk you through this simple process.
