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Mauser–Vergueiro

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Mauser-Vergueiro Rifle
File:Mauser-Vergueiro.jpg
Mauser-Vergueiro m/1904/39
TypeBolt-action rifle
Place of originPortugal Kingdom of Portugal
Service history
In service1904–1939
Used byPortugal,
Brazil,
Union of South Africa,
German East Africa
WarsWorld War I
Production history
DesignerJosé A. Vergueiro
Designed1904
Produced1904–1945
VariantsRifle m/1904, Carbine m/1904 and Rifle m/1904/39
Specifications
Mass3.9 kg (Rifles m/1904 and m/1904/39)
3.6 kg (Carbine m/1904)
Length1,110 mm (Rifles m/1904 and m/1904/39)
1100 mm (Carbine m/1904)
Barrel length600 mm (23.6 in)

Cartridge6.5×58mm Vergueiro (Rifle and Carbine m/1904)
7×57mm Mauser (Rifle m/1904, export model)
7.92×57mm Mauser (Rifle m/1904/39)
ActionBolt action
Muzzle velocity715 m/s (2,346 ft/s)
Feed system5-round stripper clip, internal magazine
SightsIron sights adjustable out to 2000 meters

Mauser-Vergueiro was a bolt action rifle, designed in 1904 by José A. Vergueiro, an infantry officer of the Portuguese Army. It was developed from the Mauser 98 rifle with the introduction of a new bolt system derived from the Mannlicher-Schönauer. Outside Portugal, the weapon was also known as the Portuguese Mauser. It used the 6.5x58mm Vergueiro, a cartridge developed specially for it.

The weapon replaced the Kropatschek m/1886 as the standard infantry rifle of the Portuguese Army in 1904, remaining in service until it was replaced by the Mauser 98k in 1939. In Portuguese service the weapon was officially designated Espingarda 6,5 mm m/1904 ("Rifle 6.5mm m/1904"). A lighter and shorter version of the weapon was classified as a carbine and designated Carabina 6,5 mm m/1904 ("Carbine 6.5mm m/1904"). The Mauser-Vergueiro was also in the service of Brazil's Federal Police (chambered in 7×57mm Mauser), and South Africa (acquired from the Portuguese).

In Portuguese and South African service it was used in combat in the First World War and in several colonial campaigns. The German colonial troops in East Africa also used Mauser-Vergueiro rifles, captured from the allied forces in combat. The Portuguese Expeditionary Corps on the Western Front used British weapons and equipment for logistical reasons, and so did not use the Vergueiro.

In 1939, after the Portuguese Army had adopted the 7.92×57mm Mauser 98k as the m/937, many of the remaining Mauser-Vergueiro rifles were modified to chamber the new standard cartridge. The modified rifles were called Espingarda 8 mm m/1904/39. Markings on the modified rifles remained unchanged with the exception of the caliber designation "6,5" being stamped over on some rifles with two "X" marks. This was apparently done by individual Portuguese armorers rather than as standard practice.