Mauser ES340b & Argentine 1891

[pitfighter]

I wanted a .22 Mauser for my daughter to shoot -
I found one and lo and behold, it came with a second rifle.

The .22lr is an ES340b model, made around 1934. according to Speed's book 'Small-bore Mausers'. ES stands for 'einzelschuss - single shot'
The so-called BUG/459 marks are the proof stamps from the Oberndorf-am-Neckar proofhouse where Mausers were and are built. The little letter you see between Oberndord and Neckar is 'a' - the abbreviation for 'am' - on. The Neckar is the river that runs through Oberndorf, and was the early power source for many industries there.

The DRGM is a stamp applied to most, if not all, German-made items between the beginning of the 20th century and the outbreak of WW2. They simply mean - Deutsches Reichs Gebrauchsmuster - 'German Kingdom [sic] registered pattern'. DRP means Deutsches Reichs Patente - patented pattern.
The bore on this little .22 is beautiful - it is all matching, including bolt and small parts. The barrel is almost bull heavy. It is missing it's sight hood.









The 1891 Argentine Carbine, is in it's original 7.65X53mm caliber, and fairly used - some old wood repairs.
Receiver marked "Mauser Modelo Argentino 1891, Manufactura Loewe Berlin" with Argentine Crest.



The crest is worn but not scrubbed - the rifle is matching - the bolt has a different number on it, but is marked with the Argentine "shaking hands" symbol.
Argentine rifle rear sight was graduated to 1900 meters, the Engineer's or Cavalry carbine is only graduated to 1400 meters - as this one is - funny little sight, like a miniature one.



However - it seems to be missing bayonet lugs on the front two barrel bands and also missing the proper #20 solid copper wire that is supposed to hold the top hand guard on - so not really sure what it is.



I've not had one of these before, but the action seems absolutely delightful. And other than some nice wear, it is great condition - whether I keep it or not is not determined yet - it is not in my collecting wheelhouse. Thought I would share some pics.

[ccmano]

The Argentine 1891 Carbine is a Calvary carbine, hence no bayonet lug and front sling loop on the side. Some were later converted into Engineers carbines, with bayonet lugs and bottom sling swivels. As a Loewe produced carbine it's a true antique and not subject to FFL or C&R.

I have had several and currently have 2. They are great to shoot and reasonably accurate. The 7.65x53 argentine (indentical to Belgian) cartridge is readily available and reloadable.

Have fun with both.
H

[pitfighter]

Thanks CCmano,

That is good to know, a Cavalry, not an Engineer - it came with ammo, so I'll try it out

I am very pleased with the Mauser ES340b .22 though.

[knucklehead0202]

Well since you didn't really bargain for that second rifle I'd be glad to take it off your hands . The '91 actions are super smooth and slick, and the triggers are pretty nice too. In all seriousness though, if you end up selling it I'd love to throw my hat in the ring, been daydreaming about getting a 91 argentine again. I had 2 but both were sporters and my collection started merging toward original a while back. Most that I've seen were matching numbers so the bolt mismatch is different, but not a big deal really, especially since the crest is intact. Nice score!

[pitfighter]

Knucklehead - also looks like the wood is a mismatch-

[Emdawg]

Pit- does the magazine match?

The little knob/screw in front of the magazine is something that was introduced with the DWM carbines, so the floorplate is mis-matching, if it is a Loewe.

[Tarasdad]

Love to have that '91 in my collection!

[knucklehead0202]

Knucklehead - also looks like the wood is a mismatch-

Weird but wouldn't put me off. I'm a shooter first and collector 2nd. I've got some very nice, matching examples of rifles, and some patchwork-quilt rifles but they all shoot, better than I do for that matter. Emdawg's right, the 2 91's I had were both Loewe's and didn't have that screw thingie on the front of the mag. Again, no big deal but may suggest that it was rearsenaled at one time. How's the bore look?

[pitfighter]

Yes, ref the 1891 Cav - you're both correct! - Underneath mag, it is marked C 5437
Receiver and barrel A 3357
Bolt - B 0943
A re-arsenaled mix-master.

I am glad the Mauser .22 is all matching.

There is a 91 Argentine Carbine on Gb for $180 - nicer ones up to $900 - but a fair spread in between those prices.

[Emdawg]

Don't worry about the mixed parts. The carbines were well-used and so when they were re-arsenaled, they just slapped parts together. I have an all-matching 1909 Engineer's carbine that went through some tough jungle.


The whole reason, to my knowledge, is that the carbines were issued to cavalry, police and engineers. These units actually saw action against rebels, bandits and Native insurgents. The 1880's right up to WWI was a relatively peaceful time for South America (such as Chile and Argentina) and so the armies were never called to fight and hence the infantry rifles are almost always in perfect unissued condition. These units that had to deal with domestic threats and had to hump mountains and forest all day and so they preferred the nice little carbine to the heafty rifle.

Yes, ref the 1891 Cav - you're both correct! - Underneath mag, it is marked C 5437
Receiver and barrel A 3357
Bolt - B 0943
A re-arsenaled mix-master.

I am glad the Mauser .22 is all matching.

There is a 91 Argentine Carbine on Gb for $180 - nicer ones up to $900 - but a fair spread in between those prices.

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

I have the twin of your Mauser 22. It is a fine shooter.
Mine was liberated during WW II and brought back to the states by a family member. One of a very few truly cherished rifles in my meeger collection.

[Saigon1965]

Pit - My former Romanian Cugir trainer looks very similar to your .22 Mauser trainer - Cool gun -

[knucklehead0202]

police used those damned carbines all-way up to the 80s in argentina. strange place down there, but kinda awesome when you think about it.

[pitfighter]

Yes - a nice .22 Mauser (or Erma) trainer is something I have been looking for, for a while.
I was hoping for the k98 trainer with the full stock, I liked the way it matched the rest of my collection - but, this one presented itself first.

Here is a catalogue from the 1930's - http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=414215975

So, I compromised a little, but it is a really nicely made piece and should shoot straight. The single shot status doesn't bother my daughter, she actually prefers hand loading it each time, she is all about accuracy - so this is perfect.
She was ambivalent to the MP5 or Ar .22s I showed her, but this one seemed to get a good reaction, so done deal!
Price-wise beautiful ones $800 (no bids) and down to $200 for no finish, no bore, no reserve

I have found another G41(w) - if I buy it - I will not be buying much else for a while.

Saigon - that rifle looks identical to mine :0

Dr. Darrin - when I started researching these training rifles, it appears MANY are genuine VET bring backs, no idea on mine, no import marks, but that could just put it as pre-1968.
Great that you have something from his time in Europe - cherish the item and explain the significance to your children.

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

My grandchildren have enjoyed shooting it as do I. That German quality is hard to beat.