Brazilian Mauser M954

leadcounsel · January 22, 2010, 11:03 PM

Wondering about the history and value of this Mauser. I know of one for sale for $250. Anyone have any experience.

I read some about it, but would like to know more...

http://www.carbinesforcollectors.com/1brazil.html

PetahW · January 23, 2010, 09:39 AM

I wouldn't buy one, for the reason(s) highlighted below - straight from the horse's mouth.

"In 1953, Brazil developed a .30-06 semi-auto rifle which was the Mq S/Auto .30 M954.

They also began producing a new Mauser variant known as the Mauser Mq .30 M954 in .30-06.
This used reworked 1908 receivers, had a stamped cup shaped Mauser 98k type butt plate with a trap for a cleaning kit in it, an extra reinforcing bolt in the stock and the barrel was threaded for a muzzle break.

It is reported that at least some of these have brittle receivers as in the case of the low numbered M1903 Springfields.

The original 1908 receivers were made on the soft side with a high grade steel of the period.
Rockwell hardness could range as low as c10-c14.
Over years of hard use they tended to stretch, as headspace grew beyond tolerance and they became unserviceable, but they did not shatter.

The ordnance people felt that the .30M2 cartridge pressure curve was too much for these actions to maintain headspace within specification for a reasonable period in issue.
They decided to reheat-treat them before rebuild and this made some, at least, overly hard and brittle."

.

Dfariswheel · January 23, 2010, 08:26 PM

Brazil also manufactured new complete rifles at Itajuba and these rifles are so stamped on the left receiver wall.

Quality was much lower than the fantastic quality rifles made in Germany by DWM, but they were quite serviceable, and make good shooters.

Whether its a good buy at $250 depends entirely on the condition.
Things to look for are matching serial numbers on the barrel, receiver, bolt, and other parts.
Also, barrel condition is important.

January 22, 2010, 11:03 PM	#1
leadcounsel Junior member Join Date: September 8, 2005 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 2,119	Brazilian Mauser M954 Wondering about the history and value of this Mauser. I know of one for sale for $250. Anyone have any experience. I read some about it, but would like to know more... http://www.carbinesforcollectors.com/1brazil.html

January 23, 2010, 09:39 AM	#2
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	I wouldn't buy one, for the reason(s) highlighted below - straight from the horse's mouth. "In 1953, Brazil developed a .30-06 semi-auto rifle which was the Mq S/Auto .30 M954. They also began producing a new Mauser variant known as the Mauser Mq .30 M954 in .30-06. This used reworked 1908 receivers, had a stamped cup shaped Mauser 98k type butt plate with a trap for a cleaning kit in it, an extra reinforcing bolt in the stock and the barrel was threaded for a muzzle break. It is reported that at least some of these have brittle receivers as in the case of the low numbered M1903 Springfields. The original 1908 receivers were made on the soft side with a high grade steel of the period. Rockwell hardness could range as low as c10-c14. Over years of hard use they tended to stretch, as headspace grew beyond tolerance and they became unserviceable, but they did not shatter. The ordnance people felt that the .30M2 cartridge pressure curve was too much for these actions to maintain headspace within specification for a reasonable period in issue. They decided to reheat-treat them before rebuild and this made some, at least, overly hard and brittle." .

January 23, 2010, 08:26 PM	#3
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Brazil also manufactured new complete rifles at Itajuba and these rifles are so stamped on the left receiver wall. Quality was much lower than the fantastic quality rifles made in Germany by DWM, but they were quite serviceable, and make good shooters. Whether its a good buy at $250 depends entirely on the condition. Things to look for are matching serial numbers on the barrel, receiver, bolt, and other parts. Also, barrel condition is important.