CLASSIC GUNS
Model 1909 Argentine Mauser
To many collectors, this superbly made bolt-action military rifle represents the crown jewel of all Model 98 variants.
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At the time I had no clue that there was any difference in status between that pristine Model 1909 Argentine Mauser still in cosmoline and any other garden-variety surplus rifle. Yes, I knew what Mausers were, but I couldn't have discussed the differences among them. All I knew was that I wanted that rifle and was willing to put down the 40 silver dollars it took to walk away with it. I used silver dollars for all gun purchases during that era, and 40 of them was a healthy price for a surplus Mauser. In fact, it was more than the rifle was probably worth on the market at that time, but the Mauser was in considerably better condition than most surplus rifles available during those years. Fortunately, the purchase also included a bag of corrosive military ammo. About half of the cartridges failed to fire despite fairly deep firing-pin indentations on the primer. But somehow that didn't really matter. The rifle shot well, looked great and functioned like a Swiss watch.
Although I've shot the 1909 Argentine extensively through the years, it's been used for nothing more exotic than putting holes in paper or busting dirt clods--but what a dream to shoot. It would be many years before I realized just what a great rifle I had purchased that fateful day.
Because 7.65 Argentine ammo was generally unavailable at the time, I was forced to begin reloading centerfire rifle ammo, which was a blessing in disguise. It made me understand how firearms work in much more detail than I would've bothered to learn under other circumstances.
It wasn't long before I took simple reloading of Norma cases to another level. I purchased a form/trim die from RCBS and began converting .30-06 cases into 7.65x53mm brass--something that I continue to do to this day.
As full-length Model 1909 Argentine Mausers go, this particular specimen is typical of those imported during the 1950s, complete with the Argentine crest ground off the top of the receiver ring. Since then there have been many Argentines released with the crest intact. To me this has no particular meaning since I bought the rifle as a shooter, and it has exceeded all expectations in that department.
Accuracy? On a good day with the open military sights I can put five shots into about a 11?4-inch cluster at 100 yards. There is no way I can suggest precisely how accurate this rifle is because I've never scoped it. However, for me this rifle is about much more than accuracy. It is an entire package.
Fit and finish of the metal parts are beyond mere imagination. Few custom rifles these days are better finished, both internally and externally. In fact, the 1909 Argentine action became one of the favorites of custom riflemakers for decades. This was because it was not only extremely strong but also dimensionally correct and consistent. Some of the finest custom rifles made have 1909 actions at their core.
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