Brazilian Mauser Model 1935

By the 1930s, Brazil has been a long-time user of Mauser rifles starting with the Brazilian 1894 and then upgrading to the Model 1908. It seems Brazil had developed a respect for the Mauser rifle that by the 1930s, four decades later, they still wanted to purchase rifles using the same action. In the mid-1930s, the Mauser company in Oberndorf Germany had come out with it's commercial Model 1935 short rifle. Brazil purchased 7,000 long rifles very similar to their 1908 rifles and 1,000 short rifles in the new Model 1935 short rifle pattern. The Model 1935 short rifle was a short-lived design as foreign sales were interrupted by the start of World War 2 just a few years later. Nonetheless, they are an excellent pattern that is not common in the collector market.

The Brazilian 1935 should not be confused with the Chilean or Peruvian 1935 rifles, though it is almost identical to the Chilean 1935 with a few key differences. The Brazilian 1935 retains the underslung mounting positions and features a stock cutout under the bolt handle (similar to a K98k) that keeps the bolt handle from sticking out as far as on the Chilean 1935.

Weighing 8 pounds and 6 ounces with an barrel length of about 22 inches, the Brazilian 1935 short rifles should be considered as a completely different rifle than the 1935 long rifles Brazil ordered as well.

The Brazilian 1935s feature the same large (and gorgeous) crest on top of the receiver ring as the 1908 rifles. The 1935 rifle receivers were blued, however, as the 1908 receivers were left "in the white".

On top of the receiver bridge is a simple Mauser logo, as featured on other rifles made by Mauser in the same time period. Notice the bolt was left "in the white".

On the left side of the receiver are the manufacturers markings, "MAUSER-WERKE A.G. OBERNDORF A/N".

On the right side of the receiver ring is the Model designation, "MOD. 1935".

Two quick-detach sling attachment points can be found on the bottom and left side of the stock, letting the end user decide the method of carry for the rifle.

A rather deep finger groove was added to the Brazilian 1935s, a feature missing on the Chilean 1935 rifles.

The front of the 1935 short rifle has quite a few features. There are 3 sling attachment points including a hook for carrying the sling in the "parade" position, similarly to a Gewehr 98. A bayonet lug, cleaning rod, and protective front sight similar to the K31 also occupy the front of the rifle.

The Model 1935 front site borrows heavily from Swiss rifles, including the ingenious use of a diagonal dovetail for the front sight. This way, minute changes in windage can be accomplished without overtravel.

If you'd like to learn more check out the Milsurp World video on Brazilian 1935.