Steyr M1912 Mauser

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	Weapon: Steyr M1912 Mauser Type: Infantry Rifle Country of Origin: Austria-Hungary Year Adopted: 1912 Caliber: 7.92x57mm Action: Bolt-Action Overall Length (mm): 1060.0 Weight (kg): 4.00 Effective Range (m): 400

The Steyr M1912, often referred to as the "Steyr Mauser," is a bolt-action rifle developed in Austria-Hungary based on the German Gewehr 98 Mauser action. Chambered for the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge, it features a robust design with a five-round internal magazine and a standard Mauser rotating bolt. The rifle was designed to provide reliability and precision for military use, incorporating elements of proven Mauser mechanics to meet the demands of early 20th-century warfare.

Produced by Steyr Mannlicher from 1912 onwards, the rifle saw widespread use during World War I as a substitute standard infantry rifle of Austro-Hungarian forces, designated the M.14, but was principally produced for export. Approximately 300,000 units were manufactured during its production run, with some variations made to meet the needs of specific military units. After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Steyr M1912 remained in service with successor states, including Czechoslovakia where it served as the basis for the more famous Vz. 24, with some models ending up in Yugoslavia where they were brought up to the M24 standard in the Yugo army. Many rifles were exported to South America, where they were adopted by Chile and Colombia.

The Steyr M1912 Mauser rifle is historically significant as a widely exported and used Mauser pattern rifle, reflecting the standardization of militaries around Mauser rifles and other German designs during the interwar period. While overshadowed by the German Gewehr 98 in terms of international recognition, it is remembered for its solid engineering and contribution to the war effort. In Chile, many surviving rifles were converted to 7.62 NATO in the 1960's, extending the service live of the rifle even further. Today, surviving examples are sought after by collectors and featured in museums, preserving the legacy of a rifle that played a crucial role in the Austro-Hungarian military's arsenal.