TURKISH MAUSER 1893/38
In the 1930s, Republican Turkey launched a program to modernize its arsenal of small arms. With the First World War over, the Turks found themselves with a set of different weapons and varying calibers. This modernization will therefore aim to standardize weapons and calibers as much as possible (as the French did with the transition to 7.5 caliber of totally obsolete weapons, in a different context).
Turkey therefore finds itself with weapons in calibers 9.5x60R , 7.65x53 , 7.92x57, .303, .577 and others.
The goal is to have the same cartridge between all these rifles. Too old models will be put aside like the Ottoman Mauser 1887 (intrinsically incompatible PSF).
That leaves the old Ottoman Mausers chambered in 7.65x53 as well as the Enfields.
Our model is therefore an in-depth modification of an old Ottoman Mauser 1893. Its "38" modifications are substantially the same as those undergone on the 1903/38 and 1890/38.
The case will be ground on its thunder to remove the tugrah (seal) of Caliph Abdülhamid 2 which will be replaced by the marking: TC ASFA ANKARA means Turkiye Cumhuriyeti (republic of Turkey), Askari fabrika (military factory) of Ankara as our weapon presented as well as an early marking of the same factory but of a different style. The rear of the thunder will be hollowed out to be able to correctly load a new ammunition of 7.92x57 (8x57IS). The barrel is therefore changed to an 8mm. The front of the thunder will also be modified to remove the original handguard support so that the handguards are interchangeable between the different 1903/38 , 1890/38 and our 1893/38 . By the way, it is likely that Turkish Enfields and modified Henry martinis are also compatible.
Unlike the original model, the cut off (loader blocker) is removed and the side part of the case which received the selector is milled. This change will aim to standardize all rifles to the "38" standard. As a result, the stock will also be replaced in order to cover this modification.
Note in passing the breech ejector which has remained in its original configuration (it goes up to the level of the magazine blade well). However, it seems that some of these 1893/38 have kept this cut off. We can sometimes come across these modified weapons with the button in place.
The new buttstock of our Model 1893/38 features a striker disassembly eyelet to facilitate disassembly of the bolt on the battlefield. This addition is ubiquitous on modified "38" rifles as well as the new original 1938 models. On our model there is a brass ring inside the eyelet which must probably have been designed so as not to damage the bearing surfaces of the firing pin during the disassembly of the latter. This addition seems to be a Turkish peculiarity and is also present on some old "38" modified Ottoman models as well as on the 38 model . Under the thunder, a recoil stop crossing the mount right through and resting under the receiver is added. These additions will equip almost all Mauser rifles until 1945. On the photo on the right we can observe the typical domed magazine end plate of the 1893 model which will be kept on our modified rifle. Our new stock also has a more pronounced grip than the original model. The new handle is wider and fits better in the hand. So more fun to shoot.
The rear sight is replaced as for the 1903/38, the ballistics of the 7.92x57 (8x57IS) not being the same as the original 7.65x53 cartridge. The elevation slider is kept, retyped with the new weapon number in Western characters. Naturally, the riser support will also have been changed in order to adapt this new modern flat riser (operation by slope and not horizontally as originally). A screw will also be added to this new binding in order to lock the new handguard.
On our model, the chamber has been modified to comply with the old legislation in force in France. Switching to 8x64s caliber is common. However, in view of the thunder grinding and the powerful 8x64s cartridge, special attention will have to be paid to the pressure of the cartridges. Hallmark of the proof house of Saint Etienne or not.
So here we have an old weapon modernized for the famous German 7.92x57 cartridge. It is quite common in its modified version but nevertheless remains a pleasant weapon to shoot. It is difficult to imagine the course of these weapons since their creation in the German arsenals. A classic therefore to possess for the collectors of Turkish rifles.