![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
But went in anyway and sure enough, he had the rifle in his unit/apt. Bought it and was a little nervous about walking out through the lobby with a rifle, but made a quick getaway.....
![Cool :cool:](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
Anyway, it is a "Mauser Modelo Argentino 1891" Deutche Waffen-Und Munitionsfabriken - Berlin. It is the 18" barrel Calvary Carbine (not the Engineer Carbine with bayonet lugs) and according to what I could find online, the serial number, C 7003, says it was made in 1900 and all the numbers match. It has a few problems with the stock, the worst is that is has been shortened. The length should be 37", but it is only 36" and that includes the rubber butt pad. Also someone has filled the sling mount holes on the side of the stock and just behind the trigger with what looks like wood putty. Great bore and overall condition reminds me of and arsenal refinish, even reminds me of the shellac on my M/N rifles. Now all I have to do is find some ammo. It appears to be the original 7.65x53, but am not sure, there is no caliber stamped on the barrel at all. A 7.62 bullet won't fit into the end of the barrel, so maybe it hasn't been bored out. There are no import markings at all. This info I got from just a couple of hours on the internet, so am looking for anything I got right or wrong. Have already found out the ammo is available.......but spendy...
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
There is small round decal on both sides of receiver, looks like a red thunderbird on a white diamond and feels like you could scrape it off with a knife????