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Turkish Mauser

The Turkish Mauser designates a lineage of bolt-action rifles derived from Paul Mauser's designs, initially adopted by the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century and subsequently utilized and produced by the Republic of Turkey through the mid-20th century. These rifles, chambered primarily in 7.65×53mm Argentine and later 7.92×57mm Mauser calibers, formed the backbone of Ottoman and Turkish infantry armaments during pivotal conflicts such as the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), World War I, the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923), and even into the Korean War era for some units. The series began with the Model 1887, a black-powder resembling the 71/84, featuring a tubular and chambered in the proprietary 9.5×60mmR cartridge; approximately 220,000 units were delivered before being supplanted by more advanced models. In 1890, the adopted the Model 1890 as its first standard-issue smokeless-powder , chambered in 7.65×53mm and manufactured by Mauser in , with approximately 280,000 units entering service to modernize the army. The Model 1903, a 98-inspired design with distinctive "onion" bolt knobs and markings, emerged as the most advanced by 1914, with approximately 200,000 procured from Mauserwerke; it equipped elite front-line troops and saw extensive use across , , and other theaters, boasting a 5-round internal , sights graduated to 2,000 meters, and reliable cock-on-closing action. Following the empire's dissolution, the Republic of inherited vast stocks of these rifles, converting many pre-1930 models—including the 1890, 1893, and 1903 variants—from 7.65mm to 7.92×57mm for , often adding notches for the larger headspace. Domestic production commenced in the 1930s at the Kırıkkale Arsenal, culminating in the Model 1938 (M38), a short rifle with a 29.25-inch barrel, stock, and 5-round magazine, manufactured entirely in from 1940 to 1945 with around 250,000 units produced to bolster neutrality during . These K.Kale-marked rifles, utilizing surplus German components in early batches, represented the pinnacle of Turkish Mauser engineering with robust small-shank actions and pyramid front sights, remaining in service until the 1950s when they were gradually replaced by semi-automatic designs.

History

Ottoman Adoption

The began experimenting with rifles in the mid-1880s as part of broader efforts to modernize its armament amid declining military performance in earlier conflicts. In December 1886, the Ottoman military conducted trials of various s, including the Gew. 71/84, alongside competitors such as the Martini-Henry, Mannlicher, and Hotchkiss models. Abdülhamid II selected the design on February 6 or 10, 1887, leading to an initial contract on September 2, 1887, with Waffenfabrik for 500,000 rifles and 50,000 carbines, chambered in the 9.5×60mmR black-powder . This adoption marked the empire's first large-scale shift to a , designated the Model 1887 or "Turkish Model," though deliveries faced delays due to production challenges in . The 1890 contract represented a pivotal expansion, driven by the Ottoman desire for smokeless-powder technology to enhance firepower. On August 6, 1890, the empire ordered 280,000 Model 1890 rifles— a modified version of the Belgian Mauser 1889—chambered in the 7.65×53mm Mauser cartridge, along with carbine variants for cavalry and artillery units. Deliveries occurred between July 1891 and December 1893, with the rifles featuring a five-round internal magazine and bolt-action mechanism suited for rapid fire. This procurement, totaling around 200,000 rifles plus carbines in some accounts, was facilitated by the contract's clause allowing upgrades if more advanced designs emerged elsewhere, reflecting the Ottomans' strategic flexibility. Paul Mauser received recognition for these supplies, including awards from Sultan Abdülhamid II in 1890 and 1892, building on earlier honors such as the Imperial Order of Mecîdiye in 1887 and the Osmaniye Nişanı in 1889; these culminated in the Osmani Second Class medal for his contributions to Ottoman rearmament. By 1893, the Ottomans shifted to an updated design amid ongoing evaluations, ordering 200,000 Model 1893 rifles—closely resembling the variant but with a magazine cutoff for controlled use—also in , with deliveries spanning December 1893 to March 1896. This contract, handled directly by Oberndorf, further entrenched the firm's monopoly on infantry supplies and sustained its operations for nearly a decade. The adoption was deeply intertwined with strengthening - military ties, initiated by the military mission in 1882 under Colmar von der Goltz Pasha, who advocated for weaponry to reform the army. II's visits in 1889 and 1898, coupled with the Sultan's preference for —stemming from its post-Franco-Prussian prestige and non-colonial stance—promoted the "German Method" of arming and training, sidelining and competitors. By 1908, cumulative deliveries reached approximately 900,000 units across models. Initial integration posed significant training and logistical hurdles, as the empire's vast and uneven complicated widespread . Over 58% of the Model rifles and more than 60% of associated cartridges remained stored in imperial arsenals rather than reaching frontline units, leading to reliance on older Peabody-Martini rifles during early deployments. was limited; in March 1895, only 30 volunteers were sent to the factory in Oberndorf for instruction on the bolt-action system and maintenance. troops encountered difficulties adapting during the of 1897, often receiving on-campaign familiarization due to pre-war delivery delays, which underscored the challenges of equipping a decentralized without comprehensive doctrinal shifts. German-built , such as the Anatolian line completed in 1892, gradually alleviated issues but could not fully resolve the uneven rollout.

World War I Era

When the entered on the side of the in late 1914, its armed forces possessed an inventory of approximately 800,000 7.65mm bolt-action rifles and carbines, the majority consisting of the Models 1890 and 1893, supplemented by older conversions and a smaller number of other types. These rifles formed the backbone of Ottoman armament, providing a standardized and relatively modern small arm comparable to those used by other major powers at the war's outset. In the years leading up to the conflict, the military had begun transitioning toward newer designs, including the Model 1903 , a German-produced variant tailored to specifications with an effective range of up to 600 meters. Approximately 200,000 of these rifles were delivered from 1903 to 1908, enhancing the army's equipment before hostilities disrupted further imports. Production of subsequent models, such as the intended 300,000-unit run of the Model 1910, was curtailed by the war's onset, limiting access to updated variants. The Allied naval blockade of the Mediterranean and severely hampered German shipments of , , and spare parts to the , compelling the military to depend heavily on pre-war stockpiles during the initial phases of the conflict. This restriction persisted until November 1915, when Bulgaria's entry into the enabled an overland rail route through the , allowing limited resupply from thereafter. No significant domestic rifle production occurred, though repair and maintenance efforts were prioritized at Ottoman arsenals to sustain existing weapons. To offset shortages exacerbated by the , forces increasingly incorporated captured enemy rifles, particularly Mosin-Nagant Model 1891s from the front and Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) models seized in the Eastern theaters. These foreign weapons, often in mixed calibers, were issued to second-line units and irregulars, though logistical challenges arose from incompatible supplies. Reports from the period highlight occasional reliability concerns with rifles in extreme environments, such as dust and sand accumulation leading to jamming in desert operations, prompting improvised adaptations including enhanced field cleaning procedures. By the war's end in , stocks had suffered substantial attrition, with estimates indicating losses exceeding 300,000 rifles due to combat, capture, desertion, and environmental damage—exemplified by over 80,000 lost in the disastrous Sarikamish offensive alone and more than 120,000 by early 1915. The further reduced the retained inventory to just 40,878 rifles, underscoring the severe toll on materiel during the conflict.

Republican Modernization

Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, the new government inherited hundreds of thousands of mixed rifles from the Empire's collapsed military stocks, encompassing , Austrian, and captured models in various calibers and configurations. These diverse armaments, accumulated through pre-war contracts and wartime acquisitions, required extensive reorganization to standardize the ' small arms inventory. The inheritance provided a foundational arsenal but highlighted the need for refurbishment to ensure uniformity and reliability amid the republic's early military reforms. In 1925, the Arsenal was established as part of the to centralize rifle refurbishment and production efforts. Starting in 1927, the arsenal initiated conversions of existing rifles to the caliber, addressing inconsistencies in ammunition and enhancing logistical efficiency. This shift from the predominant 7.65mm chambering supported broader ammunition standardization, later aligning with requirements after Turkey's 1952 accession, though primarily driven by domestic needs in the . During the , comprehensive modernization programs at involved reboring and rebarreling older rifles to the 7.92mm specification, updating rear sights to 2,000-meter scales for improved long-range accuracy, and reinforcing with reinforcements to enhance durability. These efforts transformed heterogeneous Ottoman-era weapons into a more cohesive force. By 1938, the began producing the Model 1938 rifle, blending refurbished actions from earlier models with modernized features such as shortened 29.25-inch barrels and ladder-type sights; approximately 250,000 of these short rifles were manufactured between 1940 and 1946. Major Mauser production and conversion activities at concluded by 1950, as the republic transitioned to rearmament priorities. Surplus rifles were subsequently exported or placed in storage, marking the end of significant domestic modernization initiatives.

Design

Bolt-Action System

The Turkish Mauser rifles, particularly from the Model 1903 onward and including the 1938 conversions, are built around the Mauser 98 , a turn- design renowned for its robustness and controlled-feed operation. This mechanism employs two primary locking lugs at the front of the bolt that engage corresponding recesses in the , supplemented by a third safety lug at the bolt's rear to prevent unintended opening under pressure. The cock-on-closing action compresses the only upon the final rotation of the bolt , enhancing smoothness during initial cycling while ensuring positive lockup for firing. Central to the system's reliability is the non-rotating, claw-style extractor mounted in the bolt face, which grips the cartridge rim immediately upon leaving the magazine and maintains control through chambering and extraction. This controlled-feed principle minimizes malfunctions such as double feeds or failures to extract, even with rimless cartridges like the 7.65×53mm Argentine Mauser or the later , allowing consistent performance in field conditions. Early models, such as the Model , featured a shortened body compared to the standard , reducing the bolt throw for faster manual cycling without compromising lock strength. The safety mechanism consists of a winged positioned on the left side of the , offering three distinct settings: the downward position permits firing, the intermediate position blocks the while locking the against rotation, and the upward position secures the while allowing the to be cycled for unloading or . Loading occurs through a fixed internal box with a capacity of five rounds, fed via stripper clips inserted at the bridge; a stamped sheet-metal follower with a forward-protruding aligns cartridges in a staggered, double-column arrangement to ensure smooth feeding under rapid operation. The is a single-stage integrated into the , featuring a rolling or pivoting sear that releases the cocking piece upon sufficient pull; in original configurations, it provides a consistent release with minimal creep, though pull weights typically range from 4 to 5 pounds depending on and adjustment. Common failure modes in extensively used Turkish Mausers include on the lugs and abutments after prolonged service—often exceeding 10,000 rounds—which can lead to headspace variations or ; these were mitigated in conversions through replacement of worn components with and to restore reliability.

Caliber and Ammunition

The Turkish Mauser rifles were initially chambered in the 7.65×53mm Argentine cartridge variant, which propelled a 174-grain to a of approximately 2,300 feet per second from a 29-inch barrel, yielding an effective range of 400 meters for engagement. By 1893, the shifted to the refined cartridge, incorporating improved formulations that boosted to 2,300 feet per second while maintaining the 174-grain weight, thereby enhancing ballistic flatness and accuracy over the prior Argentine loading. In the 1930s, during Republican Turkey's modernization efforts, surviving Mauser rifles underwent widespread conversions to the 7.92×57mm Infantry S cartridge (IS), featuring a 198-grain spitzer bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,500 feet per second; these conversions typically involved rechambering or replacing barrels and adding receiver notches to accommodate the larger cartridge headspace. This change improved penetration by roughly 20% against barriers and body armor relative to the 7.65mm round due to higher sectional density and velocity. Ottoman-era ammunition supply relied heavily on imports from , with over 930 million rifle cartridges provided during (1914-1918) to support frontline needs. Under the Republic, the Kırıkkale Ammunition Factory, established in , enabled domestic production and self-sufficiency, ramping up output to meet demands for both 7.65mm and converted 7.92mm rounds by the late 1930s. The proliferation of mixed calibers—ranging from 7.65×53mm Mauser to imported 7.62×54mmR Russian rounds—created significant logistical challenges for the Ottoman and early Republican armies, complicating supply chains and unit resupply until standardization to 7.92×57mm in the 1930s streamlined operations. Ballistically, the 7.92×57mm cartridge delivered approximately 30% more muzzle energy than the 7.65×53mm at 500 meters, with the spitzer bullet retaining superior downrange performance for extended engagements.

Models and Variants

Model 1890

The Model 1890 represented the Empire's first major adoption of a modern bolt-action rifle based on the design, serving as the standard infantry arm from its introduction until subsequent models supplanted it. Produced by Waffenfabrik in Oberndorf, , between approximately 1889 and 1891, the contract totaled around 280,000 units, including both full-length rifles and carbines, to equip forces with a reliable smokeless-powder firearm. This procurement followed the earlier Model 1887 and marked a shift to the 7.65×53mm Argentine , compatible with contemporary standards, enhancing range and lethality over black-powder predecessors. Many examples were later converted to in . Key specifications included an overall length of approximately 49 inches (1,235 mm), a 29-inch (740 mm) barrel with four-groove and a right-hand twist of one turn in 10 inches, and an unloaded weight of 9 pounds (4.1 kg). The rifle featured a full-length wooden with a single barrel band and a five-round internal box magazine, loaded via stripper clips or individually, supporting a practical up to 15 rounds per minute. Distinctive elements included a bolt handle for the manually operated bolt-action mechanism and the absence of a gas escape port in the bolt, a choice that prioritized but contributed to reliability concerns over time. Sights consisted of a fixed front barleycorn post and an adjustable rear leaf graduated in from 250 to 2,000 meters. Many were later converted to in the 1930s. Variants adapted the base design for specialized roles, including the standard rifle and shorter for and units. The featured a reduced 24-inch barrel for improved handling on horseback, while the similarly shortened the barrel to facilitate crew-served operations. These maintained the core five-round and but omitted non-essential fittings like lugs in some configurations to reduce weight. Markings on the Model 1890 typically included "MOD M 90" stamped on the to denote the model, alongside the imperial crest known as the of the reigning , symbolizing official adoption. Additional inscriptions in indicated the manufacturer as "Waffenfabrik Oberndorf" and the production year in the , such as 1309 (1891 AD), affirming German origin and contractual compliance. These engravings, often on the breech ring, served both identification and inspection purposes during arsenal overhauls. Despite its advancements, the Model 1890 exhibited limitations, particularly proneness to headspace inconsistencies after prolonged heavy use, which could lead to unsafe chambering and prompted rejections during routine inspections. This issue stemmed from the bolt's design without venting features, exacerbating wear in dusty field conditions common to deployments, and necessitated careful maintenance to mitigate risks.

Model 1893

The Turkish Mauser Model 1893 was an upgraded version of the earlier Model 1890, incorporating key refinements to address reliability issues encountered in the previous design. Produced between 1893 and 1894 by the factory in , for the , a total of 205,000 units were manufactured, including approximately 30,000 carbines. Among these, about 70% were standard rifles intended for use, while the remaining 30% consisted of shorter rifles allocated to non- branches such as and . Many were later converted to in . The rifle featured an overall length of 48.5 inches, a 29-inch (740 mm) barrel, and a weight of 8.8 pounds, making it a robust yet portable for Ottoman troops. It retained the cartridge, providing effective ballistics comparable to contemporary military rounds. Notable upgrades from the Model 1890 included a gas hole drilled into the to safely vent excess in the event of a cartridge rupture, significantly enhancing shooter safety and durability. An improved extractor design also ensured more consistent ejection of spent cases, reducing malfunctions under field conditions. Sighting arrangements consisted of a fixed front blade and an adjustable rear U-notch tangent sight graduated in 100-meter increments up to a maximum range of 2,000 meters, allowing for long-distance aiming in open terrain. Receiver markings typically included the inscription "MAUSER MOD 93" along with the tughra, the stylized calligraphic cipher of the reigning , denoting imperial acceptance and ownership.

Model 1903

The Model 1903 rifle was developed as a derivative of the German bolt-action design, specifically adapted to meet the Empire's military specifications for a modern infantry weapon. Adopted in the early 1900s, it represented a significant upgrade in reliability and performance over previous Mauser models, incorporating refinements to the controlled-feed bolt system for enhanced safety and smooth operation. Production began in 1903 at Mauser's Oberndorf factory in and continued intermittently until 1918, yielding approximately 200,000 rifles, though the outbreak of significantly delayed deliveries and shifted priorities. Key specifications included an overall length of 49 inches, a 29-inch barrel, and a weight of 9.2 pounds, making it suitable for standard infantry use while maintaining balance for aimed fire. The rifle featured a turned-down bolt handle for improved handling, a staggered-column 5-round internal box magazine loaded via stripper clips, and was chambered in , with many examples later converted to during the Republican era. Markings typically included "1903 MAUSER" stamped on the , accompanied by the Ottoman crescent and star emblem, signifying its imperial contract origin. Variants of the Model 1903 consisted of the standard full-length rifle and a shorter version with a 25-inch barrel, intended for or specialized units requiring greater maneuverability without sacrificing accuracy. Compared to earlier models like the , the turned-down bolt handle provided superior , particularly for prone firing positions, allowing quicker cycling and reduced interference with the ground or gear. These design choices contributed to its role as the Army's primary rifle entering , despite production setbacks from the conflict.

Model 1905

The Model 1905 represented a specialized of the rifle for the Empire's mounted and auxiliary forces, emphasizing portability over the full-length configuration. Measuring an overall length of 41.3 inches (1,050 mm) with a 22.6-inch (575 mm) barrel, it weighed approximately 8 pounds (3.65 kg), making it suitable for rapid deployment in mobile operations. Production of the Model 1905 occurred from 1905 to 1911, with an estimated 100,000 units manufactured at the Oberndorf works to meet procurement needs. This variant closely mirrored the Model 1903 in its core mechanics but incorporated a shortened stock and barrel for enhanced handling, along with an optional folding to facilitate close-quarters use by . Many were later converted to in the 1930s. Chambered for the cartridge, the utilized a 5-round internal magazine loaded via stripper clips, maintaining compatibility with standard Ottoman supplies. Receiver markings typically featured "M1905" inscriptions alongside imperial crests and inspection proofs, denoting its official adoption. Designed primarily for and duties, the Model 1905 provided superior maneuverability across the empire's varied and rugged terrain, supporting scouting and patrol roles where longer rifles proved cumbersome. Like other Turkish Mausers, it employed the proven bolt-action system for reliable cycling and accuracy.

1938 Conversions

The 1938 conversions represented a significant refurbishment effort by the Turkish Republic to modernize its inventory of older rifles, primarily drawing from Models 1890, 1893, and 1903 actions, at the Rifle Factory (Kırıkkale Tufek Fabrikast) from 1938 to 1945. These programs aimed to standardize the arsenal on the cartridge, addressing the obsolescence of pre-World War I designs chambered in 7.65×53mm Argentine. Conversions involved reworking surplus actions with new components, often sourced from domestic production and post-World War II German surplus, to extend service life into the mid-20th century. Key modifications included replacing original barrels with new 29.25-inch examples chambered for 7.92×57mm, featuring small-ring receivers for enhanced strength. Rear sights were updated to adjustable types graduated in 200-meter increments up to 2,000 meters, while front sights adopted a pyramid post design. Stocks were reinforced with wood, incorporating full-length forearms, grips, and metal fittings like barrel bands with swivels and heat shields; some retained original small-ring actions but with bored-out chambers to accommodate the larger cartridge head. These changes improved reliability and ballistic performance without altering the core bolt-action mechanism. Production encompassed both rebuilt older models—such as the M1893/38 and M1903/38, with approximately 45,000 of the latter converted—and newly manufactured K.Kale-marked , totaling around 250,000 units from 1940 to 1946, including a 38/46 short variant with a shortened 23-inch barrel for maneuverability. Markings typically featured "K.KALE" or "T.C. ASFA " on the , accompanied by the Turkish emblem, a 1938 (or later) conversion date stamped over the original, and serial numbers often mismatched due to parts interchangeability. The use of surplus components post-1945, including bolts and triggers, contributed to consistent quality, with many exhibiting crisp pulls around 6 pounds and bores capable of 4 accuracy at 300 meters when paired with modern ammunition. Variants focused on the standard for use, alongside the 38/46 short rifle for secondary roles; experimental sniping configurations with scoped were trialed but saw limited adoption, primarily for training purposes. Overall, these conversions bolstered Turkey's neutral stance during by providing a cost-effective upgrade path, leveraging existing stockpiles to achieve a unified 8mm platform.

Operational History

Balkan Wars

The Balkan Wars of 1912–1913 represented the first significant combat test for the Ottoman Empire's early rifles, which formed a core component of the army's small arms inventory during this period of rapid territorial loss in Europe. The forces, totaling approximately 300,000 troops mobilized across the Balkan theater, were primarily equipped with Model 1890 and Model 1893 rifles chambered in 7.65×53mm, supplemented by limited numbers of the newer Model 1903 variant. These bolt-action rifles, adopted as part of broader military modernization efforts following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, provided with reliable, smokeless-powder firearms capable of effective engagement at ranges up to 400 meters, though distribution was uneven due to ongoing procurement challenges and the integration of older legacy weapons like the Martini-Henry. In key engagements of the , such as the on October 24, 1912, and the subsequent Battle of Luleburgaz from October 28 to November 2, 1912, Mauser-equipped units clashed with Bulgarian forces armed predominantly with rifles in . The Mauser's ballistics offered a slight advantage in , estimated at around 200 meters beyond the Mannlicher's practical limit in open terrain, allowing troops to inflict casualties from greater distances during initial defensive stands. However, superior Bulgarian artillery coordination and maneuverability often neutralized this edge, as rifle fire struggled to suppress advancing under pressure. Photographic and eyewitness accounts confirm the widespread use of these Mausers by both regular Nizamiye and reserve Redif troops in these battles, marking a transition from limited prior actions like the of 1897. Logistical vulnerabilities plagued Mauser deployments, particularly acute ammunition shortages stemming from the cartridge's specificity to the 7.65×53mm caliber, which complicated resupply amid disrupted rail lines and effects. These shortages contributed to operational disruptions, with reports indicating abandoned in the field due to lack of during retreats from , exacerbating the army's overall disarray. The reliance on a non-standardized type, distinct from European allies' calibers, highlighted procurement dependencies on German suppliers like (). The Mausers' role in the conflicts underscored their mixed impact on Ottoman casualties, with superior Bulgarian marksmanship and volume of fire overwhelming static Ottoman positions despite the rifles' inherent accuracy. This performance gap, compounded by training deficiencies and command issues, contributed to the rapid collapse of Ottoman lines and the loss of Edirne by late November 1912. Post-war assessments revealed that while the Mausers proved durable in harsh conditions, their standard five-round internal magazine limited sustained fire rates against enemies employing similar or faster-cycling designs. The experience directly influenced procurement strategies, prompting accelerated orders for additional Model 1903 rifles to enhance infantry firepower and standardization ahead of potential further conflicts. By 1914, these lessons had led to efforts to increase stocks and improve ammunition production at state facilities like the Kırıkkale Arsenal, setting the stage for their expanded role in .

Gallipoli and Middle Eastern Theater

During the of 1915-1916, forces relied heavily on rifles to repel the Allied landings, particularly those by and troops at . The served as the most common standard-issue , employed by Turkish marksmen in defensive positions against the invading forces. This bolt-action , chambered in 7.65×53mm Argentine, featured a five-round internal and was adapted from earlier designs for service. Complementing it was the more advanced Model 1903, a 98-pattern also in 7.65mm, which offered improved accuracy with an effective range of up to 600 meters and was prioritized for front-line infantry units. The Ottoman Army entered with nearly 800,000 rifles and carbines across its Models 1890, 1893, and 1903, enabling substantial armament for the theater where over 300,000 troops were committed over the course of the campaign. These weapons provided a rapid —up to 10 rounds per minute per soldier—and contributed to the fierce resistance that inflicted severe losses on the Allies, whose total casualties exceeded 250,000 from combat and disease. A notable instance occurred at Chunuk Bair in August 1915, where Lieutenant Colonel Mustafa Kemal directed a bayonet charge with troops armed primarily with Model 1903 rifles, decisively repelling forces and securing a key height. In the broader Middle Eastern theater, rifles saw extensive use against forces in and (modern ). The Model 1903 remained the primary infantry arm, supporting defensive and counteroffensive operations amid grueling desert conditions. Carbine variants, including the Model 1905, were issued to and irregular auxiliaries such as tribesmen, who conducted and harassing actions in support of regular units. These shortened rifles facilitated mobility in arid terrain, aiding efforts to disrupt supply lines and advances toward key objectives like and .

Turkish War of Independence

During the from 1919 to 1923, the assembled an arsenal of approximately 150,000 rifles, primarily models salvaged from depots and supplemented by captured weapons, including Mannlicher rifles integrated into supply lines for . Following the , loyal officers smuggled large quantities of Mausers from corps like the III, VIII, XX, and XV (which held 20,782 rifles by May 1919) to Nationalist forces in . By November 1921, the Western Front Command reported 66,732 rifles, mostly Mausers, enabling the equipping of a growing alongside irregular units. Captures further bolstered stocks, such as 10,000 rifles left by French forces evacuating in 1922 and 2,500 from uprisings, with Mannlicher-Schönauer M1903 rifles seized during clashes and repurposed due to ammunition commonality challenges. The irregular militias, operating in the war's early guerrilla phase, extensively used carbines for against Greek advances in western and Allied occupation zones. These lightweight variants, drawn from reserves and corps distributions, allowed mobile irregulars to conduct ambushes, disrupt supply convoys, and defend key passes with their reliable bolt-action mechanism and compatibility, compensating for the militias' limited numbers and training. As the National Movement transitioned to under Kemal, carbines remained vital for and scouting roles, while full-length rifles standardized infantry equipment across the emerging regular forces. Ammunition shortages plagued the Nationalists due to Allied blockades, prompting improvisation such as reloading 7.92mm Mauser cartridges with locally produced powder at makeshift facilities in Anatolia. Captured stocks provided relief, including 1,200,000 rounds from Pontic operations and supplies from French transfers in Syria, but ongoing deficits forced rationing and reliance on black-market imports, with volunteers often limited to 20-30 rounds per engagement. These measures sustained firepower during prolonged sieges and defenses, though they highlighted the logistical strains on the Mauser-equipped forces. In the River from August to September 1921, rifles equipped the bulk of the 96,000-strong Turkish force (82,966 infantry), delivering sustained defensive fire that exploited the weapon's accuracy and to achieve superiority over Greek positions and halt their advance toward . This 22-day , fought along the Sakarya line near Polatlı, marked a strategic pivot, with Mauser volleys from entrenched positions inflicting heavy casualties and forcing Greek withdrawal, despite Nationalist ammunition constraints. The rifles' robustness in harsh terrain and under artillery bombardment proved essential to the defensive victory. Mauser rifles were pivotal in the Great Offensive of August 1922, the war's decisive campaign, where coordinated infantry assaults armed with these weapons overwhelmed Greek defenses, capturing 5,000 additional rifles after the Commander in Chief's Battle on September 2 and expelling occupiers from Anatolia. This offensive, launched from Afyonkarahisar, leveraged Mauser firepower in rapid advances that routed the Greek army, leading to the recapture of Smyrna and the armistice negotiations culminating in the Treaty of Lausanne on July 24, 1923, which secured Turkish sovereignty. Throughout the conflict, the arsenal endured approximately 40% attrition from combat damage, enemy captures, and wear, depleting stocks and necessitating post-war inventory overhauls, including conversions to standardize calibers. The heavy losses underscored the Mausers' intensive use but set the stage for Republican-era modernizations.

Legacy

Post-War Service

Following , the Model 1938 Turkish Mauser remained the standard issue rifle for the into the 1950s, when it began to be phased out in favor of the American as part of Turkey's integration into structures. As the primary battle rifle, the Mauser saw limited deployment during Turkey's contribution to forces in the , where Turkish troops initially carried their standard-issue bolt-action rifles before transitioning to U.S.-supplied semi-automatic weapons. During the era, surplus Model 1938 rifles were retained in military depots for potential mobilization and second-line roles, numbering in the tens of thousands to support reserve forces. From the through the , these rifles continued in use for basic training among conscript units, including live-fire exercises that persisted until at least 1970 to familiarize recruits with bolt-action handling and marksmanship fundamentals. Non-military applications included limited adoption by and organizations for security duties, extending into the . The rifles were gradually retired from active service by the late as modern assault rifles like the became widespread.

Collectibility Today

Turkish Mauser rifles, particularly the Model 1938 conversions, remain popular among collectors focused on and history, owing to their association with key campaigns like . Pre-2020, surplus imports to the contributed to their accessibility in the collector market. Current market values for these firearms reflect their condition and rarity; Model 1938 conversions typically range from $300 to $800, while matching-numbered Model 1903 rifles command $1,000 or more as of 2025 estimates. However, arsenal refinishing, common on many surviving examples, often removes original patina and can reduce collector value by approximately 20% compared to unrestored pieces. In the United States, pre-1918 Turkish Mauser models qualify as Curios or Relics (C&R) under ATF regulations, allowing licensed collectors easier acquisition without full Federal Firearms License requirements. Supply has tightened in recent decades, limiting new imports and driving up prices for available specimens. No official reproductions of Turkish Mausers exist, though parts kits derived from Yugoslav surplus Mauser rifles—such as the M48 model—are available for restoration projects, providing components compatible with Turkish variants. Notable examples are preserved in institutions like the in , holding multiple specimens including Model 1893 and 1903 rifles.

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