Standard Catalog of Military Firearms. Phillip Peterson

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      FN MAG (Mitrailleuse d’Appui Generale) (M240) • Courtesy Amoskeag Auction Company

BRAZIL

      Brazilian Military Conflicts, 1870–Present

      Pedro II was the ruler of Brazil from 1840 until 1889. During this period the country grew and prospered, while at the same time overthrowing several neighboring dictatorships. In 1889 a military revolt overthrew Pedro II and Brazil was proclaimed a republic. In 1891 the country was officially named the United States of Brazil with a constitution similar to that of the U.S. During World War I, Brazil contributed ships and supplies to the Allied forces. After the war, economic difficulties created a series of crises and unrest which led to widespread revolt. Finally, in 1930 a military coup brought relative stability to the country for the next 15 years. Brazil was on the Allied side during World War II and it contributed important military support such as military bases and supplies to the Allied effort. After the end of the war, Brazil suffered through four decades of unstable governments. In 2001, Brazil had a total military force of 287,600, of which 189,000 were in the army. First line reserves number 1,115,000. These include 385,600 para-military forces.

HANDGUNS

      NOTE: Brazil used a number of Colt Model 1911A1 pistols (Pst M1911A1). These pistols are still in service in second line units. Mauser shipped a few hundred Model 1912/14 pistols to Brazil. In the 1930s about 500 Mauser Schnellfeuer pistols were purchased and a few are still in service. Brazil has also purchased the Beretta Model 92 from Italy.

      In the 1980s Brazil began to produce its own version of the Colt 1911A1 known as the Imbel M973. Other variations of this pistol have been produced in 9x19, 9x17, and .38 Super. No examples of these pistols are known in the U.S.

      A number of Smith & Wesson Model 1917s were used by Brazil and many have found their way into the U.S.

SUBMACHINE GUNS

      Brazil has used or is using in second line units the U.S. M3 gun, the Beretta Model 12, the H&K MP5 and MP5SD. Brazil has additionally issued the Walther MPK. A few Thompson M1s and U.S. Reisings are used as well.

       URU Model 2

      Chambered for the 9mm parabellum cartridge and fitted with a 7” barrel with slotted barrel jacket. Made of stampings with round receiver. Forward magazine acts as a handgrip. Magazine capacity is 30 rounds. Detachable wooden butt or steel single strut stock. Rate of fire is about 750 rounds per minute. Weight is about 6.5 lbs. Produced in Brazil at Bilbao SA in Sao Paulo.

       Pre-1968

RIFLES

      Brazil uses the HK 33E, the M16 (Model 614), the M16A2, and the FN FAL and variations, built under license from FN. The Brazilian military also uses the U.S. M1 rifle converted to 7.62 NATO caliber.

       MAUSER

       M1894 Rifle

      Similar to the Spanish Model 1893 but with a cylindrical bolt head. Barrel length is 29". Chambered for the 7x57 cartridge. Magazine is flush mounted and has a 5-round capacity. Adjustable rear sight from 400 to 2,000 meters. Brazilian crest on receiver ring. Produced by DWM and FN.

       M1894 Carbine

      As above but with 18" barrel and adjustable rear sight to 1,400 meters. No bayonet lug.

       M1904 Mauser-Verueiro Rifle

      Chambered for the 6.5x58Pmm cartridge, this model was fitted with a 29" barrel. Tangent sight graduated to 2,000 meters. Brazilian crest on receiver ring. Produced by DWM.

       M1907 Rifle

      Built by DWM from 1904 to 1906. Sold to Brazil in 1907. Chambered for the 7x57mm cartridge. Pistol grip stock. Fitted with a 29" barrel. Tangent rear sight graduated to 2,000 meters. Built by DWM. Brazilian crest on receiver ring.

       M1907 Carbine

      As above with shorter barrel. Produced from 1907 to 1912 by DWM.

       M1908 Rifle

      Similar in appearance to the Gew 98. Chambered for the 7x57mm cartridge. Built by DWM between 1908 and 1914. Fitted with a 29.25" barrel. Magazine capacity is 5 rounds. Tangent rear sight graduated to 2,000 meters. Brazilian crest on receiver ring.

       M1908 Short Rifle

      Same as the Model 1908 rifle but with a 22" barrel.

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