Mosquefal
Encyclopedia
The Mosquefal M968 is a variant of the earlier 1908 DWM Brazilian Mauser
rifle; differenciated from this by its lighter weight, shorter barrel, curved bolt, and by the caliber. The M908 was chambered for the 7x57mm Mauser cartridge, then popular throughout Latin America. The M968 is chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, to allow compatibility with the FN FAL
, the Brazilian service rifle. This model is manufactured in Itajubá
, Minas Gerais by IMBEL
. The name is a portmanteau of mosquetão and FAL, noting the bolt-action rifle's compatibility with the ammunition and accessories of the assault rifle.
This weapon is used in various auxiliary units of the Brazilian Army
. The M968 was developed from the Mosquetão .30 M954 (caliber .30-06 Springfield
) now in disuse in the Brazilian Army) which was rechambered and issued with minor external modifications. The MQ M968 has features similar to the M964 7.62 (FN FAL
), allowing use of the same ammunition and grenade-firing attachments.
The use of special ammunition for Snipers, with balanced and heavier projectile (175 or 180 grains) increases the accuracy of firing at larger distances.
It is a precision weapon, which, beyond the basic training of the Army shooters (Tiros de Guerra) is also used by police forces throughout the country.
Mauser
Mauser was a German arms manufacturer of a line of bolt-action rifles and pistols from the 1870s to 1995. Mauser designs were built for the German armed forces...
rifle; differenciated from this by its lighter weight, shorter barrel, curved bolt, and by the caliber. The M908 was chambered for the 7x57mm Mauser cartridge, then popular throughout Latin America. The M968 is chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, to allow compatibility with the FN FAL
FN FAL
The Fusil Automatique Léger or FAL is a self-loading, selective fire battle rifle produced by the Belgian armaments manufacturer Fabrique Nationale de Herstal . During the Cold War it was adopted by many North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, with the notable exception of the United States...
, the Brazilian service rifle. This model is manufactured in Itajubá
Itajubá
Itajubá is a city and municipality in southeastern Minas Gerais state of the Federative Republic of Brazil.It lies in a valley by the Sapucaí river and has terrain elevations ranging from 827 to 1500 metres, occupying an area of 290.45 km2 , with a population of approximately 86,000 people...
, Minas Gerais by IMBEL
IMBEL
IMBEL is an acronym for Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil a Brazilian state company, founded in 1975 as a quango of the Ministry of Defence....
. The name is a portmanteau of mosquetão and FAL, noting the bolt-action rifle's compatibility with the ammunition and accessories of the assault rifle.
This weapon is used in various auxiliary units of the Brazilian Army
Brazilian Army
The Brazilian Army is the land arm of the Brazilian Military. The Brazilian Army has fought in several international conflicts, mostly in South America and during the 19th century, such as the Brazilian War of Independence , Argentina-Brazil War , War of the Farrapos , Platine War , Uruguayan War ...
. The M968 was developed from the Mosquetão .30 M954 (caliber .30-06 Springfield
.30-06 Springfield
The .30-06 Springfield cartridge or 7.62×63mm in metric notation, was introduced to the United States Army in 1906 and standardized, and was in use until the 1960s and early 1970s. It replaced the .30-03, 6 mm Lee Navy, and .30 US Army...
) now in disuse in the Brazilian Army) which was rechambered and issued with minor external modifications. The MQ M968 has features similar to the M964 7.62 (FN FAL
FN FAL
The Fusil Automatique Léger or FAL is a self-loading, selective fire battle rifle produced by the Belgian armaments manufacturer Fabrique Nationale de Herstal . During the Cold War it was adopted by many North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries, with the notable exception of the United States...
), allowing use of the same ammunition and grenade-firing attachments.
Ammunition
- 762M1 (ball)
- 762M1 ft (blank),
- 762TR (tracerTracer ammunitionTracer ammunition are bullets that are built with a small pyrotechnic charge in their base. Ignited by the burning powder, the phosphorus tail burns very brightly, making the projectile visible to the naked eye...
), - 762PR (armor-piercing),
- 762E (explosive)
- LçBcAP and LçBcAC (grenade launching).
The use of special ammunition for Snipers, with balanced and heavier projectile (175 or 180 grains) increases the accuracy of firing at larger distances.
It is a precision weapon, which, beyond the basic training of the Army shooters (Tiros de Guerra) is also used by police forces throughout the country.