- Mosquefal
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M968 "Mosquefal" Type Service rifle Place of origin Brazil
Service history In service 1968-present Used by Brazil
Production history Designer Mauser Designed 1947-1953 Manufacturer IMBEL Variants (variant of M954) Specifications Weight 3.92kg Length 1.1m Cartridge 7.62x51mm NATO Action bolt action Rate of fire 10-15 rpm Muzzle velocity 830 m/s (2,700 ft/s) Effective range 400 meters Feed system 5 round magazine Sights Iron The Mosquefal M968 (MQ 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.
Ammunition
- 762M1 (ball)
- 762M1 ft (blank),
- 762TR (tracer),
- 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.
See also
Categories:- Wikipedia articles needing cleanup after translation
- Bolt-action rifles
- Rifles of Brazil
- IMBEL firearms
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