The Model 1902 was an upgraded Model 1895, the standard rifle of the Mexican Army at the beginning of the 20th century.[3] The improvements were derived from the German Gewehr 98, such as the use of three locking lugs and a gas protection on the bolt. It fired the 7×57mm Mauser and accepted the Model 1895 bayonet. Two contract were signed in 1902 and 1906 by the Mexican general Bernardo Reyes.[4] They were produced by Loewe Berlin, Steyr and DWM. 38,000 DWM-made rifles were delivered, and 40,000 more made by Steyr.[5]
Mexican Mauser Model 1910
The Mexican Mauser Model 1910 or Mauser Mexicano Modelo 1910 was a locally made Model 1902. To reduce the country dependency on foreign suppliers,[4] the Fabrica Nacional de Cartuchos[6] and the Fabrica Nacional de Armas were created with the help of foreign technicians.[4] A Model 1910 carbine, similar to the Model 1895 carbine, was also produced.[6] 8,000 bayonets originally produced for the Mondragón rifle were adapted for the Mauser 1910.[7] The Model 1902 and 1910 saw combat use during the Mexican Revolution.[8][9] Production of the Model 1910 was slowed down because of the fall of the Díaz government in 1911 and it was supplemented by the Steyr Model 1912 Mauser.[4] Nevertheless, 40,000 were produced until 1934.[6] The Model 1910 also saw service in the Spanish Civil War where 20,000 were sent to aid the Spanish Republicans.[10]