How do the Mauser M03 and Blaser R93 compare as to:

Cost
Quality
Versatility

Are they in the same price range for, say, the standard model in .270 Win or .30-06?

Can the Mauser change from std calibers to belted mags on the same action like Blaser?

I;ve been thinking of getting an R93 and eventually having several barrels in both standard and magnum calibers but I'm wondering if the Mauser might be a better choice.

Brazos Jack

I think this is going to be a hard one to decide on. In the end, it will probably come down to personal preference...

You know that Mauser and Blaser share ownership and address. The Mauser M03 is essentially modelled on the R93 to include a more traditional turnbolt design, but to mirror the Blaser in terms of safety (manual cocking), versatility (take-down, caliber switch) etc. The barrels actually come from the same assembly line, and the two rifles share bedding and recoil handling system.

The Mauser M03 will handle both standard and belted magnum cases in the same system - just like the Blaser. For either the Blaser or the Mauser, you will need a separate bolt locking head for the various caliber groups. The various magazines come with the barrels.

The Blaser is shorter than the Mauser with the same barrel length. The Mauser has a detachable magazine. In Europe, the Mauser comes with a single set trigger, the Blaser with a single stage trigger. But I don't know if the set trigger is available on the Mauser in the US??

The Blaser mounts its scope on the barrel, that is probably a slight advantage in terms of repeatability (scope off and on) - as opposed to the receiver mounted scope of the Mauser.

The Blaser straight pull action is probably faster than the turn-bolt operation of the Mauser. Whether you need this depends on the type of hunting you do. Some people believe the straight pull design of the Blaser is a safety weakness.

The Blaser (and parts) might be easier to pick up in the US - the Mauser is probably still a bit of an oddball...

Either has gotten very pricey of late...

Hard one... Buy one of each...

- mike

I have been using the Blaser R 93 for several years.

I really like them. They are very accurate.

I have used one in some pretty foul weather.

Dust, rain, snow and ice, no problems.

One of my R 93's spent over seven minutes under water,in a ice covered stream [well it was covered with ice till I drove a snow mobile over it .

I blew and shook the water out and kept on hunting.

I am only an amateur but I own both a Mauser 03 and a R93 and here they are. Actually I have other ones but these 02 have just been cleaned.



Honestly they both have merits but if you ask me the Mauser 03 is the one I will buy again. For the simple reason its more stylish and balances better. The 03 in this photo is the rifle I will take to a driven hunt in a private estate and not "the dark continent". I have a plastic stock for stuff that bites back and growls ......

The question you all would like to know is both shoots just as tight.

Love my Blaser R93 that I have been using for around nine years now, and in fact its just been packed ready for a month+ long Mozambique Safari.
I do like the 03 and it would be an excellent choice, in particularly for those who cant get over the Blasers straight pull and prefer the more Classic bolt.

I just got a m03 and love it it works and shoots great I think if stressed I would try to tear the handle off the blaser the mauser works like a rifle I am use to and I got a screamin deal on the last mo3 imported by briley so that was the decider for me. I plan to get another bbl in 9.3 and one in 25-06 as a travelling working rifle. The rifle just feels good like a rifle love the scope mounts and the iron sights close my eyes and shoulder it open eyes its right on killed the first thing I shot at with it and it swings nice and is well balanced.

It takes about 20 rounds to get used to the Blaser straight pull bolt.

Once you do no other bolt rifle is as fast or as slick.

Makes a Mauser seem like a flintlock.

I currently own 3 R-93 Professional stocks and 4 barrels and literally carry one with me EVERY DAY. I am somewhat of a newbie when compared to some here, but I have been shooting and hunting with them since 2005. I don't really see what the big deal is about the straight pull action. It didn't take me long to get used to it, and I hate change of any kind.

On the other hand, I have been really wanting a MO3 Trail model, and I even placed an order for one back in January. When I found out that it might be up to a year before I could get one, I decided to order another Blaser and went with a BBF 97 combo gun.

If Mausers ever make it back into the US again, I am sure that I will try one.
Here is a photo of my best friend and my R-93 Pro Tracker.

Jeff, your best friend is looking rather proud,..as if he shot the boar!!!!
Londonhunter, that's some nice wood on your Mauser!
Peter.

I have an R93 Prestige frame with two barrels, a 30-06 and a 9.3X62. Like, N E 450 No2, I took to the straight pull bolt (and the cocking system) like a duck to water. My Blaser is light and easy to carry and very accurate and, IMHO, the Blaser saddle mount is the best, most reliable scope mounting system on the market. If you are guy who likes to tinker with your guns, you are going to be disappointed. They come out of the box with a great trigger and there is no need to bed the action. They just shoot and they take down in a second into a neat little package for traveling and go back together in seconds as well. BLASERS ROCK!

I never was too worried about the speed of a bolt gun action . the blaser is nice. I may get one some day. they offered the mauser in the calibers I wanted and it was cheap I mean stupid cheap I have been happy with it so far.

O.K.,

Jeff Sullivan said something about the M03 being hard to get in the US. If this is so, or if the distributor isn't customer oriented like I've heard Aleko Jensen is, then it may not matter how good a rifle the M03 is.

Also, I believe I can get a Blaser in a standard caliber for around $3300. How much is a standard grade M03 in a standard caliber? Can I change from a standard caliber like 270 Win to a magnum like .338 Win mag on the same rifle or would I have to stay with the same case head?

Who is the best, most reliable, most customer oriented U.S. distributor/dealer for the Mauser?

mauser has changed importer and they now are imported through the same office as blaser as in press 1 for blaser 2 for saur 3 for mauser so I think that problem is solved


you can get the mauser in whatever cal you want from 223 up to 458 lott and 404j it is a good list

find it here http://www.mauserwaffen.de/Home.home.0.html?&L=1

I can sense most of you guys are located in the states. Just an insigft as to what's happening in Europe.

Blaser is the best selling bolt rifle in Europe by numbers. So whoever is talking about the bolt being unconventional and difficult to get use to is hot air. The majority of users vote with their wallets. Only those who do not buy into the system talks about it on the internet.

Mauser is of course owned by the same parents company and they are very clever making sure that the 02 products do not clash. My friend at Mauser informs me that there are frequent meetings between the 02 companies and exchange of future product plans.

In general if you hunt in rough places like the Swiss Alps and "weight" is an issue hunters will usually choose a Blaser especially the K95 range.

When you turn up to a driven hunt which is v popular in europe, the better dressed hunters will turn up with a nice high grade woooden mauser and shall we say "white collar" hunters will turn up in Blasers. More like a E class and an S class. Unless you hunt in that environment often it is difficult to appreciate the class distintion. I can sense my North American friends will have difficulty in appreciating this aspect of European hunting.
Hunting is a privilege rather than a purchased commodity.

Within the European market, Mauser is trying to play shall we say hard to get. They purposely do not increase production capacity in order to increase their waiting time and demand. Their marketing template is typical German.

The long the wait the more their clients want their product aka Mercedes Benz..

At the moment I know Mauser cannot satisfy their local markets in Europe. Hence anybody ordering a rifle from outside the E.U.(i.e.from the USA) will have to endure silly timescales.

If you talk to any mauser dealer now in europe there is no talk of recession. The demand of both products are high.

hope this helps

Caliber choice for Blasers are more extensive and mauser.

Mauser shooters are traditionalist and do not venture in calibers like

6mm BR
6.5 x 284
6.5 x 68 Schuler
6 x 62 feres

etc.

Whilest Blaser shooters are very adventurous.

I have Mauser 03 in
222 for plinking at home with my son
6.5x55 for plains games up to Elk
9.3x62 for anything up to the last 02 of the big five.

One take down box
03 scopes with 03 detachable mounts
02 magzazines
02 bolt head

Never need to zero when travelling.

0.5 inch @100 factory barrel who more do you want ?

quote:

Originally posted by CRUSHER:
mauser has changed importer and they now are imported through the same office as blaser as in press 1 for blaser 2 for saur 3 for mauser so I think that problem is solved

Mauser is being supposedly imported by BlaserUSA, but the problem is definitely not solved. As of April, BlaserUSA had no idea when the importation of the Mauser line would begin. That is when I canceled my MO3 order in favor of a BBF 97.

From my personal experience, BlaserUSA is the most poorly organized and inefficient company that I have ever dealt with. They have several employees, but only certain people can ship and order. When those people are out of the office, NOTHING gets done. When I ordered my BBF 97, I wanted the "short" version and Kevin at BlaserUSA told my dealer that it didn't exist even though the catalog clear stated that it did. A friend of mine who knows Rich with BlaserUSA sent him an email on the subject, and low and behold, Blaser DOES make a BBF 97 "shorty".

If BlaserUSA markets the Mauser line like they do Blaser, it will never take off in the US market.

I've had 2 Blaser's, a R-93 in 257 Weatherby and an LRS2 in 308 Winchester. Both are very accurate as I beleive all Blaser's tend to be.

My only pause is that occasionally the bolt on my R-93 doesn't completely lock shut, I got a "Click" instead of a "Boom" while shooting in an F-class match. The primer wasn't touched and recocking the action and pushing hard forwards one the bolt resulted in a normal shot. I don't know if anyone else has had this same issue with a R-93 or not. It might just be my particular rifle but it does give me a slight concern if I were using one for hunting particularly for dangerous game. The bolt works extremely fast but how easy is it to get a non-fire? Has anyone else ever experienced this with their R-93?......................DJ

DJ
Don't take this the wrong way, but I strongly suspect operator error. I have fired a few thousand rounds thru the several R-93's that I have owned, and I have never experienced a failure to fire.

I don't "slam" my bolts shut, but I do it firmly enough that there is no doubt that they are closed.

Well,

I have been shooting Blasers for sometime, and have helped others into the "faction". The R-93 is a great weapon, and very accurate.I can say nothing but good things about them.

I have used it in all weather conditions, hot,dry, wet, and cold and it works. The blaser has a very good trigger and they are 100% interchangeable (left to right hand-- barrel caliber to bolt head)

I will say when I bought my first Blaser if the Mauser would have been aval. I would have gone that way. It was really hard to get past the straight pull bolt, but now I really like it.

The 2 M03 that I have messed with were very accurate, I'd say the same as my blaser.

Actually, right up the road from me is Blaser USA and all of them (Blaser, Sauer, and Mauser) are under one roof.

Heck last time I was out at Canyon Sporting www.canyonsportingarms.com
(Tip Burns' place) he is a Mauser dealer and he had a very nice M03 there. He is a great guy to deal with and has great customer service. Maybe aval. will get better.

I will also as the M03 has abit better caliber selection on the top end (ie. 458 lott, 404 jeffery) and the price of barrels is a little better around $800 buck compared to Blaser nudging $1000.

Quality I'd say its a coin toss, both are very high quality hunting weapons.

Changing the bolt head is faster with the M03, and barrel switch out is about the same.

Either one your a winner

Here is a pic of one of my hunts with a R93

P- dog hunting in NM


By coachsells, shot with COOLPIX S4 at 2008-08-30

Good luck it your choice!

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Sullivan:
DJ
Don't take this the wrong way, but I strongly suspect operator error. I have fired a few thousand rounds thru the several R-93's that I have owned, and I have never experienced a failure to fire.

I don't "slam" my bolts shut, but I do it firmly enough that there is no doubt that they are closed.

Maybe it is but I tend to lean towards maybe my rifle having an issue. I own triple digits of rifles and shoot quite a bit. I've never had the same issue with my other straight pull rifle - a Swiss K-31. I also am above average in hand and arm strength. The misfires have occured when I used enough effort to close the bolt on any of my other rifles.

I guess it also could have been an ammo issue but I use both a Wilson case guage and a RCBS Case Micrometer to ensure that my brass is properly sized. Perhaps there's an issue there but I've never had an issue with any of the more than dozen other 308's I've had or have.

So yes it could be operator error but I lean towards other causes.

Other owners, with your R-93's have you ever tried to see if you can release the sear without the bolt being completely closed?
Any suggestions on who might work on a Blaser?.................................DJ

If the bolt does not close all the way, either due to an improper fitting reload, or improper total closing of the bolt by the operator, the rifle will not fire.

This applies to all bolt rifles.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Sullivan:

quote:

Originally posted by CRUSHER:
mauser has changed importer and they now are imported through the same office as blaser as in press 1 for blaser 2 for saur 3 for mauser so I think that problem is solved

Mauser is being supposedly imported by BlaserUSA, but the problem is definitely not solved. As of April, BlaserUSA had no idea when the importation of the Mauser line would begin. That is when I canceled my MO3 order in favor of a BBF 97.

From my personal experience, BlaserUSA is the most poorly organized and inefficient company that I have ever dealt with. They have several employees, but only certain people can ship and order. When those people are out of the office, NOTHING gets done. When I ordered my BBF 97, I wanted the "short" version and Kevin at BlaserUSA told my dealer that it didn't exist even though the catalog clear stated that it did. A friend of mine who knows Rich with BlaserUSA sent him an email on the subject, and low and behold, Blaser DOES make a BBF 97 "shorty".

If BlaserUSA markets the Mauser line like they do Blaser, it will never take off in the US market.

I have no idea what they had in april but when I bought my rifle last week they had bbls scope mounts and rifles acording to mr burns.

quote:

Originally posted by CRUSHER:
I have no idea what they had in april but when I bought my rifle last week they had bbls scope mounts and rifles acording to mr burns.

Which "Mr Burns" are you referring to Tip or Josh?

I find it humorous that BlaserUSA has Mauser scope mounts in stock, and yet they have had Blaser Swarovski rail mounts backordered for 7 weeks.

Hi all you american freinds.

I guess there are no actual data what would you asy the ratio of Blasers to Mauser you have come across in the USA ?

I can tell you it is 1 to 12 in most European countries.

This was published in a Danish trade magazine

A recent thread on the European forum you folks might be interested ..

http://forums.accuratereloadin.../5421043/m/903109497

Hisotry of Blaser for all you Blser shooters to enjoy !

I found this brief history of Blaser to share with friends here. I hope you enjoy reading it.

1957
The gunsmith Horst Blaser made his vision reality through the development of a light and - above all - safe over & under rifle/shotgun combination. Thus, the Blaser "Diplomat" was born. Since his own capacities were not sufficient, many of the main components were manufactured in Ferlach/Austria, giving the Diplomat the "Ferlach Note", such as the barrels being completely soldered together up to the monoblock.

New single lock, with a manual cocking lever, gave the rifle the maximum safety typical of Blaser rifles. A classic claw mount was also used. The Diplomat was sold with great success through the rising hunting goods supplier Frankonia.

1960
Horst Blaser redesigned the over & under rifle/shotgun combination "Diplomat", so that he could completely finish the production of the barrels himself - excluding making the barrel bore.

Hence the model 60 with a single lockup-wedge was produced. This featured the barrels being soldered from the end of the forearm to the muzzle.

The Blaser 60 was the first German hunting rifle to be manufactured by machines. This resulted in a very high precision in the production series.

1963
Horst Blaser developed the Model 60 further to create the ES 63. "ES" stands for "Einschloss" which means "single lock". The receiver and monoblock were enlarged to allow for a wider range of calibers.

The ES63 was offered with 12-gauge shotgun barrel & rifle calibers ranging from .22 lfb to 5.6 x 52 R.

1965
Horst Blaser developed his own scope mount, the "Blaser Tip mount".

From 1965, this was the mount chosen for the ES 63.

1967
The Blaser "Bockbhsflinte" (O&U rifle/shotgun combination) was further developed. The following model, the ES 67, offered again a wider range of calibers - up to 9.3 x 74 R.

1970
The model range took another step forward with the ES 70, a detachable version of the BBF ES 67.

This was the first time it was possible to offer interchangeable barrels, giving the hunter the opportunity to fit different calibers in one rifle.

At this stage the Blaser reputation was also being established in other countries. The first catalog was printed in English.

1971
Blaser introduced a new development, the K71 single shot rifle.

The safety principle was also followed with this model, with the fitting of a manual cocking device.

This was the first rifle to be made without a set trigger. A fine direct pull trigger was fitted, which again took the safety of the hunter to the next level.

The gunsmithery of Horst Blaser had by this stage expanded to an enterprise of considerable size, employing approximately 40 workers. A new factory was erected in Isny where the production commenced.

1975
The new Blaser B75 "Bergstutzen" (over & under double rifle featuring two different calibers) was introduced based, on the earlier BBF ES 70.

Apart from the barrel selector which allows the top barrel to be selected when using the set trigger, the B75 system is identical to the ES 700. This allows a combination barrel to be inserted. Thus introducing the modular system.

The top rifle barrel is inserted in a carrying tube which can be regulated at the muzzle. This renderss the complex soldering of the barrels required for regulating unnecessary.

The Blaser pivot mount (BSM) became the most popular mount in German speaking countries due to its precision and simple handling.

Almost all Blaser rifles were fitted with the BSM, with some other rifle manufacturers also using it. Later came a further development, the Blaser bridge pivot mount (BBSM). This mount served for 20 years in the industry (until 1995) - when the Blaser scope mount for all Blaser models was released. The era of the pivot mount then came to an end, although individual pieces are still produced today.

1977
The Blaser single shot rifle was modernized: with the new model K 77. This is where the tilting block lock first came into use. This lock, with its parallel fitting surfaces proved ito be extremely strong, reliable and above all, precise. This block construction is still used in today's models K 95, D 99 and S 2.

The versatility and accuracy made the K 77 one of the most successful single shot rifles in the world.

In the late 80 the variants K 77 "Ultra light" and K 77 "All-weather" (with nickeled barrels) were introduced. In 1995 the following model K 95 replaced the K 77, although the basic design was only marginally changed.

Around this time, CNC technology was introduced. From the beginning the concept was designed for these machines, which gave the possibility of improving the manufacture of the rifles by achieving tighter tolerances on the parts produced. Blaser is one of the first rifle manufacturers to begin making parts using CNC machines.

1981
The Blaser "O&U Double Rifle" was released into the market. Still in Blaser style, the new over & under double is with manual cocking system, double lock and single set trigger. The B 810 has, like the K 77, a tilting lock block and is also prepared for Magnum calibers.

1982
The Blaser falling block rifle BL 820 became part of the series. This single shot rifle with vertical block assembly and manual cocking system had a stainless steel receiver and the barrel was set inside an octagonal carrier tube with a rail to the end of the forearm.

In 1990, after 8 successful years, it was decided that due to the extremely complicated production and therefore high price, the model would no longer be manufactured. The Blaser BL 820 is a rarity and still fetches attractive prices on the second hand market.

1983
The first bolt action rifle from Blaser was introduced: the SR 830.

Unlike other bolt action rifles on the market, the SR 830 was not a derivative of existing military-style designs. The SR 830 iwas purely developed for hunting. Designed by hunters for hunters!

With its short action, manual cocking and simple take down features, it captures considerable interest worldwide.

The SR 830 barrel is set inside an octagonal carrier tube with a rail to the end of the forearm, a set trigger and a magazine which will hold 2 rounds plus one in the chamber.

The exciting construction of the SR 830 captured the attention of a successful businessman and passionate hunter: Gerhard Blenk. He contacted Horst Blaser with the hope of importing the SR 830 to the USA. The US model was named "Blaser Ultimate" and in 1986 the R 84. This version with self cocking system and conventional safety feature was eventually be sold in America.

1985
Horst Blaser decided to sell his business (approximately 60 employees) to Gerhard Blenk. At the end of 1985/86 Blenk became the new owner of Blaser Jagdwaffen.

Over the next 15 years Gerhard Blenk led Blaser to become Germany's number 1 hunting rifle manufacturer. During this time the enterprise experienced its largest period of growth, with sales figures increasing constantly and the number of employees having more than doubled. The new factory in Isny is continually being extended as the company continues to grow.

In 1985 the model SR 830 was changed slightly, with the carrier tube being discarded.

1986
The new Large Caliber - Bergstutzen GB 860 is brought into the market.

As descendant from the B 810 this rifle has a tilting block and digests Magnum calibers up to .375 H&H Mag. without problems. A manual cocking system and Single lock is fitted. The GB 860 was built until 1995.

1988
Gerhard Blenk, together with Head of R&D Meinrad Zeh, developed a totally new single lock action, the "SLK" system, which was applied to the combination models. The BBF 700/88 and the BS 750/88 replaced the models ES 700 and B 75. Through the newly designed system, the new fine trigger made the set trigger redundant.

The series production of the non-detachable ES 67 ceased and the new Blaser "Bockdrilling" (over & under rifle/shotgun combination with additional small caliber rifle barrel on the side) BD 880 was released. This model was fitted with the SLK system, featuring a fine trigger and manual cocking device.

The small caliber rifle barrel in .22 Hornet can be adjusted at the muzzle and the barrel selector is ergonomically positioned directly beside the trigger.

Because of its light weight, versatility and universal practicality the BD 880 was one of the most popular district rifles. The model was built until 1999 when the D 99 Duo replaced it.

The Blaser bolt action rifle SR 850 is equipped with countless innovations: The set trigger is replaced by fine triggers, the characteristics "cocking hammer" was no longer integrated.

Its successor the SR 850/88 was cocked through pushing forward the bolt handle.

1990
Because of the soaring sales of both the bolt action and combination rifles, Blaser's production sources were straining. To compensate this the delivery times were extended. Plans were made to extend the factory and to reduce the amount of models offered in order to reduce delivery times.

Unfortunately the production of the BL 820 and the B 810 ceased.

1992
Blaser works together with RWS to develop the .30 R Blaser. This cartridge is more than a .30-06 with a rim: The increased performance along with high precision quickly made this caliber very popular. Soon other manufacturers started to produce this caliber.

1993
Gerhard Blenk and the Head of R & D, Meinrad Zeh, had for some time been working on a revolutionary concept designed for modern day hunting.

Blenk, an experienced hunter worldwide, was to define the exact requirements and Zeh as master tool maker was to convert these ideas into reality through his ingenious knowledge of weapon technology. The two complemented each other perfectly. In 1989 a new tool, CAD system, was imported which opened up new possibilities.

Blenk and Zeh took their time on the development: The new bolt action rifle should not be released before every detail was perfected. Every part of the design was questioned. The rifle was to be launched at IWA in 1992 under the title SR 92, but due to extensive prototype tests, which led to new ideas, improvements and developments, the release was postponed for one year.

In March 1993 at the IWA show in Nnberg the Blaser R 93 is introduced to the world.

1995
Many of the new technologies, such as the corrosion-protected barrel finish and the sear-free trigger used with the R93 were to transferred to other models. A new scope mount that set a new standard in QD scope-mount design, was to developed.

The Blaser BBF 700/88 was replaced by the Blaser BBF 95 and the B 750/88 replaced by the BS 95. With free floating barrels, the problem of "climbing" groupings was eliminated.

The barrels were also produced to optimize point-of-impact regulation.

The large caliber GB 860 was removed from the program as the new BS took off.

The single shot K 77 was completely revised, although the tilting lock block remained. The subsequent model was named K 95.

1996
Blaser was also active in the optic sector: The first "hit point" red dot scope is released. It is a robust and low-priced red dot scope that Blaser had manufactured in Japan.

1997
Blaser joined forces with the Swiss enterprise SIG, a manufacturer of assault rifles and the parent company of the firms Sauer and H鄝merli. Gerhard Blenk realized that this partnership would be very beneficial for Blaser as it would guarantee the critical supply of barrels as Sauer in Eckernf顤de and SIG in Neuhausen had their own high-tech barrel fabrication. Gerhard Blenk remained the Managing Director and single owner of Blaser.

The newly-developed BB with double lock system was not compatible with the single lock concept, so the construction of the Sauer 97 was introduced into the market, although the rifle was built in Isny. The Sauer 97 also had manual cocking and the ability to fit interchangeable barrels from the Blaser 95 as rifle/shotgun combination and double rifle. Later the rifle was integrated into the Blaser program as the Blaser 97.

The new CDP bullet developed, manufactured and loaded by SM in Thun (today joined with RUAG), gave Blaser the opportunity to enter into ammunition distribution with its own brand name. Blaser participated in the determination of the loading parameters. The new ammunition was offered in over 20 different calibers.

1998
In the meantime the production and engineering technology progressed further and Blaser kept up with the pace of modern technologies, such as laser welding and other laser technologies, EDM, both in wire and stamp, new materials, metallurgical procedures, surface treatments, latest synthetic technology, integrated administrative software (PPS/ERP) and 3D CAD. Blaser was always a market leader.

1999
The new Blaser D 99 was released causing a commotion because of its unconventional barrel arrangement. But when examined more closely it is evident that the D 99 offers a revolutionary design for this type of gun, such as the free floating barrels, the tilting block lock and the scope mount. Like the other models, the D 99 has the double lock system, manual cocking and fine triggers. The barrel selector is found beside the trigger like that of the BD 880.

The Blaser Drilling is the first model that was given the steel-grey surface finish on the receiver. In the following years this form of anodizing was to replace the former nickel coating on all Blaser models with aluminium actions.

2000
This was a turbulent year for Blaser. After almost 15 fantastic years of success, Gerhard Blenk decided to remove himself from the industry to concentrate on his own projects and above all dedicate some time to hunting. He resigned as Managing Director and sold the company to SIG.

Meinrad Zeh and Gerhard Kaufmann step in to take over as Managing Directors. Zeh is responsible for production and development and Kaufmann for sales and marketing. Naturally, both are avid hunters.

At IWA in March 2000 the D 99 Duo was introduced, a version of the Blaser Drilling with 2 rifle barrels. The system is identical to that of the D 99, therefore allowing the possibility of extra barrels to be fitted.

Around the middle of the year, the directors of SIG decided to separate from the entire weapons division and concentrate on the core business of packaging technology.

The search was on for a buyer. Towards the end of the year, the private entrepreneurs and passionate hunters Michael Le and Thomas Ortmeier purchased the companies Blaser, Sauer, H鄝merli, Sigarms USA and the newly-founded Swiss Arms Neuhausen (SAN), all remaining subsidiaries with separate identities complementing each other.

2001
The Blaser D 99 Trio, a logical development of the D 99 concept, was released.

Together with Schmidt & Bender, Blaser developed a new red dot scope with a larger vision field, stronger red dot, better quality and longer battery life. The "hit point pro", manufactured by Schmidt & Bender, was introduced at IWA 2001 and replaced the "hit point".

At the end of the year Kaufmann left the position of Managing Director.

Meinrad Zeh found he had no time to design and develop as Managing Director and thus returned to that what he enjoyed most, as Head of R & D of Blaser.

Bernhard Kn鐽el, a qualified gunsmith and business economist took the role as Managing Director. Kn鐽el has a vast knowledge of the industry and is himself a passionate hunter.

2002
The first Blaser side-by-side double rifle was launched.

The model S 2 based on the system from the D 99 which also features the tilting block lock. Both barrels are free floating in carrier tubes and can be adjusted at the muzzle.

2003
Due to the hunting experience of all Blaser staff, new ideas began to emerge. "Blaser Active Outfits", the Blaser clothing label, was launched.

At IWA in Nnberg the first "Offspring" of the S2 is presented, The S2 Safari.

The extremely strong tilting block lock allows us to offer powerful calibers up to .500 N.E. (3")! The stock and forearm design and the trigger pulls are arranged accordingly to accommodate the Safari model.

10 years after the launch of the R 93 straight-pull bolt action rifle, the 100 000th rifle made was presented at the IWA show. This anniversary rifle is the most valuable Blaser rifle of all time, with complex engraving.

2004
After a long period of development, the shotgun F3 was presented to the IWA 2004. The F3 marked a big step forward in the history of shotgun construction as well as in the history of Blaser. The F3 was the first shotgun being designed and produced in Isny. Groundbreaking innovations concerning both the technology, the modular system and ergonomics, as well as the handling and shooting characteristics convinced marksmen, hunters and connoisseurs worldwide. John Bidwell from England won the F.I.T.A.S.C. World Championship with the Blaser F3.

The Blaser Active Outfits collection was enhanced to a complete apparel line and featured not only well thought out functional hunting wear, but also elegant leisure wear, shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts and jeans for both hunters and huntresses. The concise Argali label became a popular, recognizable characteristic of the professional, sporty, elegant hunting and leisure outfits. The first catalog was released.

In the range of bolt action rifles, the R 93 Professional was presented. Featuring a modern, dark green synthetic stock, it is durable and sturdy as well as harmonic in design. On the pistol grip and forearm it is equipped with elastic, anthracite inlays, ensuring a safe grip.

2005
Both the rifle/accessory and apparel line were extended. The elegant R 93 Stutzen as well as the new B 97 Classic over and under rifle, featuring soldered barrels were released. Thus, Blaser answered the demands of many hunters locally and globally, preferring more traditional over and under rifles for drive hunts.

quote:

Originally posted by djpaintles:
... occasionally the bolt on my R-93 doesn't completely lock shut, I got a "Click" instead of a "Boom" while shooting in an F-class match. The primer wasn't touched and recocking the action and pushing hard forwards one the bolt resulted in a normal shot.

DJ, this is comparatively common occurrence. It is actually a safety feature - if the bolt is not completely closed, the gun will just go "click" when you pull the trigger. If you look hard at your primers, you'll likely see the slightest of impact.

The problem often occurs with reloaded ammo - the larger the case you are trying to chamber, the more vigorously the bolt has to be closed. For this reason, I stopped neck sizing for my R93s. To avoid the problem, I always "bump" the bolt handle after closing it. That has kept me firing for about 14 years now.

Good luck

- mike

quote:

Originally posted by mho:
DJ, this is comparatively common occurrence. It is actually a safety feature - if the bolt is not completely closed, the gun will just go "click" when you pull the trigger. If you look hard at your primers, you'll likely see the slightest of impact.

Good luck

- mike

Thanks Mike, I thought that there was either something wrong with my particular rifle or this wasn't an unknown occurance with other R-93's.

I still like the R-93's but this feature does give me pause about using one in a DGR situation. I think that the forward motion doesn't have the same about of closing cam power as you do with a bolt action rifle. Plus you are pushing it away from you instead of a straight down pull where you should have a little mechanical advantage.
I realize that it's the easiest rifle in the world to recock but I think that I'd rather it didn't drop the firing pin, you'd know something was wrong sooner.

Also I'll be very carefull to make sure that brass for this rifle is sized for an easy fit in the chamber....................................DJ

DJ, you are saying that the bolt closes, and the trigger works but the gun does not go bang? For the life of me I can't see why this a "safety feature". On my R93, the main problem I have had is that the bolt does not close properly (all the way forward) and hence the trigger does not work at all. Now THAT"S a safety feature. I experienced this with several different calibers and concluded that the chamber on a Blaser is "tighter" than other (American rifles) so I take much more care in FL sizing. No more neck sizing! The other problem I have had is that occassionally with my 375 H&H I have fired a round and had the rifle decocked. There has been no mark or evidence that my right hand has hit the device, yet, when I broached the subject on the Blasr Forum I was told it was all my fault! It takes a fair amount of effort to cock and decock that rifle and I am sure I would have felt it, but.....
So, anyway, back to the original question. We all know how much Blasers cost. How much do M03's cost (in the USA)? Anyone know?
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by djpaintles:
I think that the forward motion doesn't have the same about of closing cam power as you do with a bolt action rifle. Plus you are pushing it away from you instead of a straight down pull where you should have a little mechanical advantage.
DJ

DJ, absolutely. This is the essence of the chambering with the Blaser straight pull action! In terms of extraction, there is no primary extraction either.

The rifle works well, in fact it has incredible advantages over more traditional rifles, but the design dictates certain attributes. An R93 is not a Mauser 98 or a M70, and that is why they all have a market.

- mike

djpaintles,

When my first Blaser R93 was new to me, and I was getting used to it while shooting at the range, I experienced the same thing as you did a couple of times. It is a safety feature and does result from not pushing the bolt fully closed.

But having it happen to you a couple of times on the range should guarantee that it won't ever happen again - especially not in the field!!! It hasn't in my case, because forewarned is forearmed and I now push the bolt home firmly every time.

I can see how this could be caused by using handloaded ammuntion with cases that were not full length resized before loading. I agree that with the R93, one should full length resize, just as one does with a semiautomatic rifle.

BTW, I am a huge fan of the R93 and could not be more satisfied with the several receivers, barrels, bolts, bolt heads, saddle scope mounts, etc. that I own.

I have never handled the Mauser M03. It seems as though it might be less convenient than the Blaser for barrel and scope switching, although I have no doubt that it's a fine rifle.

My sense is that the Mauser M03 is much harder to find in the USA, although when one can be found, it's generally not as costly as an R93.

I really like the Blaser system and see the advantages of the M03 if you prefer a more traditional rifle. An M03 will probably find its way into my collection one day but I will still do most of my hunting with a Blaser.

quote:

Originally posted by mrlexma:
djpaintles,


But having it happen to you a couple of times on the range should guarantee that it won't ever happen again - especially not in the field!!! It hasn't in my case, because forewarned is forearmed and I now push the bolt home firmly every time.

I think you are making a valid point but I have a little different take on it. I like to try and do my thinking ahead of time and plan ahead as much as possible. I think it's good to try and eliminate as many potential failure or error points as possible. I think I'd still have trouble with a R-93 in a DGR rifle but wouldn't mind hunting deer and other game with one. In my mind the speed advantage of the straight pull action is more than offset by the worry of ensuring the bolt is fully forwards.

My LRS2 is a 308 winchester so I'm thinking that a small base die might be order..............................DJ

Just don't baby it, DJ. Unless you hear that final little "click" at the smooth and far end of the stroke, you have not done the job.

Since I learned the manual of arms for the R93, I have killed two African lion and one leopard with mine.

It's not a problem, as long as you know what is needed and get it done.

No patty fingers, as Michaeleen Flynn used to say. Just be sure to push the bolt home with a wee bit of authority.

And I agree that small base dies would be the safest bet, although probably not strictly necessary, as long as FL resizing was done with the regular sort of dies.

To answer the question on pricing, they are as follows:

M03 Extreme (synthetic) is $2843.00
Basic (wood grade 3 or 4) is 3017.00
Arabesqe is 3960.00
Trail is 3683.00

They all come with the single rifle hard case and the deluxe sling.

Magnum Calibers:
Add 289.00

Extra Barrels:
Basic, standard barrels are 824.00.
Trail barrels are 1389.00.

Other pricing is available upon request but this gives you all an idea. None of these prices includes sale tax.

I have some on order and am awaiting delivery.

Tip Burns

No need for the Mr., Tip is fine.

Hi Tip

Am I reading correctly that you have found a source to order the M 03s?

I did not know they found a replacement importer after Briley?

Any information you can send along would be appreciated.

Many thanks!

Tip

I am glad to see you here! Thanks for the pricing. Have there been any Trail models hit the US yet?

I had the pleasure of handling a Mauser 03 at Tips place last month. I have handled and shot the Blaser. A very accurate rifle. Just my personal opine here, I want a Mauser!

No one likes change, and Blaser and Mauser 03s are not your daddy's M98. Talk about a 3 gun safari battery. . .

quote:

Originally posted by djpaintles:
My LRS2 is a 308 winchester so I'm thinking that a small base die might be order..............................DJ

DJ, Blaser chambers are not tight in any way. With a small base die, IMHO, you'd work your brass unnecessarily.

I rely on PFL sizing with a regular FL sizing die (mostly a Foster, but that probably matters less). I set my dies to push back the (fired) shoulder .001-.002". That makes the cases chamber with just the slightest hint of resistance. I'm sure if I set die an "iota" deeper, I would feel no resistance whatsoever in chambering. Factory ammo also slips into the chamber like greased lightning.

- mike

Mike, I've got the tool that lets you check the headspace by measureing fired cases. When I get the chance I'll check the ammo I was using and some of the fired cases to see if they were tighter than they should have been. I typically like to resize to factory new headspace and I have several 308's. I segregate the brass for each rifle but you never know when you might need more for one or the other in a pinch.

I'd still like another R-93. I missed a nice one last year in 9,3x62, it was sold when I went back to buy it. We'll see if I stumble across another - or maybe a mauser? ..........................................DJ

W404,
Yes I have some on order through Blaser USA as they are the importer now. I like the more conventional aspects of the M03 over the Blaser. That being said, I have nothing against the Blaser. I,m just more of a bolt guy!With the M03, you also have a larger magazine capacity and it's removable or can be locked so it's not removable. You can also get the 404 Jeffery and 458 Lott on the heavy end.

djpaintles, I have a M03 Trail in 9.3x62 in the works as well!

Tip

Hey guys,

This is a pic taken of my R93 .270 in snow and freezing conditions hunting Sika Deer in the Kaimanawa ranges in the central North Island of New Zealand.

My Blaser never once froze up on me. The only thing that did freeze was the power change ring on my Bushnell Elite 4200 scope (tipped cold water on it to unfreeze it).

Great scopes! never internally fogged as the temperature was below zero.


Can't comment on the Mauser 03, but they sure do look like a beautiful rifle.



Here are some other pics:





And how it was before the snow:



and:



I'm going back in late October to hunt Sika / Reds.

I'm saving my money for a Mauser 03. Doesn't a man need two 404 Jeffery rifles?