I know it's still early because it's just been released, but I was wondering if anyone has had the chance to examine, or even use the newest M98 from Mauser company. Looks good and the video lists the improvements, and it got me thinking that since I've been saving for a custom Mauser style why not go for the Mauser itself?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2jqdrPvETI

Watched the video. It looks awesome. Price?

Thanks for posting!

Haven't heard about price yet, but I imagine would be around the same as the previous model?

quote:

Originally posted by adrian4444:
Haven't heard about price yet, but I imagine would be around the same as the previous model?

What calibers will this be available in ?

I'll take two when I see them in my LGS

Any experts on Mauser's history? Trying to figure out if between 1948 and early 2000s Mauser was actually building weapons, or only licensing other factories to brand their production "Mauser"?

On the second hand market they are typically $8000-11000.

I think the new ones are $14000, and a new Rigby (same gun but finished in London) is about the same plus or minus $2500.

quote:

Originally posted by adrian4444:
Any experts on Mauser's history? Trying to figure out if between 1948 and early 2000s Mauser was actually building weapons, or only licensing other factories to brand their production "Mauser"?

Not sure who owned "Mauser" back then. I think it was Krico, Voere, and a few others have built mauser labed rifles.

For a while Mauser was owned by SIG-Sauer. Not sure that is still the case.

8-14,000 dollars. Wow. I would expect LOTS more integral barrel parts full length rib with sight bases, barrel sling eye, under barrel recoil lug and if needed integral muzzle brake. .
But, that's just tight old me.
Is this Mauser worth 8-14 Ruger M77 Mk2 African's???

Me Likey..
Looks exact same as my Sako Safari 375H&H, except without the Qtr Rib

quote:

Originally posted by Cold Trigger Finger:
8-14,000 dollars. Wow....
Is this Mauser worth 8-14 Ruger M77 Mk2 African's???

If anyone-else can make the identical same new manufacture Mauser rifle for same or less -and actually have it available for purchase & delivery,
Im waiting to see it.

ITs certainly not an Echols & Co. shop built mauser, but keep in mind , its notably less than even 1/2 the price of such pearls.

quote:

Originally posted by Trax:

quote:

Originally posted by Cold Trigger Finger:
8-14,000 dollars. Wow....
Is this Mauser worth 8-14 Ruger M77 Mk2 African's???

If anyone-else can make the identical same new manufacture Mauser rifle for same or less -and actually have it available for purchase & delivery,
Im waiting to see it.

ITs certainly not an Echols & Co. shop built mauser, but keep in mind , its notably less than even 1/2 the price of such pearls.

Comparing this new Mauser with a factory Ruger or Winchester isn't really fair, but would it be fair to compare it to a similar low volume, high quality, semi-custom manufacturer?

Let's say Dakota for discussion's sake...

Heard good reports about it from an outfitter I know. Better than the reports of the " similar" RIGBY.

quote:

Originally posted by montea6b:
... would it be fair to compare it to a similar low volume, high quality, semi-custom manufacturer?

Let's say Dakota for discussion's sake...

one could compare the dollar values, but not point-If one insists a new high qualilty M98 is what they must have
to be satisfied.
There is definitely good margin of 'Brand power' structured/bumped into the retail price of the new Mauser.
(if it was not for brand-power,a Rolex dive watch would retail for far less than it does) having said that;
you do get genuine quality & reputation (prestige), and like with most products expect such to come at a premium.

That's a really nice gun, love every aspect of the well thougt out metal work!! but the stock, though decent, sure lacks what I would expect with that kind of metal work..Porus Black walnut with obvious unfilled pores on such a nice gun and the cross bolts are Ebony or plastic plugs?? what were they thinking? cutting costs perhaps? sometimes great metal smiths know little about wood, and visa versa.

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:the cross bolts are Ebony or plastic plugs??

The cross bolts look metal (steel?)to me. Can't imagine them being plastic or wood

I've handled and shot a new 98 in Rigby. Fit and finish and metal work are all very good as one would expect. However the wood was fit for a boat paddle. The Germans are having a hell of a time finding decent wood and it shows. Butt ugly comes to mind.

Also, the aesthetics of the new safety will take a little getting used to. I certainly did not care for it. Not sure there is any workaround for it based on its design, however, I did not have an opportunity to disassemble the bolt.

I have asked for an action in white but they are not anywhere ready for that. That's about the only reason why I would be interested in one and certainly not a "finished" example.

Pricing was shocking, but I cannot remember exact list price. Suffices to say when I heard the price and saw what was going to be delivered, I was not at all interested.

Your mileage may vary...

quote:

Originally posted by adrian4444:

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:the cross bolts are Ebony or plastic plugs??

The cross bolts look metal (steel?)to me. Can't imagine them being plastic or wood

Yes steel, look closely they do have the twin holes for the tightening wrench so will be steel.

"Is this Mauser worth 8-14 Ruger M77 Mk2 African's???"

Of course it is, you don't see top F1 drivers or American astronauts wearing cheap Swiss watches do you? Nothing but the best with prestige for hunting Africa

You'd think for that kind of money they would fill the pores in the wood. Look at the photo.

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson: the cross bolts are Ebony or plastic plugs??

Ray, you make it sound like ebony cheapens a rifle.

IF ebony is good enough for the fore-ends of some of the ultra premium-most expensive rifles,
its sure just fine for capping off a stock reinforcing cross bar.
In fact, in trim light magnum rifles like; 300H&H, .338win,..that have a cross bolt,
I really prefer the black-contrasting ebony caps.

quote:

Originally posted by Vol717:
You'd think for that kind of money they would fill the pores in the wood. Look at the photo.

Yes agree it looks a bit strange, perhaps left for those that would like to customise their Mauser

I was always the Mauser afficioado.

Beginning way back I bought the 98 barreled actions and fitted stocks I bought from the old Herters. I also fitted them with double set triggers.

Eventually I collected several Mauser's both vintage, intermediate and modern. Apparently I got spoiled on their bolt, extractor claw and safety. Didn't care much for the other manufacturers. The last Mauser I bought was their last and latest Oberndorf straight push/pull action. It was quite a disappointment.

Here's the history of Mauser.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauser

This new M98 Magnum is a different action than the smaller calibers. It's the double bridge.
Here in the USA those company's that opened and manufactured these Mauser magnums, identical to the old, originals, 10, 15, 20 years ago, had prices right up there close to the price quoted here.

When I could no longer buy Mausers, I went to Ruger which is pretty close in design. Last Ruger I bought 10-12 years ago was a Model 77, bolt action .338 Winchester Magnum, $1,500. I whacked moose and caribou with it - A $12,000 Mauser Magnum or a $35,000 Merkel doubles could not, and would not, be any more precise or effective.

I suppose, philosophically, anyone who buys a new M98 Magnum Mauser has that mindset similar to automobile buyers who will pay a few hundred thousand dollars for exotic Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces and the like.

I buy GM Buicks. Last one cost me $35,000. Great car, looks nice, loaded with features, absolutely reliable, comfortable and pleasing to look at.

If I had the disposable income I probably would buy the new M98 Mauser Magnum. Both from the perspective of owning one of the greatest firearms, historically, in the world and too
because I truly appreciate the sentiment of the German descendants of the old masters, aspiring to keep alive, and perpetuate, the history.

When I fitted and finished my own gunstocks I always used an oil finish. Didn't care for the glossy, hard shellac. The pores, presumed to be visible in the photo, wouldn't really be a big obstacle for me. Most likely the appearance is deceptive. It has to be seen in real life to draw any appropriate conclusions. I doubt that Mauser would turn loose a second class stock finish for such a fine firearm.

_______________________________________

Personal observation:

Mauser is limiting it's new M98 to two calibers. The big for deep pockets.

As a died in the wool capitalist I understand the marketing philosophy.

I truly wish them success.

Considering that new M98 is not an ultra-premium personal spec. commissioned rig,
but rather somewhat more of an exclusive HQ-limited run item, the criticism made
about the stocks finish is a relative minor issue.

-after purchase -what would it cost to have the stock then properly sealed
the way you want/would see on a $30,000+ mauser?

The previous issued new magnum mauser rifle release a few yrs ago, numbered 200 units,
and at the current releases price point, I wouldn't complain too much that its not finished
like a top shelf $30,000+ rifle.

It's not about "sealing" the stock. It's about poor access to quality wood. You can't fix that without restocking. That's not really in the category of "minor" and you can't simply buff out ugly.

So are you really going to buy a new Mauser and then pay to restock it? Only if you are really, really, really desperate to own a new Mauser.

Opus1:

Lets take a deep breath and a step back.

No-one - except you - is exaggerating and contemplating RESTOCKING.

I'm pretty tolerant and assume that you are just jerking everyone's chain.



The clowns and buffoons are equally welcome.

The checkering pattern could be much better. Bolt handle is longer than the originals. Earlier commemorative versions (1998) had regulation length bolt handles, don't know why they changed that. I think Golmatic Prechtl made those, probably makes these too. Pretty neat guns just the same, but for similar money I'd rather have an original or maybe a G&H or Hoffman.

quote:

Originally posted by wetibbe:
Opus1:

Lets take a deep breath and a step back.

No-one - except you - is exaggerating and contemplating RESTOCKING.

I'm pretty tolerant and assume that you are just jerking everyone's chain.



The clowns and buffoons are equally welcome.

Yep, restocking a brand new very expensive rifle makes about as much sense as refinishing a brand new very expensive rifle that has crappy wood.

the grain is NOT closed and filled on the stock in this picture -

i like the caps, but i think these are too large in proportion ...

bolt handle will CRACK anyone with big hands and a caliber large enough to require xbolting


i REALLY don't like the knot in the wrist, under the shroud


nice piece of wood, for a 270 - badly under done for a 30K rifle... or a 5k rifle

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
It's not about "sealing" the stock. It's about poor access to quality wood.

Poor access to better wood?

Im sure the makers can find better wood if they wanted to,
but the retail price of the rifle would then be higher again,
and would cause some people to still be whining or criticising the rig for such.

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
Yep, restocking a brand new very expensive rifle makes about as much sense
as refinishing a brand new very expensive rifle that has crappy wood.

'Very expensive' is a relative term.
as it stands, its far less than half the price of super premium built rifle.
an Echols & Co. 'classic' M70 starts at $34k,...then just add the serious$$
dollars if you desire option to have it built on a new magnum-mauser action,
> If one gets change out of $40k id be surprised.

as such, any desire to restock this new $14K mauser seems reasonable.
$2k for wood?, $5k for stocking?,.... total $22k.

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
I have asked for an action in white but they are not anywhere ready for that.
That's about the only reason why I would be interested in one and certainly not a "finished" example.

The company distributing that rifle may not be able to provide you a white action,
but you can get it elsewhere.

The barrel profile is likely something on file at Lothar-Walther,
and the sights,barrel band, likely are items straight out of the Reknagel catalogue,
same place you will find the action....

So you really have no excuses now, to not go buy all the parts, have the rifle built and
come on AR to brag about getting all done cheaper and better.

Outside of that,
the Mauser Co. have commissioned & marketed 14K safari rifle that is already built for those
who see more value in going hunting, than:
waiting for a rifle to be built,
or whining about the rifles stock,
or wasting time thinking about what better buying value they can find elsewhere.

Trax - Please let me know when you have some actual, practical knowledge on this subject.

Opus1 your a laugh.
It seems you are unable to sensibly or logically refute anything I have said.

Order the identical action from Prechtl and go to it why don't ya...

thats a Lothar Walther #5130 just like mine.

quote:

Originally posted by 333_OKH:
thats a Lothar Walther #5130 just like mine.

Its pretty much a limited production rifle made out of new HQ catalogue parts from Germany,
same as the previous release of 100....Nothing wrong with all those cat. parts, many custom shops use them.
But IF one wants 'Mauser' genuinely stamped on such a new constructed rifle, you gonna have to pay the premium
for the privilege.

Rigby rifles from the long past used rifles constructed in Germany from German production components.
Customers were mostly satisfied just the way they arrived from Rigby, other people like Harry Selby,
went about personally modifying areas of the stock to better suite himself and his style of shooting.
Even when Selby decades later sent his well worn .416 back to Rigby for rebarrel, Rigby ordered the replace-
ment from Austria I believe.

.

Alf:

Thanks for taking the time and effort to post your absolutely beautiful information.

My ancestry is Dutch/German so I have a natural affinity for liking. *( Too lengthy to explain ).

I understand your inclination to be a "purist" accepting only "original" unblemished firearms manufactured at Mauser headquarters Oberndorf.

The term "wannabe's" as scripted, however, has to be taken in context. Mauser licensed other countries all over the world. Believe me I studied the history.

How can I explain this cogently. The old days are gone. Relegated to history. I suppose the only true, authentic Mauser's had to be manufactured by the original Mauser people in their existing factory in Oberndorf before it's bombing and destruction in WW2.

I'll have to agree that those authenticated firearms should be elevated and separated into a specific category that the purist will accept.

Thus at an auction those specifics would be amplified and, as paintings are classified by author/artist, bring an enhanced price over generics made by licencees.

Well it seems you can't really kill a good thing.

The current widely respected H&K company, was established by some former mauser engineers post WW2.
Their headquarters still being in Oberndorf-Neckar.

If i understand correctly, with the allies taking what they wanted,those engineers salvaged what they could
and started their own machine shop in the vacant factory premises in which they once previously worked for Mauser.

H&K like their orig. origins Mauser, has also licensed its production around the world.

now take a look at a H&K boardroom ... https://chairmanoftheboard.fil...11/10/untitled-1.jpg ...

and every Boardroom usually has a briefcase: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/...4995_544579084_n.jpg ...

quote:

Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
I think the new ones are $14000

For that kind of money I think I'd probably rather go for one of D'Arcy's Legends...

I like the new Mauser 98's and do appreciate the "original" design concept and the nitride treated metal but would prefer a more modern scope mount and would prefer to have the option of using standard US size quick detachable sling swivels instead of the permanently attached narrow Germanic swivels.

It also appears as though the only way to get a darker piece of wood with the current production models is to go up a few grades with the corresponding price increase.

.

That is true.

However the new "original" in this case isn't original according to Mauser's own iteration.

Mauser did make changes as they saw fit.

Different stock design, different trigger mechanism, different safety, and the nitride treatment instead of bluing are all alterations from the original Mausers.

Therefore, Mauser decided to pick and choose what they wanted. At that price, the customer should be the one doing the picking and choosing.

Having said that, I'd sure like to have one of the new Mauser M 98's in 9.3x62, and I'd live with their choice of changes.