Rifle decision? Opinions appreciated.

17 October 2003, 05:10

Mauser M03 or Sauer 202 Takedown?

Several questions however...does anyone know the accuracy of the Mauser M03? What additional calibers will be made available in the Sauer? If the M03 is not made available in the States what would be a good dealer to go to in Germany? Frankonia? Kettner? (is it still in business)? Thanks.

I would also appreciate recommendations of boar hunting opportunities throughout Europe. The bigger the better... [Big Grin]

Thanks in advance.

17 October 2003, 06:29

mho

quote:
Originally posted by Alec:
Mauser M03 or Sauer 202 Takedown?

Several questions however...does anyone know the accuracy of the Mauser M03? What additional calibers will be made available in the Sauer? If the M03 is not made available in the States what would be a good dealer to go to in Germany? Frankonia? Kettner? (is it still in business)? Thanks.

I would also appreciate recommendations of boar hunting opportunities throughout Europe. The bigger the better... Thanks in advance.

Alec, it is still early days to comment on the Mauser M03, I have not even seen any of these yet. The Sauer 202 is an old war-horse, of excellent reputation - if you can live with its idiosyncrasies (like the safety is pretty special).

Kettner is still in business, under new ownership, I believe. As far as I have heard, the same people who own Blaser, Mauser, Sauer etc etc. Must have a lot of cash... Frankonia is also an option. I have never made an export via mail from Germany (I go across the border in person), so I don't know who will be good to deal with.

Basically, if you are looking for the biggest boar, you have to go east. The further east the better, although unfortunately, in general the easternmost European countries are not as organized as, say, Hungary, Czech Republic or Poland. Rumania, Bulgaria, Bellarussia (name?), Ukraine or Russia itself - would be options for the biggest boars. Forget about driven hunts, if you are looking for a big boar, you have to go somewhere that has perfected baiting for boar, and you have to to go in the rut and when there is snow on the ground. A full moon, or just before the full moon is also advantageous. I wrote a couple of notes not so long ago about boar hunting in Europe, I'll see if I can locate a link.... If I can, I'll post later. Otherwise, look for hunting agencies to start with, they send so many people afield, they have good knowledge. For a starter try out
Diana in Denmark

They are a large and reputable agency with many years of experience - and they have an English website...

- mike

P.S. found the thread discussing boar hunting I was referring to: European Agency Thread

[ 10-16-2003, 21:31: Message edited by: mho ]

19 October 2003, 03:23

Boghossian

Hi,
I believe the largest boar can be found in Russia/Ukraine with weights up to 600lbs coming up... In these cold countries, the mortality rate is higher so the number of animals is also much smaller.
Other countries with big males are Croatia and Iran although I don't think Americans can go there I have seen many tusks of about 25cm from there...

19 October 2003, 05:00

<Safarischorsch>

quote:
Originally posted by Alec:
Mauser M03 or Sauer 202 Takedown?

Several questions however...does anyone know the accuracy of the Mauser M03? What additional calibers will be made available in the Sauer? If the M03 is not made available in the States what would be a good dealer to go to in Germany? Frankonia? Kettner? (is it still in business)? Thanks.

I would also appreciate recommendations of boar hunting opportunities throughout Europe. The bigger the better... Thanks in advance.

Hello!
I had the 03 Mauser in my hands last week. I do not like the 202 safety-knob. The new 03 has many technical details of the blaser R93( barrel-mechanism, metalfinish...) The mauser-style stock is well made and the barrel has a really good open sight and the new mechanism for making the gun ready to fire ist very easily to use even for women. And the magazincapacity is high

5+1 standard 4+1 Magnum and 3+1 short magnum cartridges!)The trigger is just about perfect for accurate shooting. In my opinion one of the best new guns that money can buy.

19 October 2003, 05:17

<JOHAN>

Boghossian
Sniff, sniff [Eek!]

Judgeing by your name and knowledge you must have roots in IRAN or Armenia? Correct [Confused]

Ture, the winters in this region is nothing to play with. I have seen picutres of boars that were ponny's size [Roll Eyes]

Alec
My choice is a sauer 202. If optional, a mauser 98 [Big Grin]

/ JOHAN

23 October 2003, 06:51

Alec

Mike- (mho) thank you very much for all the information... I have bookmarked the European Agency Thread for future reference. I will definitely be making use of it in the coming months. [Big Grin]

My dilemma regarding rifle choice is that I have made a resolution that 2004 will be "the year of the hunt" and will need one rifle for a variety of game. (New Zealand, Argentina, Europe to be determined, as well as here in the US) I have contacted SigArms weekly with no success on future availability of calibers for the Sauer, (the Mauser has all the calibers I require...and I am leaning in that direction)however the Sauer action is so smooth I may be able to overlook the awkward safety if the calibers are right. I suppose the final decision will be made when I learn of the additional Sauer calibers, or when I am able to get my hands on the M03. Which ever comes first. [Big Grin]