Just out of curiosity, I sent Mauser an e-mail asking them when their M03 would be available with a synthetic stock. As I mentioned to him, all other switch-barrel rifles on the market have this option.

His reply:

quote:

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your email and your interest in Mauser products. We would like to inform you that we are planning to offer a synthetic stock for the Mauser M 03 in the near future. At the moment we cannot say a definite date, but it will be quite soon. Out partners in Norway are Norma AS, Mr. Frode Larsen, PO BOX 373 Okern, N-0513 Oslo, Tel: +47-22797400, Fax: +47-22797401, E-Mail: ulf.wraamann@norma.as, http://www.norma.cc. You will be able to get information from them or check on our homepage http://www.mauser.com from time to time

Best regards,
Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH

Christine Nausch

Interesting Erik, thanks for posting this.

I handled a M03 the other day, and although I like the action/cocking system, the stock was a bit of a "club" to handle. Maybe this impression was magnified by having handled a Sauer 202 just before - that felt so good in your hands.

- mike

Mike,

The option of a synthetic stock makes the M03 far more interesting than it is with a wood stock IMO. The M03 will never be a "luxery" weapon in my eyes due to the action, but more of a tool. And such a tool needs a synthetic stock! The cocking system can be practical in some instances, for example when running thru the woods with dogs (as seen in my moose hunting post). I've heard some guys mention that the cocking system is difficult to use, but I have had no probles when I've handled these rifles. I think it's mostly just a matter of getting used to it. Just like any other safety or cocking lever.

Totally agree. As much I like wood, I hardly hunt with anything but synthetic stocked rifles these days. And whenever I can't use a decocking rifle, I really feel uneasy when having to move about with a loaded chamber. To me, using a cocking system (for either cocking or decocking) is a matter of training. Once you have done it sufficiently, it becomes second nature. But the training is essential, like it is with any rifle type.

I must admit to really liking the M03 system. When you open the bolt (without cocking), you lightly press the cocking lever with your thumb to unlock the bolt, and simultaneously use your index and middle finger to operate the bolt. Because there is no spring cocking involved, there is absolutely no effort either. I find this way of working rather elegant - for lack of a better word.

- mike

A small unofficial update from Mauser:

The synthetic stock (although it's been delayed a bit), will be coming out soon. And the stocks will have the same rubber inserts in the grip and forearm as seen on the Blaser "Professional" synthetic stocks.

I agree, needs a synthetic stock.

Hopefully it will be similar to the professional R93 as you say. It's my favorite rifle, replacing a very nice Sako Finnfiber.

quote:

Originally posted by D99:
I agree, needs a synthetic stock.

Hopefully it will be similar to the professional R93 as you say. It's my favorite rifle, replacing a very nice Sako Finnfiber.

Seth,

As for the rubber inserts, this is straight from the horses mouth.

So, for those of you who have tried, or own a R93 professional, whats the quality on these stocks?

Are they flexible, or made of injection molded plastic? I have a McMillan stock Im rather fond of, but I guess we dont get that quality in a factory rifle.

Anyways, I hope the price of this syntetic stock lowers the price a few hundred dollars. In that case, I have to snatch on up!

We had on trial an 03 with 2 barrels.
Barrel changing was easy however the safety being lefthand was a nightmare, I suppose after time you would get use to it, but the initial trial it proved to be difficult. Does anyone know if the safety is reversed on a left hand action..
It proved to be very accurate putting all 3 in a 1" group without much trouble, the set trigger was fun to use, waiting for a midge to land on it to set it off, for practical uses the set trigger needs to be left for high seats or the range, unless you can alter the pressure.
the gun came topped with a Zeiss scope and quick release mounts,I would hate to think of the cost of these mounts,add them on to the cost of the rifle and what is a mediocre rifle now starts to become expensive..
regards
griff

Nortman

I just got my Blaser Professional stock and I am happy with it. I also have a McMillan or two, so to compare, yes, the Blaser is quality, with a nice feel and give to the areas that have the softer inserts. I don't know whether it is flexible or injection mold, but it is definitely "softer" than my McMillan. It is head and shoulders above the McMillan, but of course you pay for this luxury!

I have a few favorite rifles, but my R93 Professional is on top. It usually wears a 338 barrel, but it's accurate with all of them. I have 3 other R93 stocks, and I like the professional the best. I want a camo-professional but am not sure if I want to part with that much $$$.