What Kind of Performance Is Available in Old Mausers?

by R.K. Campbell

Mauser rifles are collectible, shootable and adaptable. They remain among the smoothest and best feeding bolt-action rifles in the world, with something to offer every shooter. My main interest is recreational shooting and hunting, but if a rifle used in two world wars is not tactical, nothing is.

Quite a few Mauser rifles are available in the pages of Shotgun News and the Gun List. I decided to examine several at length and see exactly what type of performance could be expected. I attempted to choose from among both the least and most expensive rifles in diverse chamberings. Each was in good mechanical condition, but there were differences in performance. I also decided to explore how the rifles could be improved.

I was prepared not to like some of the choices. I have seen so many Mausers abused, butchered and otherwise used up, it was some time before I realized what a good rifle an original Mauser could be. At one time, surplus Mausers abounded and many were sporterized into decent hunting rifles. The same thing is still possible, even desirable, but I see a trend where shooters tend to keep their rifles in stock form. Perhaps that is the collector interest.

First Test Rifle
The first rifle tested is the type a collector would find most interesting. This is a Yugoslav Mauser, known as the M-48. The M-48 was used by the Yugoslav army well into the 1960s and stored for many years afterwards. I have identified several versions, with telescopic sights, in use in Bosnia as recently as 1998.

Many are being sold to the West for hard cash. My rifle showed none of the abuse, dents and rough handling typical of Wermacht service Mausers. The stock was in good condition, save one chip that resulted in a heavy discount. The dealer described the wood as teak. With a bit of polish and elbow grease, these stocks can turn out beautifully.

The metal finish of each part was uniformly excellent, with no blemishes and finish on all parts. The brightly finished bolt showed matching serial numbers, an important plus to collectors. Let's face it, even if you are putting together a hunting rifle, matching numbers tend to indicate the rifle will be a tighter, better shooter.

The rifle came with an original sling and oil bottle. Various versions are available with a bayonet and magazine pouch, but mine was purchased without these accessories. A friend traveled to the dealer and picked out my Mauser, but there were many others at least as good on the rack. The rifle was just excellent overall. I could believe the rifle had been stored unfired for many years. The bore was spotless. Frankly, I have never seen a Mauser rifle this nice, in such "new" condition.

For the technically minded, the rifle is simply a large-ring Mauser chambered for the 8x57mm cartridge. These rifles have the S or JS bore, which means they are chambered for .323-inch bullets. The earlier J bore was cut to .318-inch specifications, which can lead to problems (more about that later). The rifle feeds from a five-round magazine.

Eons ago, armies of the world found a five-round magazine sufficient for military use. Suffice it to say, no more damage has been done with higher capacity magazines.

The barrel of my gun, a standard Karbiner or 98K, is just over 23 inches. The sights are a ladder rear-standard military-and a protected post front sight. Overall, an excellent example of the Mauser rifle. The Yugoslav crest added a bit of charm.

Second Test Rifle
The second Mauser was also a good gun, but in far different condition. This example is known as the Turkish Mauser, and the main difference between the Yugoslav and Turkish Mausers is the crest on the receiver. The Turkish gun was well worn, with much of the metal finish gone.

The stock showed dents and scratches under a dark finish. The bore was dark but serviceable. In side-by-side comparison, the Turkish Mauser action did not move as smartly as the Yugoslav action, but it was plenty smooth.

The angles of the bolt and locking studs were rounded with wear, but the rifle was in shootable condition. The price was about that of the Yugoslav rifle.

Third Test Rifle
Here are two rifles, virtually the same, at different points of their service life. A third rifle was in between, and perhaps deserves a report all its own. The Swedish Mauser is not a Model 98 at all but a Model 96, an earlier version of the Model 98. My example is a true rifle, with a 29-inch barrel.

The most notable difference in the Model 96 is the straight bolt handle, which is not as curved as the Mauser 98 handle. The Swedish Mauser is chambered for the 6.5x55mm Swedish cartridge. This round is noted for accuracy and good effect on game. The Model 96 was in good condition, if not as pristine as the Yugoslav rifle.

The stock was in good condition, however. A roundel on the stock indicates the condition of the rifle, a valuable aid to Swedish armorers in its time and now to collectors. Mine indicated a new barrel. The M-96 is large and heavy compared to the 98K, but a good, accurate rifle with an outstanding reputation.

While not blooded in combat as heavily as the other versions, it is nonetheless a must-have for the Mauser collector. The Model 96 is noted for fine detail. The cocking handle and safety were finely serrated and overall finish is better than on either 98.

Fourth, Fifth Rifles
The final two Mausers, added for comparison, are mildly customized. These are excellent sporting rifles, using standard 98 actions in an attractive package.

One was a nice M-24 in 7x57mm caliber, fitted to a very nice walnut stock. The other was a hand-picked Mauser 98 fitted to a high grade Bell and Carlson synthetic stock. This rifle is topped with a Leopold optical sight. It is fitted with a Timney match grade trigger, and a Harris bipod completed the picture. Unlike many conversions, this rifle is in the original 8mm caliber. This is as good a hunting rifle as you can find.

The main purpose of this report is to qualify the performance of various Mauser rifles from a modern standpoint. Therefore, range work was necessary.

In 8mm Mauser, ammunition selection was once a problem, and a disappointment. However, we are now on the cusp of a new wave of ammunition availability for this cartridge.

The problem lies in the bore diameters of 8mm rifles. The first Mausers had .318-inch bores, while later versions were changed to .323-inch. The possibility of firing the .323-inch bullet in an earlier Mauser has led to the downloading of 8mm Mauser ammunition to .30-30, rather than .30-06 power levels.

European Loads
In Europe, the caliber is available in full power loads in each bore diameter and there seems to be no problem. In any case, Seller and Beloit offers full power 8mm ammunition for the American market. Also, as of this writing, Mitchell's Mausers offers high quality 8mm Mauser ammunition.

Previously, we were left to custom reloaders such as Superior ammunition to craft high-quality full-power ammunition with softpoint bullets. Don't misunderstand, this is not hot loaded ammunition but ammunition loaded to 8mm Mauser potential. In other words, 2,600 to 2,800 feet-per-second (fps) rather than the 2,300 fps of the standard American factory load.

We can't fault the Big Three, their loads are safe to fire in either bore diameter, the only route they could take. But the interested shooter can order good quality hunting ammunition for the 8mm Mauser-at last.

In the 6.5mm rifle, ammunition is available from Federal, Winchester, and Remington. The Hornady Light Magnum is a standout. In 7x57mm caliber, the major concerns offer a good choice of loadings. I took an eclectic supply of ammunition to the range along with a trunk full of Mauser rifles, and settled into firing the various bolt guns. The M-48 came first. I set up the San Angelo shooting bench.

Range Work
The first few cartridges would be from Centerfire Systems. While this surplus military ammunition was probably 50 years old, it was full-power ammunition, producing over 2,600 fps. It was very inexpensive. I set up a Thompson target with a big orange ball in the center. The range was 100 yards.

I took care in lining up the U notch rear and trapezoid front sight. The sights are not target grade, but they are precise with attention to proper sight alignment and sight picture.

My RCBS trigger gauge showed the Mauser 98's trigger broke at a crisp 4 pounds, free of creep, which is manageable off the bench. I carefully squeezed off three rounds. I took my BSA binoculars and eyeballed the target. Not only were the holes in the dead center, on the point-of-aim, the spread was less than 4 inches.

I settled down and fired a number of carefully timed five-round groups. With both Mitchell and Winchester ammunition, groups hovered around 3 inches when I did my part. Finally, with a handload using the Hornady 150-grain softpoint over a stout charge of IMR 3031, I broke a 3-shot group of 2 inches.

I was pleased with the accuracy, but after the firing session noted another aspect of the test. All of the spent cases were in one neat pile. The rifle was so smooth in operation, so positive in feeding, that I was allowed complete concentration upon the sights and trigger of the rifle. This is a good rifle, well worth its price.

Turkish Test
I felt it redundant to test the old Turkish gun, feeling it would never perform as well as its pristine sibling. I had taken a lesson from various NRA articles by Robert W. Hunnicutt, and thoroughly cleaned the Turkish gun's barrel before firing. I used a stout Dewey cleaning bore and brass bristle, with liberal doses of both Shooter's Choice and Hoppe's bore cleaner, even GI bore cleaner I found in the locker.

After an hour or so of drudgery, the bore patches ceased to be black or brown and came out almost white. This was a well-used gun, but the controls were tight. As a bonus, the well broken-in trigger was an ounce or two lighter than the newer 98.

I began the test regiment again, feeling it appropriate to use military surplus as a beginner load. This gun went perhaps 5 inches high at 100 yards, common with military Mausers. Still, I turned in a 4-inch 3-shot group on the first try.

I went directly to Hornady-tipped handloads and tried a few shots with indifferent results. Remembering that some loads need to shoot in or condition the bore for the jacket material, I fired a number of rounds into the berm at the long end of River Bend shooting range. I fired my last three handloads into a 3°-inch group.

But there was more to come. I had on hand four cartridges from Superior custom ammunition, loaded with the Barnes X bullet. These four cartridges shoved more than any other loading tested-they are true hunting loads. I was rewarded with a singular 3-inch 4-shot group. The old Turkish gun shot well. A combination of efficient, dedicated bore cleaning, a good trigger, and acclimation to the Mauser system paid off.

Swedish Test
Testing the Swedish Mauser was a pleasure. Recoil is light, partly due to stock design and partly due to the light bullet at moderate velocity. The trigger on this rifle was a bit heavier, with more loose motion, which may be a characteristic of the Model 96. I had no problem off the shooting bench, but would prefer a Timney or other unit in off-hand firing. The RCBS gauge showed this trigger to have a 6-pound compression.

The sights were similar to the 98, but not identical. I began with handloads loaded with both the Hornady SST and the Berger custom grade bullet, each in 140 grains. The powder of choice was Reloader 19. I discovered the bolt of the 1896, while not curved as is that of the 98, is quite rapid in manipulation. The inherent accuracy of this rifle and a bore in like-new condition paid handsome dividends.

Loads featuring the SST hunting bullet routinely fell into a 2-inch circle. I have not done any load development with this rifle, simply taking the starting load from various manuals. With the famous Berger target bullet, groups of 1° inches were recorded, again without any type of load development. I fired a number of cast bullet loads using the Leadhead hard cast 6.5mm bullet. After accounting for drop, I fired a 2°-inch 100-yard group on the first try!

But the winner of all accuracy awards goes to the Hornady Light Magnum. After the gun had cooled from a firing string I cleaned the barrel, then fired a fouling shot. Focusing on the 100-yard target, I carefully fired three rounds.

I knew the gun struck about 2 inches above the point-of-aim, and sent this trio dead center of the target. The first two were touching; the third opened the group to 1-inch.

I liked this gun so much I have fitted a Ramline synthetic stock and one of my treasured Murray custom leather slings. This rifle should prove deadly against deer-sized game.

7x57mm Rifle
The final two Mausers are quite different, but interesting. The CZ 24 rifle is practically legendary among hunters. It is usually quite accurate, smooth in operation, and offers excellent effect on deer-sized game. My friend T.N. Hughston sums it up best.

"It is right between the 6.5mm and the 8mm."

For all the romance of the 6.5mm Mauser, the 7x57mm round is stronger and the 8mm-properly loaded-stronger still. If I had to rely upon factory ammunition exclusively, the 7x57mm would be my first choice. But one of the pleasures of life is I do not have to rely upon factory ammunition. Good or bad, I roll my own!

The illustrated rifle has been fitted with a high-quality sporter stock and properly bedded. With Hornady ammunition, I have fired groups of 2 inches from a solid rest. It is simple, but does a fine job on deer-sized game. The lovely but inexpensive rifle illustrated is a typical hunting rifle of a generation or two ago.

The final Mauser is an example of what a man with knowledge and mechanical inclination can do. This 98 is a very nice rifle, in excellent condition, with a beautiful bright blue refinish. The rifle is fitted to a Bell and Carlson synthetic stock. This thumbhole stock offers excellent cheek weld, perfectly placed for use with a telescopic sight. From a prone or braced position the thumbhole stock gives excellent control.

A Harris bipod adds stability to the equation, but perhaps the most salient feature is a Leopold high grade scope. The scope with the gold ring is still the one to beat. Crystal clear optics, good eye relief, and excellent field-of-view combine to make this an outstanding choice for all types of duty. This rifle is part of the Robert Coffin collection. He has nicer rifles to be sure, but none more practical and useful than this example. I fired it but sparingly.

Sub-MOA Results
At an impromptu 75-yard range, with Winchester ammunition, I placed three shots into less than an inch. A perfectly tuned Timney trigger, possessed of a smooth let off and no creep or backlash, helped. Could you take your Turkish Mauser and make it perform in the class with this 8mm?

The rifle was purchased at a bargain, and even after fitting the stock and scope, remains less expensive than many high quality "package" guns. At present, the premier maker of precision rifles in America, Shilen, is fitting a .25-06-caliber barrel to one of my used Mausers. Great things are expected.

Which rifle is my favorite? The Swedish Mauser has class, is easy to shoot well, and has a certain snob appeal. It is more accurate than quite a few much more expensive rifles. But it is long and heavy.

For all around hunting, the hands down choice would be the 7mm Mauser. It is just right, fast to the shoulder, well-balanced, and accurate. The Coffin gun is in a class by itself.

Remember, whatever your choice, they are all Mausers, and all have good points. The degree of development is a matter of personal preference.
General Accuracy - 3-Shot Groups at 100 Yards
100-yard group
The 6.5mm handloads made up on Hornady dies and powder measure,
8mm and 7x57mm on RCBS dies and press—all Winchester primers.
Mauser #1
Yugo M-48 in mint condition Loading
Winchester 180-grain JSP 3.0 inches
Mitchell JSP 2.95
Centerfire Systems surplus 4.0
Hornady JSP/IMR 3031 2.75
Turkish Mauser
Surplus ball ammo 4.0 inches
Superior Ammunition w/Barnes bullets 3.0 inches
Mauser M-96 6.5mm
Handload Hornady 140-grain SST/IMR 3031 2.0 inches
Handload Berger 140-grain IMR 3031 1.5 inches
Hornady Light Magnum Factory 1.0-inch
Mauser CZ 24 7x57mm
Federal 140-grain JSP 2.25 inches
Federal 140-grain w/Sierra Pro Hunter JSP 1.9 inches
Hornady 140-grain JSP/IMR 3031 2.0 inches
Custom Mauser - Tested at 75 yards
Winchester 180-grain JSP 1.0-inch
Centerfire Systems surplus 1.8-inch

Sources

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