Mauser Firearms

About Mauser

Mauser represents over 150 years of German engineering excellence in bolt-action rifle design, originally founded on July 31, 1874, by brothers Wilhelm and Paul Mauser.

The company began as a royal weapons forge established by King Frederick I of Württemberg in 1811, becoming "Waffenfabrik Mauser" in the 1880s after the Mauser brothers revolutionized firearms design.

Between 1898 and 1945, Mauser produced over 100 million rifles, including the legendary Gewehr 98 and K98k that became the backbone of German military forces through two world wars.

The Mauser controlled-feed bolt system became the gold standard that virtually every major rifle manufacturer copied, establishing design principles still used in premium rifles today.

Today's Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH continues this legacy, producing modern hunting rifles based on original designs and patents while maintaining the quality and reliability that made Mauser legendary.

Popular Mauser Features

Controlled Round Feed System

• The revolutionary controlled feed system grips the cartridge base with the extractor claw before stripping from the magazine, virtually eliminating double-feed malfunctions.

Massive Claw Extractor

• The large, robust claw-like extractor ensures positive cartridge control and reliable extraction even under adverse conditions.

Three-Ring Safety System

• The Mauser 98 system contains gas in case of cartridge rupture and includes multiple safety mechanisms including firing pin block.

Exceptional Action Strength

• Built for combat rigors with emphasis on durability, the action is capable of handling high-pressure cartridges with proven longevity.

Simple Bolt Operation

• The push-and-turn-down bolt principle based on common door bolt mechanics provides smooth, reliable cycling refined over decades.

Field Maintainable Design

• Designed for field maintenance with minimal tools, making it ideal for military, hunting, and sporting applications.

Popular Mauser Rifles

Gewehr 98 (Model 1898)

• The original masterpiece with over 9 million produced between 1898-1918, featuring a 29.1-inch barrel and chambered in 7.92×57mm Mauser.

Karabiner 98k (K98k)

• The legendary shortened carbine version with over 14 million produced, considered by many as "the best bolt-action rifle ever made" according to The History Channel.

M98 and M98 Magnum

• Current production hunting rifles based on original designs and patents, maintaining traditional Mauser quality for modern hunters.

M18 "The People's Mauser"

• Budget-friendly modern bolt gun designed to compete with contemporary rifles while maintaining essential Mauser features.

Model 12 Sporting Rifle

• Modern sporting rifle available in various calibers including .30-06, designed for hunting and target shooting applications.

7x57mm Models

• Widely adopted by Spain, Chile, Argentina, and Latin American countries, these rifles established Mauser's global reputation for reliability.

Model 1891-1896 Series

• The first modern-style Mauser actions used by Brazil, Chile, Sweden, Spain, and Turkey, featuring single column magazines and small extractors.

Popular Uses for Mauser Rifles

Big Game Hunting

• Mauser rifles excel for medium to large game hunting, with the 7.92×57mm and other Mauser cartridges offering excellent long-range ballistic performance.

African Safari Hunting

• Professional hunters prefer Mauser actions for dangerous game, with premium manufacturers building African hunting rifles on proven Mauser foundations.

Military and Historical Shooting

• Surplus Mauser rifles remain popular among military firearms enthusiasts for historical shooting sports and collecting.

Precision Target Shooting

• Custom builds based on Mauser actions are favored for accuracy work, with the controlled-feed system providing consistent performance.

Custom Sporting Rifles

• The Mauser 98 action serves as the foundation for custom sporting rifles, valued by gunsmiths for its strength and reliability.

Mauser FAQs

QUESTION: What ammunition does a Mauser rifle use?
ANSWER: Most Mauser rifles use 7.92×57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser) ammunition, though other chamberings include 7×57mm and various modern cartridges.

QUESTION: Are Mauser rifles still made today?
ANSWER: Yes, Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH produces modern hunting rifles based on original designs, including the M98, M98 Magnum, and M18 models.

QUESTION: What makes Mauser bolt-action rifles special?
ANSWER: Mauser rifles feature the controlled round feed system with a massive claw extractor that virtually eliminates feeding malfunctions and ensures reliable extraction.

QUESTION: How much is a Mauser rifle worth?
ANSWER: Mauser rifle values range from $225 to $3,500+ depending on model, condition, rarity, and whether serial numbers match.

QUESTION: What is the difference between Gewehr 98 and K98k Mauser rifles?
ANSWER: The K98k is a shortened carbine version of the Gewehr 98, measuring 43.6 inches compared to the Gewehr 98's 49.2 inches.

QUESTION: Are Mauser rifles good for hunting?
ANSWER: Yes, Mauser rifles are excellent for hunting medium to large game, with many professional hunters preferring them for dangerous game in Africa.

QUESTION: Where can I buy Mauser rifle ammunition?
ANSWER: 8mm Mauser ammunition is readily available from major manufacturers and is popular among handloaders with good brass availability.

QUESTION: How do I identify the age of my Mauser rifle?
ANSWER: Mauser rifles can be dated using manufacturer codes, serial numbers, proof marks, and stock markings that indicate production year and facility.

QUESTION: What is controlled round feed on a Mauser?
ANSWER: Controlled round feed means the extractor claw grips the cartridge base before stripping from the magazine, providing positive control throughout the feeding cycle.

QUESTION: Are Mauser rifles accurate?
ANSWER: Yes, Mauser rifles are capable of excellent accuracy when properly maintained and loaded, making them popular for custom precision builds.