Mauser M03 or M12

[Harmoosh]

Thank you all for the replies.

I wouldn't be looking to add an extra calibre any time soon, but having the option there is appealing. I suppose it gets to a point whereby the M03 makes much more sense if you have 3+ barrels, the cost of the barrel and another optic mount is going to work out less in the long run compared to buying a new rifle for each calibre.

Has anybody tried the short barrel / fluted barrel option on the M03? I'd love to know if it makes a significant difference to the weight / handling compared to he standard / non fluted option.

 

[brunel-999]

Has anybody tried the short barrel / fluted barrel option on the M03? I'd love to know if it makes a significant difference to the weight / handling compared to he standard / non fluted option.

Hi Harmoosh,

I have a Mauser M03 in 6.5 x 55 with a short barrel 50cm (19.5"). It shoots very accurately for all practical stalking distances, which for me is up to 200 yards. I reload with 120 grain Soft Points which perform well on Fallow bucks, although for every 1" of barrel shorter you will loose about 100 fps on the bullet velocity, though for the 6.5 x 55 calibre this is not a problem. The set trigger is fantastic, I use it a lot, but if you are new to shooting be very careful with it.

What type of stalking you want to do? The M03 is a heavy rifle, and with a scope and a moderator, it is quite weight to be carrying around all day. I shoot mainly from a high seat, so weight is not an issue.

The scope mounts on the M03 are fantastic but not cheap.

There are some really good second hand M03 rifles now on Guntrader with scope mounts and at a good price. I bought my M03 second hand about 3 years ago and I don't regret it.

Remember that your choice of telescopic sight is as important as your choice of rifle. My recommendation would be Swarovski Z6i BT 2.5 -15 x 56 with a 4Ai reticle.

I hope that helps.

Regards

 

[Harmoosh]

What type of stalking you want to do? The M03 is a heavy rifle, and with a scope and a moderator, it is quite weight to be carrying around all day. I shoot mainly from a high seat, so weight is not an issue.

Mainly woodland stalking at the moment with the odd shot over the open fields. So shots are normally less than 150 metres with the average being 70-80. It varies on the day but most of the time I tend to walk around. I get bored sitting in a high seat for any length of time. I'll have to weigh my current rifle to see how it compares (Howa 1500, GRS Berserk stock, Vortex PST scope) weight wise.

 

[norma 308]

I've had an M12 in 308 for a while now and couldn't be more pleased with it. Very accurate and well made.

as above superbly accurate durable and priced well

 

[Mauser M03 Blog]

Hi Harmoosh. There's some good advice in the replies here. I'm a big fan of the M03, for the same reasons outlined by earlier respondents. Excellent design and engineering; effective safety from the cocking mechanism; with that mechanism being easy and comfortable to use; fantastic accuracy; reliable repeatability when reassembling; switch barrels; a really good trigger; classic bolt action rifle feel, looks, strength and reliability; just the right weight to help manage recoil, with the straight stock contributing to that; better magazine capacity than most others; a magazine floorplate that's flush with the stock, for carrying comfort; ... . I could go on, and do, in the blog I've been writing about my experiences with the M03. If you haven't ordered yet, some of my blog posts might provide entertainment and perhaps some information in the meantime. I started writing it a couple of years ago to help fill a bit of a hole in the internet, i.e. there wasn't enough in the way of user input on this simply excellent rifle system.

I've had great results with my 6.5x55 barrel; you would be making a good choice there. Look for the video of the first three shot group I fired with it on the 'Mauser M03 Blog' YouTube channel. Easily inside an inch, with untuned hand loads. A more recent group at 500m has a 10cm spread (described in a blog post - didn't get video). Very happy with that! Guys at the range also shooting 500m targets with big benchrest rigs were a bit annoyed with what my 'lightweight' Mauser M03 hunting rifle was doing. 'What is that thing?', one asked, as he watched me swap to a 243 barrel.

A Mauser M12 would be a good choice too, for some reasons that are shared with the M03 and some that differ. Price is the obvious one. I'm sure you'll be happy with either. I'm also sure you'll enjoy knowing that you're using a Mauser. It's fun to derive pleasure from owning and using really good gear.

Regards, Rick.