Mauser M12 or Steyr Mannlicher CLll?

[XYZ]

I have a slot for a 30-06 on my licence and am in the position of being able to fill it up now.

The rifle will be used for African plains game, potential boar shooting and occasional use here in the UK if I fancy a change from the .243.

I've had a look at several rifles around the £1500 mark and have narrowed it down to the two in the thread title.

I don't want to go Sako or Tikka as everyone I know seems to shoot them and I prefer to be different.
Thought about a CZ but although the prices are good, I can't warm to them.
I looked at a Sauer 101 and although the action was silky smooth it didn't give me the warm and fuzzies and because I own a rifle for enjoyment and sport rather than necessity of a job, the warm and fuzzies when picking up my rifle are important.

So I like the Mauser M12 and have always secretly desired a Mauser even though it is the bottom end of the range and from the Blaser/Sauer factory etc.

I also like the Steyr Mannlicher CLll, I own one already (classic halfstock as opposed to CLll) and I'm one of the minority (seemingly) who like them.

The rifle will have a wooden stock because that's my preference and it's for enjoyment rather than a working tool.

The Mauser stock seems more sturdy than the Steyr which is a factor if I'm going to travel with it but it's not so pretty. I like the Bavarian style.

The rifle will not be moderated and barrel replacement is not going to be an issue.

So, I thought I would garner the opinions of the forum members and ask, if it was your money and taking into account the points I've made above and not telling me I should buy a Sako or Remington or to get a plastic stock or different calibre etc, which would you choose?

 

[Pine Marten]

Adrian, all your choices are wrong. You should buy a Tikka T3, great accuracy out of the box, but not in .30-06 which is to slow for deer and just stuns them a bit. The only calibre worth using is the 6.5 Boomshakalaka. Admittedly factory ammunition is impossible to come by, but soon it will be ubiquitous. Then, discard the stock and have a custom one made from germanium imported from America. Have the action pillar bedded with ice. This will require a nitrogen cooling system to keep the ice in a solid state, so you'll have to carry a power pack on your back. Worth it for the extra accuracy though. Of course all of this will be in vain unless you change the barrel for a 23.67" one with carbon fibre weave around it. Now I know your budget is £1,500 and this is more like £9-11k, but buy once, cry once.

 

[norma 308]

hope to pick my M12 up this week I do have a Steyr and they seem a similar quality build the Mauser action is slick the safety easy enough to work quietly and if the press are to be believed good out to target type rifle distances .like you I won't ever need to re barrel mine is in 308
cheers Norma

 

[Pine Marten]

Or alternately, the CL2 is just really nice, although they don't make a fullstock version any more as far as I can tell. The Mauser's just a bit meh. Have you looked at the Heym SR21?

 

[reggiegun]

Mauser M12 in 30-06 any day, light and deadly accurate.

 

[thibaud]

Mauser M12. I have an Extreme in 6.5x55 and can't fault it. Excellent review of the Impact in Rifle Shooter.

 

[old keeper]

Mauser M12, light and accurate, a very nice rifle.

 

[reggiegun]

That's a lad I know who wrote that review, he has stretched his M12 6.5 to the extremes, it shot really well at long distances

 

[Markfox]

I'd go Mauser aswell , I have an M03 and love it they are fantastically well built quality rifles I very much doubt you would be disopointed with it

 

[hammer 1]

Would love a mauser m12, or sauer 202, havent seen either in my neck of the woods. I have always thought the same way, nice wood, and blued steel, I make my living a different way. This is to be admired, and used when I want. Either one of your choices are excellent, in my mind

 

[Southern]

I handled a Mauser M12 tonight, a .308 Win in the grippy synthetic stock. I really like it, but it was a straight stock, more set up for a scope. The straight bolt handle and knob with 60-degree lift, is really smooth and quick for a second shot without leaving the shoulder.

But I have owned almost a dozen Steyr Mannlichers, including full-stock carbines in 6.5x54, .30-06, and .270 now, along with four Steyr rifles now in .308, .30-06, and 7x64mm.... which brings me to my point:

Buy the one which fits you, and lets you shoot with the iron sights and the scope you plan to use. They are both fine rifles, like a Mercedes and a BMW, and one will have seats which fit you better.

 

[Conure]

So I like the Mauser M12 and have always secretly desired a Mauser even though it is the bottom end of the range and from the Blaser/Sauer factory etc.

Then buy a Mauser then. Sadly the one you looked it is Mauser in name only so go if you have always wanted a Mauser buy a real one. Real ones were made in Obendorf and usually of the Model 1898 design.



Now that is a REAL Mauser sporting rifle .

Recently looked at a new BSA air rifle, spring powered one, and that was the same BSA in name only and nothing like the real ones that I remember. Guess will have to stay with the old Meteor then. If they have the new "Mauser" M12 in when I get over to Forest Lodge will have a look and see why everyone is so excited.

 

[Kalahari]

Closer to the classic Africa rifle might be a good wood stocked Winchester Model 70. Controlled round feed, proper three position safety and about as close as you will get to a real Mauser at a reasonable price.

David.

 

[Pine Marten]

I don't really understand why these aren't more popular, they're beautiful: CL II : versions : hunting rifles : STEYR MANNLICHER

And I have the predecessor, which has all the warmth and fuzziness that the OP is after. But you know, I suppose it's just a matter of taste.

 

[Southern]

Then buy a Mauser then. Sadly the one you looked it is Mauser in name only so go if you have always wanted a Mauser buy a real one. Real ones were made in Obendorf and usually of the Model 1898 design.
- Pine Marten

Closer to the classic Africa rifle might be a good wood stocked Winchester Model 70. Controlled round feed, proper three position safety and about as close as you will get to a real Mauser at a reasonable price.
David.

At the same store where I handled the M12, I also handled a 1960s Mauser (commercial 98 FN action) custom built by Marholdt Peterlongo in .308, fully engraved in the Italian style, with the scalloped Germanic cheekpiece and set triggers. The used, but like new M12 was $1,499, and the Marholdt $1,799. If you like nice walnut and metal, a second-hand Mauser by a name builder from 1955 to 1975 would be worth a look. There are quite a few built as full stock carbines, from Austria, Suhl, the USA and Prague, and they are floating around the UK.

For much less money, a secondhand Steyr Model M Stutzen, circa 1980s, or a new Winchester Model 70 Featherweight, would bring a lot of joy in the field.

PS: I don't fault the new Mauser M03 or M12, nor the Steyr SBS Classic or CL II, because they are all still very slick, and evolutionary, with a lot of the look and feel of the older ones, just as a modern Mercedes is to a 280 SEL 3.5 from 1969, or a new Porsche is to an older 911S. I have owned Mausers made from 1888 to 1968, and Mannlichers from model 1903 to 2014 SBS 96 - different but same bloodline. Get what feels right to your shoulder, what looks good to you in your hands, and lastly, looks good hanging on the wall.

 

[Conure]

Adrian re-reading you original post it is hard to fault your desire for a quality wood stocked rifle that feels "Right" and looks right to your eyes as I find myself drawn to the older styles and nice wood. I do have troubles equating some of the prices asked for new rifles today and was quite shocked when I started browsing a few gunshop racks before Christmas.

Cannot comment on the new Steyr Mannlichers as the last one I had and experience was a SSG before that is was when I borrowed a stalking guides Model 1903. Both of the rifles shot really well but I cannot say that I liked the green plastic stock on the SSG. I have been lucky enough in the past to shoot some wonderful rifles including Original Mauser sporting rifles in various calibres. One club member had one in 9.5x57 built by an Austrian gunsmith that still had the original Austrian claw mounted scope on it. Another member had a beautiful Rigby 275 and was lucky enough to be allowed to try it out on the Running Deer range at Bisley.

You might also like to consider a classic Belgian FN made Mauser or even a Husqvana as both makers built on mauser 98 actions or manufactured 98 actions so are closer to a real Mauser than many. It will be interesting to see what you find to fill your desire.

 

[glogin]

If you like Steyr try new SM12 much nicer than CL range manual cocking good trigger better stock

 

[norma 308]

got my impact M12 today in 308 and ase northstar mod to follow now to see if its a shooter will have to wait till Sunday as beaters shoot in the am at home .thought it's good value Bradshaws knocked a. bit off as well nice trigger !rifle, rail ,sling ,30 cal rod jag and brush £1172 bargain

 

[takbok]

got my impact M12 today in 308 and ase northstar mod to follow now to see if its a shooter will have to wait till Sunday as beaters shoot in the am at home .thought it's good value Bradshaws knocked a. bit off as well nice trigger !rifle, rail ,sling ,30 cal rod jag and brush £1172 bargain

I've read the article on this rifle in Rifle Shooter mag. It looks like a lovely rifle. I love the large diameter bolt and lack of lug raceways in the action - lovely and smooth I'm sure, and very like the Sauer's. Hope the Blaser barrel doesn't lose you any street cred!

Enjoy it!

 

[norma 308]

flip me 1\2in group literally straight out the box no mod m12 Mauser superb