Mauser M18/12 243

[smith89hmr]

Hi everyone.

Looking for some thoughts, experiences and feedback from owners or users of the Mauser M18/12 in 243. I own several cz rifles in different calibres and plan on sticking with them until they eventually shoot out. What's the quality, accuracy and ergonomics like for the Mauser?
Thanks in advance!
Craig

 

[Millerich]

I’ve got an M12 in .243. Higher quality feel in the hand compared to my Tikkas. Doesn’t seem ammo fussy with the half dozen brands I’ve tried.

 

[smith89hmr]

Cheers mate. That's really helpful, it's a shame rifles don't come with some decent data on different ammo performance. What was the best brand for your rifle?

 

[Millerich]

I’ve not settled on a varmint round yet, but for deer the 90Gr Sakos will be staying.

 

[smith89hmr]

Thanks for the advice. I will give them a try

 

[andychas]

I was really impressed with the M18 and M12 when i used them, the 18 is a bit more agricultural in finish whereas the 12 is a bit more refined, ergonomics to you will be a personal thing but the stocks are good, and they most definitely were not fussy about ammunition, great rifles
theres a field test of the M18 and M12 shooting long range here

 

[Tony Morgan]

I compared the two and the M12 is the nicer - I bought an Impact synthetic. Didn't like the finish of the M18 as much, nor the detachable butt storage cap. The M12 is short, and I chose an over-barrel Barton Gunworks Mod to keep it that way. It's light and manageable for stalking. The factory test was carried out with RWS 100g Teilmantel ammo so I've stuck with that - expensive but seems good.

 

[smith89hmr]

Cheers

 

[The Bear]

I have one of each, essentially the M12 is a slightly nicer M18 but both shoot and handle equally well ergonomically. The M18 bolt is a touch lighter and faster, the M12 trigger break and stock finish are a little more classy. I do prefer the M12 wing safety for long stalks with no chance of disengagement.

 

[Uncle f]

M12 in .243 set up as a fixing rig and use 75gr Norma v max very good works for me.
M12 in my opinion is a better rifle than the M18

 

[Heym SR20]

The M12 and M18 are different rifles aimed at different ends of the market. The M12 is a good middle of the road rifle with good stocks in a range of styles and high level of finish and priced accordingly - typically starting at £1,100 upwards. Its competition are the Sako's, Shultz and Larsen and top grade Remington 700.

The M18 is designed as a well functioning budget end no frill rifle that still shoots very well. It's main market is the working man in the US who will buy a rifle to fill his annual deer tag, or a working rifle that sits in the pickup and used and abused in all weathers and fits the $600 price tag. Its competition are the budget end Remington 700 sps, Ruger American and Tikka T3, which in the US are all priced the same.

In the UK its priced at £750 ish price point - a bit cheaper than the T3. Because of our licencing system, can't help feeling most FAC holders in the market for a new rifle will go for the M12 or similar, and those on a budget a clean second had rifle - because most buying a different rifle have to swap an existing rifle on their FAC.

To use the car analogy is a Skoda / Seat rather than the VW - all basically the same thing - just different finish levels and price points.

 

[Kran]

I recently bought an M12 extreme in .308. I can’t add a whole lot more that the other posters as I’ve not had it long but the rubberized synthetic stock on it was what sold it for me. I was thinking I’d go for wood this time but once I handled it I had to have it. Very nice trigger too in my opinion.

 

[FISH BOY]

Got two M12s and love them both. Have the Impact in .243 and the heavier Extreme in 30.06.

Outstanding out of the box accuracy using pretty much anything, but stuck with federals, but the best bits for me are the mag ejection and the wing safety. So simple but secure.

Looked at everything inc Blaser, but the ergonomics, safety and mag sold it to me.

 

[XYZ]

I'm a Mauser fan and I've owned a wooden stocked M12 in 30-06 for several years and I cannot fault it.
Yes it's more expensive than the M18 but it's worth it to have a quality rifle feel and performance.
The bolt is slick, the trigger is crisp and the safety is easy and functional.
It's accurate and handles well. Everything you would expect and want from a rifle.
My M12 has made three trips to Africa and it has performed flawlessly, I've carried it over many miles in the bush, up mountain sides, through sand and dust without wishing I had anything different.
I looked at an M18 when they came out and just couldn't get excited or appreciate it.
It's your money of course but I recommend spending the extra and getting the M12.

 

[big ears]

Handled a M12 in 308 at Braces day and very impressed. Smooth action, good trigger, nice stock and accurate even with the factory ammo they provided (cheap fmj stuff). For the money better than a Tikka as it felt more like a Sako.

 

[Heym SR20]

The one real big fault with the M12 and M18 is lack of left handed option which is a real shame. The M03 comes left handed, but am not sure I like it.

 

[Sako75Hunter]

The one real big fault with the M12 and M18 is lack of left handed option which is a real shame.

Are the barrels replaceable on these? Could be totally wrong but I think I read that they're press-fit rather than threaded in. If so, that would put me off big time, although it probably wouldn't bother some.

 

[Heym SR20]

I think they are press / shrink fit like Steyr Mannlichers. I cant think this is an issue for the vast majority of hunters as to be honest cost of a rebarrel is the same as a new M18. And most wont shoot out a barrel in a lifetime of hunting.

 

[oowee]

I have the m12 with the Max (thumbhole) stock in .243. It is so smooth in the bolt action, its a delight to use. Trigger is crisp and a delight. Nimble, chuckable and comes to hand very easily its a delight to use. Stock could be better finished but is resistant to knocks and water. Safety is excellent, positive and three position. Magazine works well and a positive lock into the rifle. I am using a DPT mod and Federal power shock 100g giving me around 0.5 inch groups at 100yds. Not sure I would recommend the Mauser scope mounts as they are expensive and look a little clumsy. Chris Parkin did a review on them somewhere and was very complimentary.
I ordered it with the jeweled bolt before they were in the UK and it arrived without it. Other than that its a cracker.

 

[Sako75Hunter]

I think they are press / shrink fit like Steyr Mannlichers. I cant think this is an issue for the vast majority of hunters as to be honest cost of a rebarrel is the same as a new M18. And most wont shoot out a barrel in a lifetime of hunting.

Maybe, but it's as well to be aware of it