Second Hand Focus: Mauser MO3

By Chris Parkin

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Last updated: 23/11/2016

Review
Guns For Sale
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I have always had a bit of a soft spot for pure design thoroughbreds and although we all owe a technological debt to the Mauser 98’s design, in 2003 when Mauser launched the M03, a modern classic was born. A visit to Swillington Shooting Supplies saw my attention diverted from a new pair of boots towards a pristine condition M03 Extreme, chambered in the ever-so-versatile 308 Win.

VERSATILE

Several of the M03’s features strike me as fantastically versatile yet with no unrequired add-ons that just bulk out the gun. Feed is from a detachable, 5-round magazine that can be easily top-loaded due to the massive ejection port. The gun shoots like a dream from the well-proportioned, PH (sand-coloured) stock with a delicate palm swell and crisp 3lb trigger. The standard barrel is 23” and in this case threaded 14x1mm with spigot for moderator and an invisible muzzle protector.

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The barrel is free floated with a forend stiff enough to prevent intermittent flex affecting accuracy. Lateral rubber inserts assure your hold both here and through the palm area. The feature that could easily be missed on this gun is the barrel change facility, simply executed with two Torx bolts underneath the forend, changeable with little fuss in a minute or so. A T-key is included!

CK CHANGE

Equally easy is changing the calibre, just unclip the bolt head and swap it for smaller 223 or larger magnum sizes along with the magazine. Further extending the gun’s pedigree are the scope mounts, not cheap, but with two small spring loaded locking levers on the left of the gun, the scope and mount unclips for either barrel change or to allow a spare optic to be employed.

The last feature in the notably Germanic design is the bolt de-cocker, a simple lever that when pressed right cocks the action and when pushed to the left de-cocks it. The movement is a bit different but you do get used to it, however for some it will be the make or break decision as to buying as not all Brits like these systems. All mechanics attach to an internal, steel chassis which is bonded into the stock and it blends the classic looks and charisma of a fine rifle with the cutting edge of manufacturing technology, materials and standards with nothing added for looks and nothing withheld for engineering.

I couldn’t detect any use of this gun, the 3 pairs of lugs on the bolt were unmarked and in my opinion it looked to have done no more than prove itself at the factory. The price was very good too at £1795 including mount, given you’d be looking at around £2500 out of the box. I shoot a lot of guns these days and it takes something special to catch my eye, and the Mauser M03 is it!