For those of you who admire or one day want to buy a high-end hunting rifle, Mauser’s new M98 Das Original builds on the 98 action’s storied reputation with traditional construction, upgraded finishes, and (most notably) a factory .300 Win Mag chambering for the first time.
This is clearly not a budget option, but instead, one aimed at serious hunters and collectors who want a rifle that blends Mauser history and legacy with modern usability. Read on . . .
“Mauser is pleased to introduce the new Mauser 98 Das Original bolt action rifle.” The company describes it as “harnessing a combination of advanced technology and old world craftsmanship,” and also notes that “this modern iteration of one of the world’s most iconic rifles delivers the accuracy and reliability embraced by millions of Mauser owners for more than a century.” A key part of the announcement is caliber expansion: “And it is now available in .300 Win Mag for the first time ever!”
Mauser ties the new rifle directly back to its origins by stating that “the original M98 was prized for its controlled round feed, extreme strength, reliability and safety.” This updated version, the new M98 Das Original is designed with these same features along with some modern improvements and accoutrements, including a DLC coating on the bolt for extra protection from wear, a gold colored trigger, and elegant hand-selected Grade 5 wood. For heavier recoiling chamberings, the magnum configurations come with a red safari recoil pad system for improved comfort.
“The Mauer 98 Das Original edition was built in Germany for American hunters and collectors who appreciate perfection and top tier engineering,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “The new Das Original delivers the legendary reliability of the original M98 with enhanced features and, for the first time ever in a Mauser 98, this edition is now available in .300 Win Mag.”
Framed that way, the rifle is just as much a nod to the long track record of Mauser 98 sporting rifles as it is a play for today’s North American big game market and the age of “high fence” hunts across much of the southern United States.
In the magnum configuration with a red safari recoil pad, chamberings include .375 H&H and .416 Rigby with an MSRP of $14,500. The standard configuration covers .308 Win, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag (this caliber has never before been offered in a Mauser 98) with an MSRP of $12,000.
Obviously, these rifles are oftentimes collector items or investments, more in the realm of heirloom-grade, low-volume hunting rifles that are likely to see as much time in a safe as they do in the field.
Between the classic controlled feed action, the upgraded wood and finish work, and the mix of standard and safari level cartridges, this rifle is aimed at Mauser loyalists and serious big game hunters who are comfortable shopping at the top end of the bolt action market.
More photos, configuration details, or availability can be found on the official Mauser website.
No, this rifle is aimed at parting fools from their money.