Mauser debuted a new bolt-action rifle last weekend ahead of the 2018 SHOT Show. Now we’re learning more about what’s being deemed “the people’s rifle,” a made-in-Germany budget-minded rifle.
The new M18 comes with an ultra-rugged synthetic stock with soft inlay grips, a three-position catch-style safety, and an adjustable trigger. The rifle features a steel receiver and cold-hammer-forged barrel; comes chambered in several popular calibers; and its magazine holds five rounds of standard ammo or four rounds of magnum ammo.
Now, for the new info:
The Mauser M18 uses a bolt with three locking lugs, a special extractor, and two ejector pins. The extra ejector pin ensures spent cases are thrown clear of the action when a low-mounted scope is attached; otherwise the case might fall back into the gun and hinder follow-up shots. The trigger is adjustable from two to four pounds, and the magazine is a detachable box model for quick reloading.
The barrel is made of the same premium materials used in the Mauser M03, Sauer 404, and Blaser R8, so no compromises were made there in order to save cost. What’s more, Mauser is guaranteeing five-shot, sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards.
The rifle is currently chambered for .308 or .30-06. Mauser will offer rifles in .243, .270, 7mm Rem. Mag., and .300 Win. Mag. beginning in July 2018.
The M18’s stock includes a button at the rear for removing the recoil pad. Mauser will begin shipping the rifle with only one standard length, but plans are underway for additional units to allow shooters to customize the rifle to fit their optimal length of pull. It also provides a storage area for a cleaning rod, gun cloth, etc.
Perhaps the most important feature of a rifle intended to put Mausers “back into the hands of the people” is its receiver. The M18 comes drilled and tapped to accept Remington 700 long-action bases, not a special Mauser design.
The M18 is priced at $699, so virtually any shooter can enjoy Mauser quality while sticking to a budget. What’s even better is that Mauser is celebrating the M18’s release by giving one away, complete with a Minox ZL3 scope. All you have to do is:
- Like the Mauser USA Facebook/Instagram/Twitter pages (one entry)
- Tag a friend in the pages’ comments sections (two entries)
- Share the pages’ Mauser M18 contest post (three entries)
The contest is open to U.S. residents only, and unlimited entries are being accepted until February 14. For more information, visit mauser.com/en/.