Eve Flanigan 01.27.23
Iconic German navy rifle producer, Mauser, introduced a brand new shock to its prospects worldwide in late 2022: a brand new hunting-purpose bolt gun referred to as the Mauser 18. I used to be fortunate to get my fingers on the Mauser 18 Savanna sub-model outfitted with an impressive optic for overview over the late fall. Here’s what the brand new rifle is all about together with my impressions after a while behind it.
The Mauser 18 is obtainable in 9 chamberings: .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (6.5 PRC), 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Remington Magnum, and .300 Winchester Magnum. It’s constructed on a Remington 700-inspired platform.
Company literature for the rifle says it’s purpose-built for shorter ranges and tight terrain. The Mauser 18 Savanna sports activities a 22″ (17mm diameter) blued, hammer-forged barrel, and is threaded appropriately for caliber at 9/16″ x 24 TPI within the case of the take a look at gun. The texturized finish cap is in-line with the barrel for a conventional look. Its polymer inventory is highlighted by rubberized black grip zones, an adjustable cheek riser, and a detachable storage endcap. Two different inventory colours are supplied: Old School Camo, and USMC Camo. These two selections have a 24.4″ barrel. All configurations look nice. A removable five-round journal is included for the .30-06 Sprg examined right here (4 rounds for .300 Winchester Magnum). The receiver is drilled and tapped for an optic base. Mauser makes its personal Picatinny rail to suit the Mauser 18 Savanna; an optionally available accent priced at $51. Sling studs are included on the entrance and rear of the inventory.
Winter of 2022-23 noticed the addition of a modernized, precision shooting-style inventory to the mannequin 18 lineup. It’s referred to as Mauser 18 Fenris.
The Mauser 18 Savanna in Tan we loved as a take a look at gun as it’s straightforward on the eyes, however how does it shoot? I spent a while on the bench with it, although because of the dearth of .30-06 Sprg ammo in the marketplace as of late, it wasn’t quite a lot of time. That was considerably compensated for by my associate testing it on dwell recreation, extra on that later. My expertise has been that the bolt travels constantly and with out play, although it’s not as buttery-smooth as some. Loading the chamber requires an assertive push ahead in the beginning. When I begin with a mild and regular push ahead, having moved the knob to the upright place, the bolt hangs up when starting the ahead push. This occurs with each manufacturers of ammo in my trial, so I have to conclude it is a trait of the gun. Once I obtained a really feel for it, feeding was no downside and didn’t really feel like work.
A very nice characteristic of this rifle is the single-stage, adjustable set off. It’s a conventional curved mannequin that, to me, felt like the precise weight out of the field. The silent, three-position security is situated behind the bolt deal with when the bolt’s closed. The security does have a right-hand bias.
For carry afield, it’s well-balanced. The grip is kind of skinny, permitting for straightforward maneuvering. Having a little bit of storage within the buttstock is a pleasant characteristic, too. There’s room sufficient for the smallest of collapsible cleansing rods, or loads of room for fire-starting elements. It’s most likely not waterproof, however is unquestionably water resistant for such emergency gear.
People make an enormous deal about recoil. It’s no lie that .30-06 Sprg has it – and that may very well be tamed with a muzzle system – however with the inventory well-tucked into my shoulder, the gun left no sore spots the day after. The conventional rubber recoil pad affords loads of safety. In compromised discipline positions that may change, however beneath such circumstances there are larger objectives than stopping a bruise anyway. My associate, additionally a author who examined this gun, took it on a two-day tour looking for a Barbary ram. He made an ideal 300-yard, one-shot kill on an excessive uphill angle. That’s a praise not solely to him, his information, and the Mauser 18 Savanna, nevertheless it’s additionally reflection on the Lucid Optics L5 riflescope. We have loved its excellent, parallax-free efficiency and crystal-clear view.
Marketing is, maybe sadly, a part of the product expertise. Mauser may benefit from investing in improved messaging for the American viewers. While the EU could also be forward of us in gender parity on paper, in follow their gender roles resemble what we affiliate with the Fifties. Case in level, the practically hilarious promotion for the Model 18 contains the phrase “men prefer no fuss.” Pretty positive America’s largest-growing phase of gun homeowners and hunters really feel the identical whereas exterior the vary of the producer’s assumptions. They’ll certainly get previous this minor slip with time. Mauser is making a superbly good looking rifle within the Mauser 18 Savanna; it’s an all-business platform in a good-looking package deal. The MSRP is kind of affordable at $849 for the Savanna Tan-colored inventory or $949 for camouflage inventory fashions with an extended barrel.
As all the time, in the event you occur to have any expertise behind a Mauser 18 Savanna like we did – or another bolt-action rifle that Mauser is likely to be providing – tell us your entire ideas within the Comments beneath! We all the time respect your suggestions.
