discussion of various Mausers - which are most wanted?

[eaglemike]

I've always been a fan of the M96, and also (long ago) bought a Siamese Mauser with the intention of building a .45-70 bolt gun. There was an article talking about how the Siamese could be loaded with different bullets and was a stronger action than the lever guns available at the time.
Looking at GunBroker I see prices for the M96 seem quite low, compared a lot of the 98 models. I know the 98 is a later/stronger action. There were a lot more of the 98's made and a lot are mix-masters, right? So why the huge price difference? I also see more appreciation of the accuracy and workmanship of the 96 in some discussions.
Which of the various Mausers are the most desired?
Where would you go to learn about all of them? There's been so many variants, and the alterations later to new calibers when sold to another country after a war.
I know there's been shoots up in the greater LA area. I haven't seen any notice down here near San Diego.

A whole different subject would be the various early semi-autos. What would be popular (and affordable) from the early days besides the Ljungman, Garand and SVT?

[highpower]

The "most desired" is a moving target as different collectors like different variations. IMO, an original, high condition, all matching WWII K98K is probably going to bring the most money at auction.

[capt14k]

There are a lot of Mausers. I prefer ones with a crest that are matching and original. There isnt a finer rifle made than the pre war and interwar Mausers.

1908-1912 models such as Argentine, Brazilian, Chilean, Colombian, Costa Rican, Uruguayan, Peruvian, Mexican, and more.

1935 Standard Models, Brazilian, Chilean, and Argentine

Also any of the FN Mauser and BRNO mausers. There are far too many to list.

Of course the most popular are the German Used Wartime rifles the Gew98 and K98k

Start with reading anything written by John Wall on gunboards, or anything posted by one of Jon Speed's proxies.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[Rogerbutthead]

Get anyone that catches your fancy. They are all going up in price.

Condition is key.

Or pray that SVT 40 includes you in his will.

[C&Rtrader]

I have always been partial to the Swedes myself. beautiful rifles.
personally probably dislike the yugo's the most.
but the one I shoot the most... Czech

[Mustang]

The 1895 Chilean is pretty good in the small ring Mauser realm.

[SVT-40]

Get anyone that catches your fancy. They are all going up in price.

Condition is key.

Or pray that SVT 40 includes you in his will.

I almost spit my wine when I read your post!!!

[Ronin6]

I have always been partial to the Swedes myself. beautiful rifles.
personally probably dislike the yugo's the most.
but the one I shoot the most... Czech

Swedes and Argentine?s are some of the most accurate

[Mustang]

A whole different subject would be the various early semi-autos. What would be popular (and affordable) from the early days besides the Ljungman, Garand and SVT?

Hakims (basically an 8x57 version of the Ljungman), FN49's (available in a variety of calibers, including, 8x57, 7x57, 30.06 and even 7.62x51), M1 carbines and the SKS.

Non-military, or quasi-military would include the Remington model 8/81 and the Winchester 1905, 1907, and 1910 self loading rifles.

[joefrank64k]

The most desirable for me was the Nicaraguan Mauser.

Took me years (and years, haha!!) to find one.

[870classic]

"Most wanted" is a personal decision.
Most popular are the 1898's. (Large Ring).

However, if you like exotic firearms,
* 1888 Commission Rifle in the ever popular 8x57J (.318" diameter) ammunition,
* 1893/95 Boer War "Orange Free State",
* 1893 Spanish Carbine.
* pre-war 1898 sporting rifles, (Type A, B, K, M, or S)
* Mannlicher 1903.

Best regards,
870classic.

[Mustang]

I've always heard that the "finest" Mauser rifle was the 1909 DWM made Argentine Mauser. It was supposedly made on the sporting Mauser rifle factory line and finished to custom sporting rifle standards.

I'm not sure about all of that, but I have a number of 1909 Argentines and they are all extremely well finished. They also are the only Mauser military rifle, to my knowledge, with a hinged floorplate.

I recently got two at an extremely good price...

#1






#2

[Rogerbutthead]

So that example was used for parades and other ceremonial duties?

[Mustang]

So that example was used for parades and other ceremonial duties?

Not sure, but examples like those two are not uncommon. I've got several more in similar condition. There seems to be quite a few in all matching, apparently never used condition. I'm sure SVT40 has some in even better condition

[MasterChief]

These are sometimes handsome, too.