Mitchell Mauser Question

[.45s r best]

Has anybody at this forum had any experience with the Mitchell "Tanker" Mauser? I am not sure if this is the proper forum to ask this question because it is not an original milsurp, but I know there are a lot of people at this site with a wealth of knowledge and I am sure somebody has an informed opionion. I was batting around the idea of getting one in 308 as it seems a good scout gun, but I would like to educate myself about them before spending money on one.

Information

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[Aragorn243]

Huge article and review here: http://www.mauser.net/firearms/rifle...tledarling.pdf

Mitchell's doesn't get a lot of respect with military collectors because they destroy the collectability of the rifles they market. These rifles however are new production. They look nice. Drawbacks are they will not be as accurate or as long ranged as the full barreled versions. 30-06 will most likely have excessive recoil, the 308 possibly so for those not used to shooting high power rifles. The 243 should be fine for most shooters. The article compares the handling characteristics to the Winchester 94 which is 30-30 and not comparable to any of the production calibers so the hard butt plate could cause some bruising with the 308 and 30-06.

Personally, if I wanted a scout rifle for hunting, I'd get the Winchester 94. A lever action is going to be much better than a bolt action, but that's me. Bolts are often preferred for accuracy at long ranges but the deer woods are usually less than 100 yards for the vast majority of shots. I generally carry either a 99 Savage in 243 or a 94 Winchester in 356 caliber. That kicks like a mule but it has a one inch rubber butt pad.

At $500, it's pretty pricey. Savage 111's can be purchased for $150-$200 less and are designed for hunting.

[.45s r best]

Thanks for the input Aragorn243. My interest in it is not so much the collectability of it as a milsurp, but rather I thought it was an interesting rifle (carbine I quess) and I like the look of it. Another attractive feature is the calibers that it comes in. 8MM Mauser is not that common in my area. My main concern is the quality of manufacture. Speaking for myself, a drawback is the sights. I understand that it has a 200 meter zero and most of my shooting is in the 50 to 100 yard range. I will continue to research it...

[spitfireblue]

I had a MEXICAN mauser that was a very close copy of what you are looking at . It was a wonderfull gun, well used but fun to shoot, handy in the field, and powerful.
If you like this gun then I would get it and enjoy it...Unless you intend to shoot fairly large animals( larger than deer) and at longer ranges were a large scope might be in order. In that case more gun might be a better idea, however short of that get what you like , if you have to , put a three power leupold or so on it and dont look back. Enjoy!!!

[OLDER THEN DIRT]

Thanks for the input Aragorn243. My interest in it is not so much the collectability of it as a milsurp, but rather I thought it was an interesting rifle (carbine I quess) and I like the look of it. Another attractive feature is the calibers that it comes in. 8MM Mauser is not that common in my area. My main concern is the quality of manufacture. Speaking for myself, a drawback is the sights. I understand that it has a 200 meter zero and most of my shooting is in the 50 to 100 yard range. I will continue to research it...

If you get it & it shoots high, put a taller front sight on it.

[vintage hunter]

As I understand it(this came directly from Mitchells Mausers) the tanker carbines are new production and are made to different specs than the average original garden variety mauser 98. So, if a part breaks it may be difficult to find a replacement. If your interested in an 8x57 carbine save your change and find an original Persian Mauser carbine, costs about the same as a Mitchells but it will be worth more in the long run.

[Lialos]

I have one in 8mm, and it is quite fun to shoot. I've not taken it shooting over 100 yards, but at 100yds or less, it shoots fine.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Article in this months American Rifleman about Mitchells although some might say it is propaganda.

[.45s r best]

Thanks for all the imput from everybody! Yes, I have heard a company makes taller sights that fit it. From what I gather, it is the opinion of some that Mitchell's engages in a little hype with their advertising and that they are pricey, thats fine with me so long as it is a quality piece. I have heard about Persian Mausers and I have seen a few, although not lately. Again, the attraction for me is the calibers it comes in and the fact that I like carbines in general.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Thanks for all the imput from everybody! Yes, I have heard a company makes taller sights that fit it. From what I gather, it is the opinion of some that Mitchell's engages in a little hype with their advertising and that they are pricey, thats fine with me so long as it is a quality piece. I have heard about Persian Mausers and I have seen a few, although not lately. Again, the attraction for me is the calibers it comes in and the fact that I like carbines in general.

Find an Enfield No 5 Mk 1 or a Mosin 38 or 44 carbine. If you like carbines you will Love these two.