The mauser lineage

The original Mauser bolt gun – the Model 1871 and the various models of the 1880s and ’90s, culminating in the stronger and improved Model 1898 – was itself an evolution of the Dreyse needle-fire, inspired by the mechanism of a door bolt. This technology, of extraordinary significance in its day, allowed the Prussian Army to dominate much of Europe for decades. It stimulated us to produce the Leemetford and Lee-enfields, and the Norwegians to reply with the Krag– Jørgensen, as adopted by the United

States (which soon developed the Springfield M1903 – in effect, a copy of the Mauser ’98, with two forward

locking lugs).

The production of millions of military Mausers from the late 19th century and during both world wars led to a ready source of actions that were taken up by many sporting makers at home and abroad (and also stimulated

rifle customising in America). High-quality, commercial actions continued to be made by Mauser, too, including Kurz (short) and longer Magnum-type actions. The high-end British gun trade often sought DWM Obendorf actions as the basis for its bespoke products, although Mauser aficionados may tell you the 1935 CZ action may have been the best of all 20th-century production. Now, the style

of action is made in many countries, including our own, to various qualities. Remarkably, London makers continue to refine the Mauser sporting actioned rifle into something supremely fit for the purpose of hunting at home and abroad.