Mauser M03 to cease production this year.

[Adrian]

Dear All,

Not sure if anyone is aware but Mauser are going to stop making the M03 this year.

It apparently will not be replaced.

Spares and barrels are going to stop being produced in August.

[Rick - Mauser M03 Blog author]

Hi Adrian.

Thanks for this message. I wasn't aware of this, until both you and Rich posted to this forum a few days ago. The news has made me think about whether I should order some barrels, or a stock and receiver. So how is it that you heard about this development? Clearly I need to pay more visits to the local gun stores, not that they would have trumpeted the news when I walked in. I dare say they wouldn't have known themselves. :-)

Thanks, Rick.

[Adrian]

Hello Rick,

I heard about it via the Mauser South Africa page on social media.
It was the only place I had heard about it and from only one person, albeit a reliable one.

I searched everywhere but couldn't see any news so I emailed Mauser directly and they confirmed it.

I then asked if the model will be replaced and what about barrels and parts for the M03 and they confirmed that barrels will be produced until August 2020 but weren't sure what else afterwards.

Best Regards,
Adrian.

[Rick - Mauser M03 Blog author]

Thanks Adrian.

I took a look at the Mauser website too. I thought perhaps I'd see something on the News page, but nope. They really ought to publicise this; many M03 users around the world might take the chance to get what they've always wanted. I'll do a post on the blog, which will help a few people find out.

To me it's a bit strange to close off production for a line that is pretty well made to order. There must be production costs that aren't obvious; minimum order quantities for key components or the like. Oh well. Those of us who are clever enough to appreciate the excellent features of the M03 will now have classic rifles in our cabinets. I think Rich put it well when he described how his M03 system (soon to be expanded?) will most likely be used by his grandchildren one day.

Thanks again for the heads up. :-)

Regards, Rick.

[Adrian]

I can only imagine that the M12 is more popular and less expensive so with the M18 at the lower end of the range, the M12 will slot into the M03 place naturally.

Cost effectiveness I can only guess.

Trying to get a .300WinMag barrel ordered now.....

[Rick - Mauser M03 Blog author]

Yes, I think you've got the answer there. The M12 is a very fine choice, just without the switch barrel adaptability. And no decocking system. And does it have a set trigger option? I don't recall seeing that. I would miss my set triggers! Still, a very nice 'low' cost Mauser. Perhaps I should say, 'lower' cost Mauser.

Re your .300 Win Mag order - well done. An truly excellent choice. This calibre was on my original list of six barrels, but didn't happen. I topped out at 30-06. Hmmmmm...??? :-)

Will you get your barrel threaded for a suppressor? I think I'd be more inclined to have one if this was possible for us fellows here in Oz.

Regards, Rick.

[Adrian]

Sorry, my previous message got posted before I finished it.

Anyway, I got the quote for the barrel and £1050. It's 60cm which is a bit over 24".

I won't get it threaded for a moderator, I never use one as I detest the things. Personal choice of course.

I dislike the look and the way they spoil the rifle. I don't shoot that many rounds per year so it's not going to affect my hearing too much and if I'm on the range I wear hearing protection.

I'll get the barrel and with my .375H&H it will be my travel rifle which should suit all eventualities and obviously I don't need the bolt head adaptor as it came with the rifle.

It's in the shop currently getting the lacquered finish removed and a London Best oil finish applied along with a metal pistol grip cap.

[Adrian]

[Rick - Mauser M03 Blog author]

375H&H and 300 Win Mag - that’s a dream team. 🙂

These conversations are potentially injurious to my bank balance. 😳

I do agree on the threading of the barrels, in terms of appearance but also structural integrity. Is it really OK to mess with the end of the barrel like that? Plenty of folks are getting good results so perhaps my concerns are unfounded.

It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t encourage hearing protection with every shot. Rich mentioned he has some fitted electronic earplugs which sound interesting. They might be more comfortable than the expanding foam type I presently use, with earmuffs over the top.

Regards, Rick.