Old European Sporters.

[Adam in WI]

I've been feeling the itch for another rifle, but seeing as I'm an irredeemable nut I was feeling the itch for something uncommon. So I turn my attention to less common or long out of production European rifles. I'm also not what most would consider affluent, so the likes of a Sauer 202 or Blaser 93 aren't going to be on the menu. I got to searching and it looks like there's certain generations of the Mannlicher Schoenauer like the MCA are somewhat reasonable. As are less than pristine Mauser 66 models. The latter really caught my attention as I though it was quite the slick operating mechanism! The Mauser 77, while neat, doesn't look like it's ever been widely available in the states. I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap either.

Any love for rifles from the old world? Anyone have an MCA Mannlicher that can report on their accuracy? Or a 66 Mauser? Anyone have one they've grown bored with?

 

[Mr. Zorg]

I have a fondness for the rich traditional satin blue & walnut Zastava LK M70 / Interarms Mark X / Whitworth / Remington 798 bolt action rifles from Yugoslavia (pre-1991) / Serbia. These started production in 1970 hence the M70, it has nothing to do with the Winchester M70 line. Long Action Mauser style CRF design receivers with hinged floorplates, D&T at factory with thumb slide safety for minimum scope interference, accept parts for FN style commercial Mausers. I particularly like the full stock (Mannlicher style) versions with 20" / 510mm barrels in certain cartridge chamberings (I have .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 7X64mm Brenneke, & 30-06 Springfield in this configuration). I have a 7mm-08, 9.3X62mm, and .338-06 with 22" / 560mm barrels and others with 23.6" / 600mm barrels such as a 25-06 that's been my go-to deer & feral hog rifle the past several years.

Here's a link to the current (exclusive) importer to the USA.

Sporting Rifle LK M70 - Zastava Arms USA

Sporting Rifle with original Mauser locking system. Barrel is made of chrome-vanadium steel, by cold forging - guaranteeing high precision, constant accuracy and durability. MSRP: starting at $799

zastavaarmsusa.com

If you prefer push feed design there's modern production Steyr Mannlicher rifles as well as modern production Mauser M12 rifles.

For truly uncommon chamberings in the USA the 7X64mm Brenneke and 9.3X62mm stand out IMO.

 

[billlarson]

I,ve got a very nice 8mm mauser.butter spoon bolt knob,double set triggers. Pics on request.
bill

 

[Adam in WI]

I have a fondness for the rich traditional satin blue & walnut Zastava LK M70

A seller on GunBroker had a good selection of those for awhile. I seriously considered picking up one of the double set trigger versions in 243 or 7x64.

 

[joshb]

I strongly suggest you look at an M38 Swedish Mauser. I have a few. For about $4-500, you get a nice piece of history that’s usually a great shooter!

 

[Adam in WI]

I strongly suggest you look at an M38 Swedish Mauser. I have a few. For about $4-500, you get a nice piece of history that’s usually a great shooter!

Trouble there is finding one with a scope or one that at least has mounts and an appropriate bolt. I'm sure you're aware how hard it is to find one that's truly well done, and I don't have the heart to commission cutting one up myself.

Add to the fact, I simply find the two I mentioned originally to be unique. A deviation from the Mauser patterns that are so common (and copied).

 

[ebb]

I work occasionally for a guy that shoots a Greifeld 22 hornet. He used to live on a big ranch in Texas and tells me his grandmother used to defend the chickens with this hornet many years ago. Neat looking gun.

 

[joshb]

Trouble there is finding one with a scope or one that at least has mounts and an appropriate bolt. I'm sure you're aware how hard it is to find one that's truly well done, and I don't have the heart to commission cutting one up myself.

Add to the fact, I simply find the two I mentioned originally to be unique. A deviation from the Mauser patterns that are so common (and copied).

All ya gotta do is get a stock! This one is guilt free! Actually, you’d be saving it! It’s already drilled for a scope and has the proper safety. Pretty cheap for a barreled action.

 

[joshb]

Here’s a 66 for sale! I have to stop looking! I might buy your next gun!

 

[Adam in WI]

Here’s a 66 for sale! I have to stop looking! I might buy your next gun!View attachment 1215267

That one's on my watchlist lol. Unfortunately I didn't sell my wares early enough. That's a good price though on an interesting chambering.

 

[TIMO]

Trouble there is finding one with a scope or one that at least has mounts and an appropriate bolt. I'm sure you're aware how hard it is to find one that's truly well done, and I don't have the heart to commission cutting one up myself.

Add to the fact, I simply find the two I mentioned originally to be unique. A deviation from the Mauser patterns that are so common (and copied).

Adam,
Check out Simpson Ltd. They have a huge variety of European rifles. I have bought and sold through them and never had an issue.

Simpson Ltd

Firearms for the Finest Collectors

simpsonltd.com

Hope this helps,
Tim

 

[Knotwild]

For some reason these (ZFK55) always make my mouth water, but certainly out of the realm of what the OP wanted.

 

[Tom Baker]

I've been feeling the itch for another rifle, but seeing as I'm an irredeemable nut I was feeling the itch for something uncommon. So I turn my attention to less common or long out of production European rifles. I'm also not what most would consider affluent, so the likes of a Sauer 202 or Blaser 93 aren't going to be on the menu. I got to searching and it looks like there's certain generations of the Mannlicher Schoenauer like the MCA are somewhat reasonable. As are less than pristine Mauser 66 models. The latter really caught my attention as I though it was quite the slick operating mechanism! The Mauser 77, while neat, doesn't look like it's ever been widely available in the states. I'm sure it wouldn't be cheap either.

Any love for rifles from the old world? Anyone have an MCA Mannlicher that can report on their accuracy? Or a 66 Mauser? Anyone have one they've grown bored with?

Well, yes, I do like them.
And I especially like the .416 Rigby, made in 1927.

 

[paul castelli]

I've got a 1917 vintage Mannlicher-Schoenauer 1908, in 8x57 oddly enough. Fortunately it came complete with a mounted scope from the period, not a great scope by todays standards but serviceable. A joy to handle. Nimble and fast in the hands, and points like a wand. On the downside recoil is nasty give its weight.

The scope mounts are the sticking point on the older odd euro stuff. Many have bases only and if they're claw bases the matching rings will cost a small fortune. Same goes for the Mauser 660, mounting glass will cost dearly.

 

[Snuggie]

That is one beautiful rifle Paul!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

How about staying with ‘merican might and getting an 03 springfield? Sure wish i had one of the old school sporters

 

[ebb]

I do too. I thought a Garand and a Springfield would always be around for 300-400. boy was i wrong

 

[riflewoman]

It looks like Simpson has a Mannlicher or two for under $2K. They might be interesting. They also have a JPSauer M98 Sporter (item Z37537) that is reasonable, because of overall condition. But it has nice features typical of between-wars German sporters.

 

[Scrumbag]

Get something based on a Mauser 98 made in the former Yugoslavia / Czechoslovakia in 8x57 or 7x64 and be truly happy

 

[Adam in WI]

Any reports of accuracy for the Mannlicher Schoenauer carbines? 1-1/2 moa? 3-4 moa? It'd be a shame if such a classy piece was all show and no go.