Details are few and far between, but it looks like Mauser is set to reboot their classic Mauser 98 rifle with DWM brand markings.
Deutschen Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken, or DWM, was formed in the late 19th century when the Mauser company joined with Ludwig Loewe and bullet maker Deutsche Metallpatronenfabrik AG. That conglomerate produced the Mauser 98 series bolt-action rifles, which armed German troops (along with troops from many other countries) until after World War II.
Now Mauser is bringing back a DWM-branded M98, and it looks like it’s going to be a beauty.
“Today connoisseurs still appraise the legendary DWM hunting cartridges and the Mauser 98-actions of the DWM 1908- and DWM 1909-series,” Mauser says on their website. “Now the old alliance with Mauser is renewed and DWM is back. Stay tuned and learn more about a German legend and interesting products to come.”
In his comprehensive overview of the Gewehr 98 Mauser, Christopher Mace called the original M98 “one of the most historically significant and technically influential firearms in history.”
“In one variant or another, it armed men on both sides of two world wars and continues to be seen in conflicts around the world to this day. Rifle actions are still being based on it or using its features,” he continued.
When Mauser came back in the 1950s without DWM, the M98 wasn’t part of its offerings. The company only resurrected the legendary rifle in the 1990s as a high-end safari gun in magnum chamberings such as 9.3x64mm and .416 Rigby. They later added Standard models with calibers starting at 7x57mm.
In recent years, Mauser has sought to gain a share of the U.S. market with the popular M18 line, dubbed “The People’s Rifle” by the company. Mauser added a 6.5 PRC chambering at this year’s SHOT Show to complement the six other popular calibers currently offered. The rifle comes with a sub-MOA guarantee and runs for a reasonable $699.99 MSRP.
Mauser did not respond to a GunsAmerica request for pricing and caliber information on the new DWM-branded M98. Best guess on price? Not cheap. Other modern M98 models can be had for the low, low price of ~$8,000.
I really like the 98 I’m having Mr. Weaver build it! I think it a 1938 model, excellent condition! This new one is great “expensive” I’d love to get it done up with a composite stock I’m think of buying a laminate and have a great stock made up for it! Too nice of wood to risk scratching it up! 416/338 now there’s is a crazy good Anti BLM round 😉
Can anyone tell me if these are available
Why the thumb slot and no clip guide?
Ha! Closest to it is the ol’ Mark X Whitworth. A helluva lot less than 80 Franklins. Good looking rifle though.
What a handsome rifle. I am not that picky but I could love a couple of changes…a small-ring action like they built for the Danzig rifles, years ago; and, double set triggers. The German gunmakers built ’em right…hats off.
And here I’d been hoping… Overpriced, and with a shiny stock, this is THE rifle for the “Show-off Shooter” who does everything with his/her rifle but use it. Perish the thought of sullying the bore with burned powder products or ugly copper remains, this is to show, not to shoot.
As a proud owner of a real K98k (1940 vintage) I both shoot and show the rifle. It has dings and scratches but is still laser accurate over open sights. Yeah, it’s a bit worn looking but so am I at 71 years of age. The wood is not beautifully figured and is only oil finished, not shiny.
Damn, but I’m disappointed with DWM over this.
I like shiny stocks.
Ignorant, no rifle in the world is “laser” accurate and certainly not old milsurp’s, also the stock on this gun IS oil finished the reason it has a shine is because it’s finished over and over closing the pores of the wood.
There are rifles Laser accurate out there but not many shooters can shoot as well as their rifle. On many occasions when I was young firing well used M-16s I’ve put 3 bullets almost through the same hole in the center of the target. Think Micky Mouse with really short ears.
What a beauty, looks like it’s made to handle high pressure loads of many if not most all magnums. Lookout Ruger #1 models as long as they keep the price comparable. I get the one shot break open concept but if you need a quick follow up shot this is the answer. Leave the one shot one kill to the military sniper unless you’re a civilian that trains equally or above.
How does it compare with my K-98 M-48 (Michaels) Mauser 8mm? Jon
Very nice! I would purchase if the price is reasonable. It would look good sitting next to my other 6. One question though, I wonder why Mauser would leave the thumb cutout? Other commercial versions didn’t have it. I look forward to seeing the caliber list.
That’s a good question, considering it appears to not be machined to use stripper clips. Perhaps they thought it would be good to release gas blowback in the left rail in case of a blown primer or case head, but a simple hole in the left side of the receiver ring would have accomplished the same thing.
Why is a commercial version still being saddled with a stripper clip cutout? Tradition?
I do not believe that is a stripper clip cutout. I am guessing it is to provide clearance to load cartridges longer than the original 8×57, 7×57, etc. family of cartridges (30-06, .270, magnums, etc.) Lovely rifle!
I wondered the same thing. Most modern day shooters have never even seen a stripper clip. I do use them at times with my military rifles.
All in all, good to see a good Mauser rifle on the market. It has always been my first choice of action when building a custom rifle.
If the one pictured is what is offered for the $699 price, it would be hard to build one with all those features…. good looking rifle. Would make a nice scout rifle in the carbine barrel length.