GunsAmerica

Quick Look

The 8mm Mauser, or 7.92×57mm Mauser, was introduced by Germany in 1905 and became a standard military cartridge. Known for its potent performance and long-range accuracy, it powered several iconic rifles like the Mauser K98k. Today, it remains a favorite among collectors, historic firearm enthusiasts, and big game hunters.

Why It's a Top Choice

Proven combat record across both World Wars
Excellent long-range accuracy and terminal performance
Wide availability of surplus rifles and components
Strong aftermarket barrel and stock support
Used for hunting large game due to high energy

Key Variants

Mauser K98k

Germany's WWII service rifle; still highly sought by collectors and shooters.

Turkish Mauser

Surplus variant with varied receivers and barrels, making it popular for budget builds.

Yugo M48 Mauser

Post-war Yugoslavian copy with excellent fit and finish, ideal for hunting conversions.

Gewehr 98

The original long rifle from WWI; highly collectible with distinctive straight bolt handle.

Vz 24 Mauser

Czech-made Mauser with strong metallurgy, often rebarreled for modern hunting use.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	8mm Mauser	.30-06 Springfield	.303 British
MSRP (mil-surp)	$400–$900	$450–$1,000	$350–$800
Capacity	5-round internal	5-round internal	10-round (Enfield) or 5-round
Weight	8.5–9.5 lbs	8–9 lbs	8.8–9.2 lbs
Optics-ready	No (requires gunsmithing)	No (mil-surp)	No (mil-surp)
Trigger type	Two-stage	Two-stage	Two-stage
Notable pro	High energy and flat trajectory	Widely available ammo options	Smooth bolt action cycling
Notable con	Recoil can be stout for new shooters	Ammunition can be expensive	Limited commercial ammo production

Best Use Cases

Historic firearms collecting
Big game hunting
Long-range bolt-action shooting
Gunsmithing projects or sporterizing
Military reenactment or display

FAQs

What is the effective range of the 8mm Mauser?

Military loads were rated for 500+ yards effective range; with optics, it can reach 800+ yards.

Can I hunt elk or moose with an 8mm Mauser?

Yes, with proper soft-point ammunition, it delivers sufficient energy for large North American game.

How does the 8mm Mauser compare to the .30-06 Springfield?

Ballistically similar, with the 8mm offering slight advantages in energy and bullet diameter.

8MM MAUSER for Sale