Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Mausers and Military Rifles Looking for advice on 1st mauser

I am looking to purchase a Mauser in 30/06. I’m looking for a durable 30/06 and have been told the mauser is the rifle to get. So with a budget of 1K - what mauser model or mfg should I look for??? Thanks.

I also prefer iron sights over optics.

Look for a nice J C Higgins Model 50.

What he says, or a Zastava m70.
Both Mauser designs, European made, and considerably less than $1k
These will fit your requirements.

JC Higgins FN Mauser.

If the stock is cracked at the wrist, and they sometimes are, drop it into a Boyds laminate, or a McMillan, depending on your budget.

Simple and effective, and you will have a rifle that will last a lifetime if you take care of it.

Another option is the Tikka/Ithica LSA 65. 30-06.

It was imported by Ithica, built by Tikka.

Exceptionally accurate rifles, Bofors steel barrels.

Made before Sako took over Tikka.

Superbly ergonomic stocks,

Here is mine:













Mine shoots 155 Scenars into little tiny groups.

Here ya go

https://www.cabelas.com/product/interarms-whitworth-commercial-mauser-by-zastava-30-06/3394302.uts?Ntk=GunLibrary&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D%26No%3D20%26Ntk%3DGunLibrary%26Ntt%3Dzastava%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchallpartial%26WTz_st%3D%26WTz_stype%3DSP%26form_state%3DsearchForm%26recordsPerPage%3D20%26search%3Dzastava%26searchTypeByFilter%3DGunLibrary%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&Ntt=zastava

DrDeath,

I will put in a vote for Husqvarna 1600/1640 actioned rifle. They are a well made machine, and .30-06 is probably the most common caliber they come up for sale in. They can be found reasonably priced and generally always have iron sights and a side sliding safety. Almost all of the 1600/1640 actioned rifles are drilled and tapped for receiver sights as well if you prefer that route. Different variations of barrel length and stock configuration can be found. Older Husqvarna models used Belgian FN actions too if you are looking for older with a flag safety. My two cents worth.

Good luck to you,
sixfive

"Older Husqvarna models used Belgian FN actions too if you are looking for older with a flag safety. My two cents worth."

A well spent two cents too. I have one of the Husqvarna M640s with the flag safety. It's no big deal to convert them to the FN style and only takes a minute or two to so it. I just have a barreled action so am still looking for a stock for it. I'm looking for the style they used on their "Husky" model although may just go with a McMillan. Whoever had the action before me put a Timney trigger on the gun.

I'll also second the motion on the J.C. Higgins M50. Some people think the stock is a bit clubby, and that's so for a person with small hands. The nice thing is one can remove enough wood making the rifle have a better feel. I have several, two all original and two, one having the stock slimmed down and the other restocked in a European style to go with the 7x57 chambering. They do have kind of a strange trigger set up but they've never given me a problem A couple of mine have Timney triggers installed but two are still strictly stock.

I also have a few customs on military Mauser actions. I like Mausers.
Paul B.

A fine rifle as is or a fine action for the basis for a custom rifle down the road if that bug bites.

My advice,

Don't do it! Turn off your computer for 3 weeks, take medicine. run away, it's a sickness!!

You'll be bitten by the disease when you hear, see and feel that beautiful action at work.

You can do it easier and cheaper with other actions

Mike

You are going to be spoiled. After shooting Mauser action rifles, I got my first controlled feed Winchester Model 70 and was very disappointed. I felt like I was holding a cheap imitation. It works and I know people love them, but it's not a Mauser.

Another vote for one of the good ol’ Husqvarnas that are out there! No nonsense hunting rifle.

FN Mausers are my favorite action.

For a grand you should be able to find an FN Deluxe or even a somewhat worn Browning.

Bottom line is, just about any COMMERCIAL (no thummy cutty) Mauser 98 would work well for you. I have both a Husqvarna and a Higgins, very fond of them both with a slight edge to the Husq because it's so no-nonsense. No frills at all, but the stock is actually cast off -- that's a "shooter" kind of thing.

Or a Remington 798, Chas Daly, or anything else on a Mark X commercial action.
You'll have plenty of cash left over.

This is nice!!!

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/846086798 Check out what I found on GunBroker.com!

I suggest an original FN. Should be found under $1k. My 30-06.

And a nice price too.
The market is too soft now for those sheckels.

Those FN and Browning guns may be some of the best bargains out there, considering what you get.

DF