I'm keen to get your thoughts on Mauser's decision to make their full-length M03 barrels a few centimetres shorter than they used to be. This change was noted by RoyalTW who commented in an earlier post on 6.5x55 accuracy testing. I checked with Mauser and the answer is that M03 magnum calibre barrels have changed from 65cm to 62cm, while the M03 standard calibre barrels have gone from 60cm down to 56cm.
This means that the full length M03 barrels are now the same length as M12 barrels. I've also had a look at Mauser's webpages for M98 rifles. The M98 Magnum version has a 62cm barrel. After a bit of digging I found info on the M98 Custom (that is the 'normal' M98, the non 'Magnum' version, available in many calibres, several of which are magnums), which has a 60cm barrel. I found this in the Hunting Rifles Brochure under Downloads. There's a note that says 'other barrel lengths available on request'. So there should be, at M98 prices!
It seems that the trimming of M03 barrels came in on 1 July 2015. That's right folks, keep reading the Mauser M03 Blog for all the latest news. :-(
There's pros and cons here.
On the plus side:
- the shorter barrels will be easier to handle and point and a touch lighter. Some customers will like this, especially when comparing with a Blaser R8, which, with its shorter action and (previously) shorter barrels is whippier than a Mauser M03. Well, that's fine if you like that.
- shorter barrels can be more accurate than longer ones, as the effect of barrel vibration on shot dispersion is reduced. We're splitting hairs here, but that is what benchrest shooters do.
- your old and long M03 barrels are now collector's items and are possibly worth more. Mauser dealers with old stock of the 60 and 65cm barrels are sure to realise this. Don't point it out if you're buying.
- you get less of the excellent Mauser metal with the shorter barrels, so they should cost less. :-) Good luck with that.
However:
- there will be a reduction in muzzle velocity, though Mauser advise that this should be only 3 to 8 metres/second from a 3 cm shorter barrel, depending on calibre.
- there will be a minor increase in muzzle blast, but nothing like the increased blast from using a muzzle brake.
Click here to see Mauser's updated Caliber Overview document on their M03 Options webpage. Scroll down and open or save the Caliber Overview pdf. As you'll see, there's even shorter barrels available, at 47cm and 51cm. A short, solid barrel is just the ticket for driven boar, apparently. Maybe that's why I sometimes miss pigs that are on the run - my antique barrels are too long!
So, what do you think? Are there other benefits or problems with this change? If you read my earlier posts you'll see I'm a fan of the long barrels Mauser used to make for the M03. Looks like I might have to get with the program and update my thinking. Hmmm …. .
Tuesday 15 November 2016
2 comments:
Your comments and questions make this blog much more interesting. You can submit them for moderation here via your Google account, or take them over to the Mauser M03 Blog - Discussion Forum (link at top of page). If you do comment here I'll publish it and reply as soon as possible. Please check back soon. Thanks.
Regards, Rick.
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First: Thanks for this blog - always nice to read about the only centrefire rifle I own :-)
ReplyDeleteI chose my first cartridge/barrel (308W) for it's ability to keep most of it's velocity with a shorter barrel. Because I use a suppressor I shortened my barrel to 45cm(which is the minimum barrel length in Sweden that I some times visit for boar hunting).
If I ever have the need of a bigger cartridge it will probably be something like 375HH for Africa. That will be for close range shooting and the barrel length will be even less important.
Hi Kenneth. Thanks for this reminder - because of course another benefit of shorter barrels is they are more manageable with suppressors or screw-on muzzle brakes. And that's a good point you make about the Africa calibres - they're generally used up close, at good sized targets. Food for thought.
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