For a lot of rifle shooters, “Mauser 98” is shorthand for one of the best actions on the planet.
Featruing controlled round feed, a big non rotating claw extractor, and a design that has been copied, tweaked, and argued about for well over a century, the new M98 Das Original leans into that legacy by sticking with the familiar action while layering in upgraded finishes, high grade wood, and chamberings that range from .308 to .416 Rigby, plus a first time factory .300 Winchester Magnum option for the platform. From the price tag alone, one can infer that this is less a practical beater rifle and more a deliberately premium piece for hunters and collectors who like the tradition and pedigree featured in the Mauser brand, and are willing to pay for it.
“Mauser is pleased to introduce the new Mauser 98 Das Original bolt-action rifle. Harnessing a combination of advanced technology and old-world craftsmanship, this modern iteration of one of the world’s most iconic rifles delivers the accuracy and reliability embraced by millions of Mauser owners for more than a century. And it is now available in .300 Win Mag for the first time ever!”
The rifle sticks close to the original design’s strengths while layering in durability upgrades and premium aesthetics that set it apart from standard sporters.
“The original M98 was prized for its controlled round feed, extreme strength, reliability and safety. The new M98 Das Original is designed with these same features along with improvements including a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the bolt for extra protection from wear, a gold-colored trigger, and elegant hand-selected Grade 5 wood. The magnum configurations come with a red safari recoil pad system for improved comfort.”
Blaser Group’s leadership sees this as a targeted build for American buyers who are fans of and appreciate German engineering and a nod to the platform’s long track record. Mauser rifles are probably one of the most popular surplus military rifles in the United States, so this, at least in my estimation, is a pretty solid bet on a new product line.
“The Mauer 98 Das Original edition was built in Germany for American hunters and collectors who appreciate perfection and top-tier engineering,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “The new Das Original delivers the legendary reliability of the original M98 with enhanced features and, for the first time ever in a Mauser 98, this edition is now available in .300 Win Mag.”
The feature list and caliber lineup make clear this is more of an heirloom-grade rifle aimed at low-volume production, with pricing to match the materials and history, and bank accounts of Mauser’s bespoke customers.
New Features:
- DLC Bolt components
- Gold Colored Trigger
- Gold colored lettering on Floor plate (Since 1898 Das Original)
- Hand Selected Grade 5 wood
Magnum configuration with red safari recoil pad:
MSRP: $14,500
Standard Configuration:
- 308 Win
- 30-06
- 300 Win Mag (This caliber has never before been offered in a Mauser 98)
MSRP: $12,000
At $12,000 to $14,500, and as I mentioned before, the MSRP alone lands squarely with Mauser fans, safari planners, and big game chasers who want factory-fresh perfection over anything more practical that the mass-market is currently offering. For more details and for higher resolution photos, you can check Mauser’s website and socials for photos and availability.
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