Thread: Mauser M18

My comment was tongue in cheek. Sorry.

The M12 is great for what it is. And yes, I'd place it above the Tikka T3 in build quality too, although performance wise, I imagine they'd be equal. I've owned a Sako 85, a couple of 75's and a T3 and M55 Tikka, and all had exceptional triggers and barrels.

What I've been trying to say in this thread (in my excessively opinionated way) is that while most modern factory guns function incredibly well - even your humble Ruger American - it's a bit disingenuous of a company such as 'Mauser' (who have built their long-standing reputation on a couple of tried and tested designs - tested in the most demanding of arenas: combat & dangerous game hunting in Africa) to then come out with new, 'cost-cut' designs, for the sake of profit - but then use terminology in their marketing campaigns which draws upon their older actions! They're constantly going on about 'original' this, and 'no frills' that...but the irony is that they had all that in their M98 action. That's what Mauser was about, and it's what has kept their reputation in-tact to this day. But you've now got to take out a mortgage for the original.

The M12 could effectively be made by any company. It's a great rifle. But there's nothing uniquely 'Mauser' about it, other than the logo.

But it probably doesn't mean anything to you, or 99% of people - but it's something I've picked on. To me 'Mauser' means clunky, rugged, and faithful to an age-old tried/tested design. But that's just personal opinion.

But perhaps the M12 is the beginning of something new for them. They're certainly great value for money, and probably leave nothing to be desired as a solid work-horse.

If you get a chance, put a Tikka M55 beside a T3, or a Mauser 98 beside an M12/M03/M18. While the newer models will have strengths of their own, I think you'll find that the older models capture the 'essence' of the original concept much better - warts and all.

Performance is everything now. And I don't think build quality is what it used to be. Same goes for optics, clothes etc. It's a throw-away world.