Blaser R93 or Mauser M03? Help me choose!

[Ar180shooter]

Ok, so a while ago, I started a thread asking weather I should buy a Browning X-Bolt or Winchester Model 70 Super Grade.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549208

Now, I decided I preferred the M70 after listening to what everyone had to say, but since the hunting season doesn't start up for a while, I decided to hold off on purchasing it until later.

Here is my predicament... Over the last number of years, my collection of rifles has steadily grown in number, but I only use a few of my rifles on a regular basis (Some I've had for years, but only taken out once...).

This got me thinking that it might be better to sell off 3 or 4 of my less used rifles and put the funds from that and the money I had set aside for the M70, towards a higher end European made rifle.

The two main options I've looked into are the Blaser R93 Professional and the Mauser M03 Basic. I'm looking to spend between $3000 and $3500 before tax. I'm open to suggestions on caliber, but was thinking 7x57mm Mauser.

So, of the two rifles mentioned, what are your guys experiences, and what would you recommend? Are there any other similar rifles that would fit what I'm looking for?

I should also mention that the rifle needs to have iron sights as I will not be mounting a scope for a while.

One last thing... Is there someone in the Ottawa area that has a Mauser M03 that I can take a look at? (My boss has an R93 he's going to let me check out, so that one is covered).

Thanks,
Ar180shooter

 

[CanadaBoy]

I'm not going to give advice on which of those is better as I haven't used both of them to make a comparison, actually I havent used either.

To answer your question about other options however; in your price range you may also want to look at: the Sauer 202, the Merkel KR1 and the Voere Tirolerin. Those would be my additions to the list. Like the R93 and M03 they all have interchangeable barrels, fit your price range and are available in Canada. A new Merkel, the RX Helix has also been announced and should be available later in the year. Also, Like the R93 and M03 I have used none of them, and therefore can't compare them. I do however have a Voere Tirolerin on the way, and can let you know my impressions of that rifle when I get it if you're interested.

 

[jjohnwm]

I have two R93's, one wood and one synthetic, as well as a couple of extra barrels. I fell in love with this design after handling one at the Toronto Sportsmens' Show a few years back, and I'm even more impressed now. Accuracy is outstanding, the trigger is delightful, and the Blaser scope mount returns to zero more consistently than any other QD system I've ever tried. It packs down into a small case which makes for easy travel by air or road. I sold most of my other bolt guns after getting into the Blaser system.

Cons? Two possible ones: First, some people don't find the cocking slide/safety an easy or instinctive motion. I do, and I like it, but everybody's different. The other is the lack of a detachable magazine, which I think is a positive point, but lots of people want a detachable mag. You might want to look at the Blaser R8 for that reason. Since you are not heavily invested in the R93 parts and barrels, this newer model (R8) might be the logical choice in the Blaser line-up for you.

A nice feature of the R93 is the way it handles recoil. I, and many of my friends, were very pleasantly surprised by how lightly this gun kicks. With my .375H&H barrel mounted, it is the lightest of the several .375 rifles I have owned over the years, but the most comfortable to shoot. Be aware that the stock can be had with either the straight American-style comb (the type that I have on both of mine) or with the Euro-style "hogback" comb (which I find attractive, but not as soft-shooting).

I've only handled the Mauser M03 once, and I didn't care for it. The cocking device swings sideways rather than forward and backward, and I just didn't find it a natural motion. The gun is much more traditional in appearance than the Blaser, and quality seems equally high.

Good luck with your decision.

John