Europeans often use big scopes for shooting from stands at night. In this type of hunting, the rifle is rarely carried, and weight or bulkiness is not an issue. The scope is in quick-detach claw mounts, so it can easily be removed for more active open-sight hunting. It's not how I would have it built, but then it's not my rifle. There are several other details that I would change if it were mine, but it's not, so I just appreciate it for what it is.
It depends on what "commercial Mauser" you are talking about...I am referring to Oberndorf Mauser Factory Sporters...not later Belgian-made FN Mauser 98 sporters...look at this typical Oberndorf Mauser Model M in 30-06 from c. 1925...it has both "ears" and a stripper clip slot...as well as a small notch at the top rear of the front receiver ring to accommodate the (slightly too long) 30-06 when loading using stripper clips.
So what makes them commercial is the fact that they never been intended for military use? How would one know ?It depends on what "commercial Mauser" you are talking about...I am referring to Oberndorf Mauser Factory Sporters...not later FN sporters...look at this typical Model M in 30-06 from c. 1925...it has both "ears" and a stripper clip slot...as well as a small notch at the top rear of the front receiver ring to accommodate the (slightly too long) 30-06 when loading using stripper clips.
Husqvarna made a version of its Swedish Mauser 96 commercial sporter receiver without a thumb cutout. The ones I have seen were in 9.3x62 and 8x57.
The Mauser sporters were made in several models, all intended for the civilian market. If you can afford them, or can find them in a library, you should consult Olsons' book, Mauser Bolt Rifles (as I recall, he has a chapter on the commercial sporting versions) and Jon Speed's Mauser, Original Oberndorf Sporting Rifles (and then move on to his Mauser Archives.)
