SPRINGFIELD or MAUSER?

Question

What do you think is a generally better war - bolt action rifle, the 30 - 06 springfield ( US ) OR THE 8MM MAUSER K98? I PREFER THE MAUSER. WHAT'S GOT A BIGGER CALIBER?

Answer 1

The old joke was that the Germans went to war with the best hunting rifle, the Americans the best target rifle, and the Brits with the best battle rifle. Leaving out the SMLE, though, I'd give a very slight edge to the 98.

As to your second question, the 8x57 bullet is .323" and the 30-06 .308", but with equivalent weights, the difference is nothing to speak of. Had the Brits had time to do so, they were planning on switching to a more reasonable 7mm cartridge (though with typical British peculiarity, it wasn't everybody else's .284", exactly). They knew even before the "Great War" that 30 caliber was too big for maximum efficiency, and that 6.5 mm was too small.

Answer 2

It's close but I like the 1903s sights better so im gonna go with it.  

Answer 3

The 03 Springfield was a carbine clone of the 98 Mauser, made shorter and with better sights. The actions are nearly identical. The Mauser Brothers sued the US Army and won damages for patent infringement. Congress rejected using the Mausers to help us design a rifle, so the Springfield guys just cloned it.

The K98k was a carbine son of the Gew 98. It was as good but later production during the war suffered from poor finishing, workmanship and most importantly, quality of the steel.

The Springfield was certainly influential and beloved here in the US, while the Mauser influenced every rifle made in the world, even until today. But I think credit is due Mauser for the 03's influence, if we are going to be fair.

I own both, several examples of each and can tell you that neither hold a candle to the Czech BRNO Vz-24, which is basically a K98k but made with the highest quality steel and workmanship since they were pre-n**i and made in the comfort of peacetime 1920s. Also, stacked up against a Swiss K31 in terms of long range accuracy, the K98k and the '03 are middle-of-the-pack.

The SMLE No. 1 Mk III was the fastest shooting bolt gun with a 10 round capacity to boot. Improved in the No. 4 Mk 1 of 1939, it was still fast but that's about all it really had going for it, but in some cases, 5 extra bullets and fast action counted to save your butt and win the battle.

Answer 4

The Springfield A3 03 is basicaly a Mauser action.  The US Gov actually paid royalties to Mauserwerks in Germany.  I think the Springfield is sexyier.

Answer 5

There is very little difference in the velocity of either one.* The Springfield is about 300 feet per second faster, but the K98 Mauser has a better action.* The Springfield 30-06 has a greater variety of bullets to choose from, however you can't go wrong no matter which one you choose.* I prefer the 30-06 myself.*

Answer 6

The Mauser is the superior action and caliber.

Answer 7

The Springfield was an improved Mauser.

There is little real difference except added convenience features,

(Finger grip cocking piece, and magazine cut-off),

and the old model Springfields sights beat the pants off the Mausers.

As to the cartridges, the 30/06 was a far more powerful

round than the 8 x57.

Answer 8

The Mauser is the more durable rifle, and a better caliber; over one hundred million of them made (thats a lot of anything!!)  The 03A3 Springfield is a fine rifle but is not as rugged as the Mauser.  

Answer 9

They both are fine rifles.For war I would say the Mauser has a slim lead. For target I would take an 03A1 anyday.