Mauser M98 Das Original: The Legend Returns with Modern Refinement

The iconic M98 action gets a premium American release—now chambered in .300 Win Mag for the first time in history

For over 125 years, the Mauser 98 action has stood as the gold standard by which all other bolt-action rifles are measured. Built in the millions, copied by countless manufacturers, yet never truly equaled—the M98 system represents the pinnacle of reliability, safety, and precision engineering.

Now, Mauser has introduced the M98 Das Original, a meticulously crafted tribute to this legendary platform that combines old-world German craftsmanship with carefully selected modern enhancements.

A Legacy Forged in 1898

The original Mauser 98 wasn’t just another rifle—it was a revolution in firearm design. Its controlled round feed system, three-position safety, massive claw extractor, and bombproof dual-opposed locking lugs established design principles that modern rifle makers still emulate today.

The M98 action is, quite literally, the forefather of all contemporary bolt-action rifles. This is the rifle that accompanied hunters on safari across Africa, served militaries across two world wars, and became the foundation for some of the world’s most respected custom rifles.

That’s the heritage Mauser is celebrating with the M98 Das Original—a rifle that honors its roots while incorporating thoughtful improvements for the discerning modern hunter and collector.

What Makes Das Original Different

The new M98 Das Original stays true to the fundamental design that made the original legendary—controlled round feed, non-rotating claw extractor, and the three-position wing safety—but adds refinements that enhance durability and aesthetics without compromising the rifle’s essential character.

Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coated bolt components provide enhanced wear resistance and corrosion protection, ensuring this rifle will maintain its smooth cycling through decades of use in harsh hunting conditions.

A gold-colored trigger adds a touch of elegance while maintaining the crisp, reliable trigger pull Mauser is known for.

Hand-selected Grade 5 wood adorns each rifle, with skilled craftsmen choosing only the finest walnut stocks featuring exceptional grain patterns and figure. Each piece of wood is unique, making every Das Original rifle one of a kind.

Gold-colored lettering on the floorplate proclaims “Since 1898 Das Original,” a proud reminder of the rifle’s legendary lineage.

For the magnum-caliber configurations, Mauser includes a red safari recoil pad system that pays homage to classic dangerous game rifles while providing superior recoil mitigation during extended shooting sessions.

Historic First: .300 Winchester Magnum

Perhaps the most significant announcement is that the M98 Das Original marks the first time in the platform’s 127-year history that a factory Mauser 98 has been chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. This powerful, versatile cartridge has become the go-to choice for North American big game hunters pursuing everything from elk and moose to bear, and its inclusion expands the M98’s appeal to a new generation of hunters who demand long-range capability and knockdown power.

“The Mauser 98 Das Original edition was built in Germany for American hunters and collectors who appreciate perfection and top-tier engineering,” said Jason Evans, CEO of 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.”

Configuration Options

Standard Configuration ($12,000 MSRP)

• .308 Winchester
• .30-06 Springfield
• .300 Winchester Magnum (new)

Magnum Configuration with Red Safari Recoil Pad ($14,500 MSRP)

• .375 H&H Magnum
• .416 Rigby

Each configuration maintains the classic lines and handling characteristics that have made the M98 a favorite among traditionalists while offering the power and range modern hunting demands.

Built for Eternity

There’s a reason Mauser uses the phrase “built for eternity” when describing their rifles. The M98 action’s strength comes from its massive receiver forged from a single piece of steel, dual-opposed locking lugs that distribute chamber pressure evenly, and a design philosophy that prioritizes function over cost-cutting. These aren’t rifles built to a price point—they’re rifles built to a standard.

The M98 Das Original continues this tradition. Manufactured in Germany at Mauser’s facility—the birthplace of the original—each rifle receives the attention of master gunsmiths who understand that a Mauser isn’t just a tool, it’s an heirloom meant to be passed down through generations.

The Verdict

At $12,000 for standard calibers and $14,500 for magnums, the M98 Das Original isn’t positioned as an entry-level hunting rifle. But for serious hunters and collectors who understand the difference between a mass-produced firearm and a genuine masterpiece of gunmaking, the price reflects the value: a rifle that combines 125 years of proven reliability with modern refinements, built by the company that invented the action in the first place.

The M98 Das Original isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s celebrating and refining perfection. For those who appreciate firearms that honor their heritage while remaining supremely functional, this may be the ultimate expression of the bolt-action rifle.

For more information about the Mauser 98 Das Original and to locate an authorized Blaser Group dealer near you, visit www.blaser-group.com or www.mauser.com.