Mauser Model 66
Mauser-Werke Oberndorf · Rifle · Discontinued · 1965
Also known as: Mauser 66, Mauser-Werke Model 66
Overview
The Mauser Model 66 is a German bolt-action sporting rifle introduced in 1965 and designed by Walter Gehmann. Its defining feature is a telescopic (over-the-barrel) bolt action whose front-locking lugs engage directly into the barrel assembly, allowing the receiver to be roughly six to nine centimetres shorter than a conventional action while still feeding long cartridges such as the .30-06. The takedown design supports interchangeable barrels grouped by bolt-face diameter, letting an owner switch between standard, magnum and big-game calibers on a single rifle. It was offered with conventional, single-set and double-set trigger options and earned a reputation for vault-smooth bolt travel and bench-rest accuracy.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1054 mm (41.50") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Width | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Fixed Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 4515 J (3330 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as 30-06, .30-06 Sprg, 7.62x63mm
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as 308 Win, .308 Win, 7.62x51mm NATO
- .270 Winchester — also known as 270 Win, .270 Win
- .375 H&H Magnum — also known as .375 H&H Magnum, 375 H&H, 9.5x72mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Locking Safety, Firing Pin Block
- Features: Telescopic Bolt Action, Interchangeable Barrels, Front Locking Two Lug Bolt, Takedown Design, Double Set Trigger Option, Single Set Trigger Option
Variants
- Mauser Model 66 S - Standard
- Mauser Model 66 SM - Carbine
- Mauser SP66 - Sniper
Production
Production years: 1965-1995
Produced in standard (66 S), short/carbine (66 SM) and stutzen configurations across multiple caliber groups.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Walter Gehmann
Discontinued: 1995
Notes
Manufactured at Mauser's Oberndorf works. The military and police sniper derivative, the SP66, was developed from the Model 66 telescopic action and used by several German police and military units.
Background
The telescopic action that defines the Model 66 was conceived by competition shooter and gunsmith Walter Gehmann; the same compact, accurate action later formed the basis of the Mauser SP66 police and military sniper rifle.