Mauser model 66

[richidaho]

Anyone ever made a sniper out of a Mauser model 66. I have a chance to buy one in 30-06. I was wondering if anyone has a knowledge base on this older rifle. Thinking about buying it and taking it to the shop and seeing how it ticks. This gun comes in three flavors small bolt (223), M bolt (30-06), L bolt (375) and everything else that fits between. In short this gun can change barrels on the fly. Kind of expensive rifle in its day. Anyone know if AI makes a stock for it? There web sight is down at the moment.

Thanks
Rich L

 

[hohlspitz]

richidaho,

This is some information I posted about 7 years ago:

The Modell 66 was developed by Walter Gehmann in the late '50's, was a radical departure from previous Mauser designs. It was a short telescopic action which still utilized a two lug lock up system but with the lugs locking into a barrel extension attached to the barrel. The barrels were interchangeable within the context of the size of the boltface. The design was officially released in 1965 and licensed to Mauser for production in 1966.

Three versions were released: the 'Europa', 'Export' and 'Stutzen'. The 'Export' was created principally for sale to the U.S. and was listed as the Model 660 by the importer, Mauser-Bauer, Inc. located in Fraser, Michigan.

The 1966 production serial numbers began with the prefix 'G' and test targets were supplied with each rifle.

Initial chambers were:

5.6 x 61 vom Hofe
.243 Win.
6.5 x 57mm
7 x 57mm
.270 Win.
7mm vom Hofe
.308 Win.
.30-06
9.3 x 64mm
.458 Win. Mag.

Later in the '70's, a model 66SP was released as a sniper rifle beginning with the Stuttgart police to be used as counter-terrorism rifles.

The company, Jehn Gustav Jehn GmbH, Postfach 1827, 59528 Lippstadt, Tel: 0294129090, Fax: 02941-23418, E-Mail: [email protected] has taken over the repairs and spare parts service for all Mauser products that were produced before 1999. Depending on the model, Jehn should have spare parts inventory that is still quite extensive for some parts. Please understand that in view of the number of old models, a complete supply of spare parts can no longer be guaranteed.

 

[Edsel]

How does this rifle differ from the SP66? I always wanted the SP86, but can't find a single one nowadays.

 

[richidaho]

Dear Hohlspitz,

As you were saying this is a two lug gun like the model 98. Would a stock for a model 98 fit this gun? If it would I could make something out of this. Edsel I don't know the answer to your question. But I think the actions are the same but the stock and barrel contour are different. With the SP66 vs 66/660. The SP86 looks to be a different action. That's all I can tell from photos.

Thanks,
Rich L


Thanks
Rich L

 

[biffj]

The receiver is completely different compared to the model 98 so the stocks won't interchange. The action is completely different and in no way really related to the earlier Mauser types. I'm not sure what the likelyhood of finding a stock of any type to fit the rifle is. Probably not very high. Apparently the action was thought capable of good accuracy because they did build a sniper rifle using this action. That doesn't always mean a lot...
I would think that if you are capable of building bits and pieces for the gun and doing all the barrel work yourself it may be a great one to start with. On the other hand if you're looking at having a smith build up a gun for you its likely the costs would be pretty high. Its not a common piece and there aren't a lot of smiths familiar with the type. There are also few pieces and parts out there as others noted so its a bit of an orphan.

Good luck

Frank