Mauser M12 TRAIL: The ULTIMATE Hunter's Rifle?
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- Опубликовано: 19 апр 2021
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Check out this fantastic hunting rifle from Mauser! This is the Mauser Model 12 (M12) Trail. As you'll see, they thought of everything in the design of this Mauser M12 Trail -- From the safe, bright orange camo to the sling swivels, and even the plug for the barrel. This may not be my usual wood stock, but I have a high opinion of this one. I can't wait to take it out hunting! A special "shout out" goes to Ellwood Epps Sporting Goods for helping me get my hands on this Mauser Model 12 Trail. Thanks Wes...and thanks to all of you for watching! Please help the channel by subscribing and following the links below if you're able:
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You are the only,gun guy that seems truly into guns and not worried about sponsors,,what a breath of real and fresh air.!!!
Very nice to hear that you deal with Epps! I’ve probably spent a year of my life browsing around the store. Home to some of my favourite childhood memories.
Thanks for all the videos!
-Graeme
I’ve been in love with the Model 12 for years. Very hard to find in the United States....
Thank you, nice rifle, huge action on the Mauser. Your vids are always calming and relaxing and great stress relive.
I have a Mauser M12. It’s quite a bit different looking, but I’m sure the action is the same. The bolt locks directly into the barrel and the barrel is press fit to the action. Very smooth action and beautiful rifle.
Hi guggydo - At first I didn't think the press fit was great - only because I'm often thinking about re-barreling. Practically though, the press fit is fine. I doubt I'll wear out the 8x57 - and if I did - one can still re-barrel - just more work and money. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for the note and I'm glad you have a M12 - fantastic!
Big fan of Mauser here, that orange camo is actually a good idea to tell a tale on myself I was up a tree on Fort Jackson in a snow storm wind was blowing and I was all warm and cozy up in the tree and fell asleep and shortly after I fell out out of the tree somewhere in the falling my rifle got slung out of the way into the brush and it was a camo and blended in perfectly.If I had that orange camo it probably would have been a heck of a lot easier to find that thing between the brush and snow that swallowed it. Oh yeah another thing as far as barrel plugs those soft orange ear plugs work great for keeping moisture out.
I am from Belgium, we call this kind of rifle a "nazoekgeweer" or translated a rifle for tracking down injured game. This is quite common here, because we mainly have driven hunts. If an animal is shot badly, a special team searches the wounded animal. They use this short rifles because they are located mostly in thick brush. It is quite dangerous to do.
'nazoekgeweer' it is. Most of the rifles in camo orange with a short barrel and open sights are advertised and commercialised as the 'tracker' model. The 'beaters' during the driven hunt are called 'tracker' in Belgium and France or 'treiber' in Germany. example browning bar tracker pro, Verney carron impact tracquer LA, Haenel Jager camo pro, Rossler titan 6 or 16 orange camo.
I guess a "guide gun" would be our name for it. Guides can help locate and finish off, or camp protection from bears etc...
Found out now I am a small part Belgium that I learned from Ancestry. Besides that trying to pick up information, things to learn etc.. from Belgium now. What animals do you guys hunt there ? Some of these European countries heard no one is allowed to hunt there, like in Italy. Heard gun laws are very tough to buy or own a gun in many of those European countries. What kind of rifles or firearms are you allowed to own there ?
@@airbornesoldieramerica7125 Italy? Oh no, they consider hunting one of their favourite pastimes. The only country in Europe where there's no hunting, is the Vatican City. According to the EU, hunting is a human right.
@@jimf1964 I don't think that covers it. "Tracker gun" would be better suited. But then again, the "nazoek" often happens with driven hunts (which the US is unfamiliar with) or with tracking game that has been wounded in traffic accidents (depending on which country, this is either a task of the game wardens or volunteer hunters deputised by the police or the local hunters).
Never seen or heard of such a rifle. Yet like always mike is an expert in educating others. Keep up the good work
Mike, I always enjoy seeing Mausers and hearing about their legendary dependability and strength of design. I just bought a 98 Mauser military rifle, a Czech VZ 24 which was rebarreled from 7.92x57 to 35 Whelen. I know, it’s a 99 year-old caliber and a tremendous one at that! It just feels so right in my hands!
.35 Whelen is a fantastic cartridge!
Ron you are one very fortunate man to have a VZ 24 in 35 Whelen!
@@timeverett7828
Thank you, Tim! I’m very happy with it! Now, if I can only find a set of dies so I can do some reloading for it!
@@ronlafitte6864 order them from Hornady or Redding. Pretty easy to get.
@@timeverett7828
Well, Hornady says they are out of stock. Estimated shipping time is 6 to 9 months. Redding does not even list a set on their site. Even Lee says they are out of stock and no idea when more will be available. Looks like I’ll have to do some looking at a few gun shows to find them.
As usual, a great UNBIASED common sense, concise, interesting review. Keep up the great work USOG.
Thank you for your support and kind words. Much appreciated : )
Love that store, always have something interesting. Stopped a few times when i go hunting
Wow, I've been buying from Wes since we where both teenagers and his Dad owned Epps. That's awesome you deal with him. Great shop, good guy!
I always find your videos informative and very interesting. I loved this rifle BECAUSE of the orange stock. I'm less interested because it's not a 98 action. But that's just the way I'm predisposed. Thanks!
Thanks Michael - I also like the orange stock
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.....and I agree with you.... the rifle is a functional work of art.
Wow I live 20 minutes from Epps. It's no surprise you are aware of them. I have purchased all my gun from them. Sorry for gushing but it was a shock but no surprise you know about Epps.
another awesome video, thanks!
Thank you Mike. All of these rifles are nice but I'm especially drawn to the Model 12. Would love to have one.
Such a good feeling that you mention Ellwood Epps in this video. That shop is just over an hour from my house and my go-to shop for anything ammo and firearms related I actually bought a 16 gauge Buhag (shul) from them a while back. I recently went in there to talk about getting a pre-64 model 70 imported from the states and finally decided to buy one after watching your videos on them about Half a dozen times. keep up the great videos!
Thank you Anthony - you're very fortunate to live so close to what many consider a holy place : ) Glad you have the pre-64 ...or on the way. Wes knows just about everything - good man.
LOVE 8x57!
I have a Vz24 action I put a 20" barrel on and kept it 8x57. That simple little gun has brought home lots of deer and hogs. I handload so it is economical for ammo. Not a fancy cartridge, but it just works so well.
What a cool design!
Hi Mike
My first 99 is almost home. Thank you for all the sharing of your knowledge.
Now to find 300 ammo.
Many hunters now carry a bi pod which it held on via the swivel mount. I would think having a bi-pod attached at the muzzle would me more stable when aiming because the cantilever is eliminated.
The sound and video are really good in this. Did you get new equipment? Great video as always
Love your videos keep them comming
Great review
good stuff! thanks, JDR
I’m addicted to Elwood Epps been dealing with them for decades. I’m surprised you know of them. Great great store for all needs.
Those sights are awesome.
Hi Mike - So quick and accurate - just great!
Cool video thanks.
Great video Mike, as usual. I looked up that Model 12, albeit in a walnut stock, and was quite ssurprised at the ticket. About 2500 US as of this day. I guess I'll be sticking with my old 98 Sporter in 6.5x55. Stay safe and may you crosswind be light. Joe
Hi Joseph - You're right - everything is goin up in price and now even more. A couple of viewers from Germany tell me that factories are starting to shut down due to energy issues. Strange and troubling times. On a side note - a friend who was going to buy a BMW is buying a Cadillac instead - price and parts are his concern. Probably the start of a trend.
Really nice video and great review of the M12 I had the same configuration but in the M03 with the 8x68s and 3006 but I sold it and got me a Sauer 404 but this confirmation is really handy especially over here great video and thanks again
Best regards Romeo
Thank you Romeo - I like the M03 - and I sold mine as well. There was something about the complexity. The lever at the back of the bolt for cocking was interesting though. I think the M12 is amazing. All the best to you Romeo.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns thanks for the quick response sir and much appreciated your opinion it's very interesting indeed on the M03 but I have heard really good thing about the M12 too and the are widely available here in AU thank again and All the best with the future.
Sorry one more thing what you think of the LYNX rifle there is one for sale for good price any idea about them
Nice rifle. I like the receiver and the sites. I’m not a camouflage or synthetic stock kinda guy but I wouldn’t turn it down. 😀
Mike, In pumpkin orange, that Mauser would be my Halloween rifle. All joking aside, that Mauser looked pretty nifty.
your' re awesome...thanks
Yeah! Elwood Epps!
Please show off the Krag in the back.
Ah, the rifle of a 'Hundeführer' or dog handler for the 'Nachsuchen' (tracking down wounded game). In the continental European driven hunt, these people wear bright yellow and red/orange suits. And they are the most important people in a driven hunt. Without them, you can't start a hunt.
Their task is to track game that has been shot, but not killed. (hunters need to write down if such a thing occurs, including what game it was and where they think they've placed the shot) This is often far outside the line of drivers and hunters, thus high visibility is key. Also, the barrels need to be shorter than average as this task requires crawling through thick bushes. They (nowadays) carry their rifles in a special sling, one with two straps that goes around both shoulders (like a backpack) tightly against their backs, hence the odd placement of sling swivels on the gun. Most European rifle manufacturers have special dog handler rifles in their line-up. Even though I know quite a few dog handlers who still use a cut-down / shortened surplus Mauser or Schmidt-Rubin and drilled a couple of holes for backpack straps. As these guns are made to be abused (remember, crawling through bushes and mud) the muzzle plugs are adviced.
Nice I've bought a few guns from ellwood epps
Thxs 4 sharing 🇺🇸
Our pleasure!
I do mail order from Epps too! Fantastic customer service and I 100% recommend anyone deal with them. For muzzle protection in the field against the elements of all 4 Canadian seasons I use the tried and true single layer on plastic electrical tape. The rifles I hunt with all have a few feet of black electrical tape wound up on the barrel about 6" back from the muzzle. I prefer 3M 333+ super flexible tape that stays flexible in colder temps than anything else.
Epps rocks!!
I got a Mauser M12 Max, love it. Eversince I bought it it became my standard hunting rifle.
Good to hear that Christian - it would be easy for me to use the M12 in the video for just about everything.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Love your videos too, keep ‘em coming. Greetings from Germany
The Mauser M12 is a great rifle and for the taking of Nth American game it would be perfectly suited in 9.3x62.
That would be an ideal combination - you're right.
Ellwood Epps is a great sports store, they will order in almost any rifle you want, and I have bought two used rifles there and they are fantastic! I am intrigued by the sighting system on the M12 Trail. I have both description distance and reading glasses. Of course reading glasses are not ideal for rifle shooting, but with my distance glasses, the rear sight is somewhat out of focus. This is more pronounced with a fine rear sight. I think I will make a rear sight like the M12, and give it a try on my Marlin 336 and see (no pun intended) how I do! Thank you Mike for your excellent videos!
Thank you! I like your idea. With the M12 in the video I noticed that shooting fast and hitting out to say, 150 yards, is simple for just about anyone. The pyramid rear sight is so instinctive. I don't think about aiming too much, place the front sight ball at 6:00 o'clock and a hit results - reminds me of an aperture but somehow faster - at least for me. Stay safe and thanks again for the note!
What caliber is your 1885 saddle ring carbine? How has it been for hunting? I have one, curious about your opinion. Maybe you should do a video on it?
Nice rifle. Exact chambering I would choose in that model. Thank you.
Hi Michael, Something about the 8x57 - just goes with this one and aside from that - as you know - is one of the best cartridges ever - that few talk about. All the best to you.
Ellwood Epps, wow, I purchased a lot of stuff from them. I am going there again today with my friend to pick up some ammo and a scope for my new rifle.
1-the safety locks the bolt
2-iron sights
3-detachable Mag
4-I keep a case of OD Green paint on hand, so any OBVIOUS brightly colored problem can be easily fixed,,,,,,Great looking little carbine!
Great video .I wish some manufacturer would make a 250/ 3000 again
Hi Dino - We're on the same page - I made several requests to Ruger for a 77 Hawkeye in 250/3000 - they've made the 77 in that cal before - hopefully a limited run is coming; Lipsey's had a very fine full stock model some time ago.
Thats a beaut.
Right on
Interesting rifle, may have thought twice about my Balck Bear 9.3x62.
Any thoughts on how the 18" barrel might affect heavier calibre? I find the sakos 20" does reduce the fps enougut to get 4" difference of elevation at 100yds between Sako Hammerheads vs S&B SPCE both 286gr
Thank’s
I have the Mauser M12 with the walnut stock in 30-06 and in 9.3x62. I love them both. Wonderful rifles
As you reviewed the m12 I noticed you had a Jorgensen krag on the wall behind you.
Always wanted one in 444 marlin.
30 yrs ago my gunsmith built a .375 H&H almost exactly like the Model 12 for an Alaska North Slope geologist. After 20 yrs in the field he finally had to stop a charging grizzly and it took 3 shots from his .300 Win before collapsing at his feet. The specs he wanted were 6 lbs, 20 inch barrel, weather proof stock that was highly visible anywhere in camp and a definite one shot stopping cartridge. Test firing it once was enough for me. I don't know if the bullet or the flame from that short barrel were more dangerous. But I got a nice Vorere .300 Winchester out of the deal and the geologist got his confidence back.
I like that note 39MercFlathead. Thanks for taking the time. BTW - that is a great engine - as you know.
Great review. I think the color could come in very handy in some situations where safety, and being seen is a great importance.
This kind of rifles in Europe are made for driven hunt. Some parts of Hunters clothes must be in red color. Usually it's a cap.
Hi Normunds - The sights on this one are exceptional - as you likely know - would be ideal for driven hunts. Take care.
Would love for you to do something on the H and K Sporting rifle series. SL-7, 940, 930 etc... 600 series in 22lr, 22WMR. Remarkable rifles. I've had a few... kick myself for letting them go!
Its for the driven hunt, for person that goes with dogs in to the bush. Thats why its orange, short and has those specific swivels.
Cool
Curious about the barrel press fitted into the action. If the bolt locks into the barrel, there’s no need for extra securement. Curious about headspecing tolerances.
I have the standard 12 in walnut. It's a great rifle.
That it is Deej - Mauser's latest success.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I had a hard time finding one in the state's. I found a lightly used one for 1000 dollars with 4 magazines and I jumped on it. For the price I think it's hard to beat.
Hello Mike! As always, a very informative video. I am currently contemplating the purchase of an M12 in brand new condition w. synthetic stock and Minox 4-20 scope in .22-250. If it had a walnut stock I would be less hesitant given the asking price. It seems to be a very precisely crafted rifle and the scope alone sells for around $750-$800. The synthetic stock just is not typically in my wheelhouse, but it is an exceptional rifle. Any idea wht one should expect to pay for one like that?
What brand is the saddle ring carbine? I remember Epps in the 70's when used guns were in racks on the main floor and you were free to browse. Of course they they kept the good stuff behind the counter.
Seems like it would be a good rifle for hunting in the SE US where most of the time there are no really long shots. The sights look like they would be easy to acquire quickly in the woods. But would have to have have a different stock
We say" Ettersøks rifle", tracker rifle the same. Doghandlers like them,preferred type for some that go after traffic injured game also. But with more wildboar coming in ,its getting some use there also.
Thank you - I like that word!
Wish the modern Mausers were more available here in the US. I'd love one of their controlled feed rifles.
Hi Kennard - I hope you buy one - they are still around if one checks places like Guns America etc... Take care.
I have a M12 in walnut (.308). It's my favourite rifle
That's a great favorite to have Saint Michael. It has been awhile since Mauser put up a rifle as nice as the M12. Take care.
We are required to wear 1 article of blaze orange clothing in Wyoming for rifle season hunting. Bow hunters get a pass.
But there are times you are putting a jacket on or changing layers, and cover the orange. I typically wear an orange beanie but then it snows and the hood of my camo jacket goes up.
But when I am hunting, my rifle is always in my hand or on my back.
Not a bad idea this blaze orange rifle stock.
My Ruger M77 mk2 just might get a paint job.
Is the action as smooth as the tikka or Sako?
Just if you have ever come across a klinegunther rifle it’s usually cambered in the 300 win mag
Love your gun room. Think I might be your long lost son. Hehe 😜
Hi Shawn - One never knows. Thanks for the note : )
Can you point me to a mauser 12 impact stainless? 308 or 3006. J can't find one , not sure why. I. Considering the franchie momentum elite 308, or sauer 100 xta cuz I can find those. But rather the mauser
They seem to be sold out everywhere - with delays at the factory in Germany. I'd buy the Franchi - can't go wrong - mine shoot to under MOA - are a pleasure to carry and hunt. I have a .243 and a .308.
Mauser M12 and Sauer 101 is really alike. Feels like the M12 and 101 is siblings, same goes for m18 and 100.
All 4 uses same magazine (probably one of the better ones, much better then Tikka).
Sauer 101 and M12 both lock the firing pin, the sauer 101 has a diffrent but really usefull safety.
Looking at the bolt head, a S101 bolt would probably fit in a M12, atleast the heads are similar (6 lugs).
Joli !
The sort of rifle I imagine Robert Jordan ( The Protagonist from FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS) having slung over His shoulder as He treks across the Spanish mountainside on His Great Freedom Fight .
Press fit, but the M18 is threaded. (M18 and Sauer 100, like you mentioned, is basically the same gun)
This was originally an M03. The safety on this is an upgrade, you can get it with a ‘standard’ safety as well
Thanks Andreas - I didn't know.
His is a 8mmx57, also comes in .308 Win. and 9.3x62
Did he say what caliber the rifle is M12 chambered for?
If I remember correctly, in the ‘60’s, Remington made a model 600. Came in three calibers, .222, .243 & .308. Similar in size to this Mauser...
I still hunt with my Mohawk in 308
It's quite funny... yesterday I was looking for this rifle online.
Greetings from Belgium.
I had wonderful visits to Belgium! Hope you find one of these - an instinctive shooting rifle for sure. Take care.
It needs some nice wood, and I don't particularly like the sling swivel on the muzzle, but otherwise very nice. The real winner is that 1885 model. I need to look into getting one of those. BTW, who makes the 1885 carbine? I didn't see that barrel length option on the Winchester, or Uberti site.
Its clearly Japanese. So try Winchester site.
prophet river firearms presently has the winchester 1885 carbine in stock in 38-55 and 45-70. 6lb rifle with a steel buttplate! price 1750$ can. i didn't find any carbines at epps.
that thing with full power 45-70 loads would knock me silly.
There are two-lug bolts and three-lug bolts, but are there four-lug ones? Does it even give any benefit?
schultz & larsen rplt-42
It had a four lug bolt, you get very short boltlift
@@alexander970211 It's rear locking so the action is shorter too, right?
Sure different all right. I would carry it but l would sling it patrol style.🇨🇦🤠
Good idea Randy!
Last year I was wearing day glow florescent orange hat and vest. Very bright. Leaning against a maple tree. 10 doe came charging toward me to stage up in that area for the evening feeding journey. I stood very still, was in plain sight. They stopped and fed for 10 minutes as close as 15 ft to 30 ft. I was waiting for a buck to show when I heard a deer charging in from the left. It ran up and stopped inches from me, like 3 inches at most. It stood there and fed for a few minutes but was a doe. So no they can't see orange, even solid orange. Movement and smell is what they pick up on.
Spectacular experience theguyinmaine! Thank you for sharing. Your words put me right there. For sure you're right.
It looks like a europian dog hunter riffle. Short , easy to handle with deep forest .Light weight and easy handling.Like a mountain gun.
100%
ellwood epps? like in ontario off 11? or united states somewhere?
Sabatti make their Rover 870 model with a similar orange camo stock. Infact i thought this video was of that particular rifle. Would believe the mauser would be superior to the sabatti.
Ungulates dont see most of the colors we see. Wearing greens and brown camouflage clothing makes little to no difference when hunting them. Mixing white and Orange or black and orange works well. ASAT camo works much in the same way using whites. I have not seen this particular rifle before. The sights seem unusually close together. The camouflage blaze orange stock I have seen on a few other rifles.
where did those orange barrel plugs come from?
Hi Paul - They come with the rifle in a quality tin from Mauser.
Are they still making the 98? If so what's the difference
Yes - there are 98s being made in Germany as well as Serbia. They are about identical to original 98s. The Serbian rifles are quite affordable and excellent.
Love your video's! This will be the first time we disagree. We really do not need a push feed Mauser. That is just wrong. I doubt that Mauser 12 was a steal of a deal even though it is push feed and has a plastic stock. I have no doubt it is well built and has good fit and finish. I am sure the materials are first class. Now if they were going to sell them for under $500 out the door maybe but let's get real that is not the case. Everything about that design is just a means to build a rifle that is far cheaper to manufacture than a CRF Commercial Mauser. Plenty of cheap and accurate push feeds on the market and plenty of nicely built push feeds.
There is one flaw with this rifle, the extractor is or was brittle, I have seen them break on sticky cases.
Hi Douglas - Thanks for letting us know! Take care.
The Mauser M18 and the Sauer 100 are press fir barrels. Not sure about the M12.
Love that little single shot, so short and handy. What calibre is it ? Guessing .45-70 ?
I dont like what Mauser and Sauer is today, its just the name what is left.
By the way, the barrel could be screwed, at least if i remember correct the front receiver threads for the scope mount from the M18 go all the way through and you can see the barrel threads. I dont think that they do the cheaper way of a press fit on the more expensive rifle. Could have some issues with press fit and they changed it. At least Steyr SSG's had some trouble in combination with silencers according to my teacher.
Mauser have reopened the DWM factory to make relatively cheaper classic Mauser rifles like they used to during and pre- WW2. Now we're just waiting for a date they're selling them to the public.
Did you ever see a destroyer carbine mauser. ..?
Now I am not hating on that model 12, but that muzzle mounted sling swivel is puzzling.
The rifle would hang very low on the shoulder and i don't like the idea of the muzzle that near my head.
Not a fan of that feature.
Otherwise i like it.
We use a patch of painters tape to plug our barrels from rain and snow. Just shoot through it when the time comes.
Now anybody reading this; PAINTERS TAPE because it barely sticks. Don't go jamming things into the barrel and shooting.
Edit: i think for going through brush and branches, the muzzle mounted sling mount makes sense.
I get it after trying an experiment with my rifle.
I think their environment is different to mine.
The muzzle mounted sling is for use with backpack style double shoulder slings when going through the thickest of underbrush. Often when following a blood trail with a dog (especially wild boar, that naturally head to the thickest bushes around), the handler is crawling on all fours just behind. This sling position keeps the barrel from sticking up above the head and snagging limbs/briars/etc. This is actually one of the leading factors in my purchase of this rifle.
Ellwood Epps? I didn't think you were Canadian!?
He is from BC.
@@bradyelich2745 there's quite the gun community on RUclips from there it seems
@@danieldalessandro96 Yes, we have guns. Restrictions and all.
My rifle is a CIL 950C, which is a 1968 Savage 110C in .308.
Oh I'm aware. I'm from Ontario where Ellwood Epps is. It's about an hour drive but always worth it!
Why do manufacturers use polymer detachable box magazines/drop box versus blind magazines? I would think polymer/plastic will becoms brittle with age and break. I'm asking would it not the cheaper or easier to manufacture blind magazine rifle? After a few years will they make replacement box mags? The biggest downside to polymer magazines is durability over time. I’ve had a polymer AR magazine break also worn feed lips both will make your rifle a single shot.
I hope they read your post. Plastic works for awhile - just as you wrote...and then no more. Magazines ought to be made of steel.