Mauser 98 Turns 125 With A Gorgeous Special Edition... That You Probably Can't Afford

It's no stretch to say that the Mauser 98 is the most influential rifle of history, and in 2023, this masterpiece of firearms design turns 125 years old. To celebrate, the company is building a line of 125th Anniversary Special Edition rifles that, alas, most of us will never be able to afford.

When it debuted in 1898 as the Gewehr 98, the Mauser 98 design perfected many ideas that designer Paul Mauser had introduced in earlier rifles. This controlled-feed, cock-on-opening bolt-action design with long claw-pattern extractor was reliable and tough, and chambered in the powerful 8x57mm smokeless military round (aka 8mm Mauser). In the decades after its introduction, many countries' militaries adoped the rifle, and it was best-known in the first half of the 20th century as the service rifle of the German army and its allies. Lesser powers and guerrilla forces continued to use it past the 1950s, and it became even more popular as a basis for sporting rifles—a secondary market that had existed since the design's inception.

Mauser has a new sporting take on the 98 this year. The 125th Anniversary Special Edition series are hand-made in Germany by master craftsmen, with only 25 examples built. Mauser's website says these gorgeous hunting rifles are "Built for Eternity." Here's how they describe the rifles, built along the same lines as the dangerous game guns of old:

"...The style of classic safari rifles from times past inspired our master gunsmiths to create an exclusive anniversary edition of the original MAUSER 98. The action, bolt handle ball, trigger guard, pistol grip cap and magazine base are colour case hardened and, together with gold damascening, English ornaments and an exquisite wood grade 8 stock with a red recoil pad, give these masterpieces a truly unique look. Each of the anniversary 98s is one of a kind."

Probably not something you want to drag around the plains of Namibia then ... especially since the asking price is $35,000 US. The rifles will come in your choice of .30-06, 8x57mm, .416 Rigby or .375 H&H. Should you want to go drop a lion with it, the Mauser 98 Special Edition is more than enough gun to do so.

If you really, really want something like this but don't have $35k, take heart: Mauser will sell you a Standard Expert 98 for only $13,639 US. Better start saving.