Mauser Model 66 Safari Two Barrels Telescoping Bolt Action Rifle, 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,742.17
WOA#: WY240508JL001
Make: Mauser
Model: 66
Serial#: G17266
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .458 Winchester Magnum, an additional barrel is included chambered for .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Telescoping Bolt-Action Rifle with Fixed Magazine
Markings: The barrel shank is marked with a german proof mark, “270” date code, Ulm antler proof, and the caliber “458 WIN”, the bottom is marked “17266” and the top has an Original Mauser logo. The barrel inlet of the stock has “17266” hand-written. The left side of the chamber ring is marked with a German proof and the serial number “G17266”. The sear is hand-scribed 17266″. The left side of the bolt-slide is marked “MAUSER-WERKE A.G.”, “Oberndorf a.N.” and “Mod. 66”, the right side has the Mauser logo and is marked “DBP 1 205 423”.
The additional barrel’s shank is marked with a german proof mark, “270” date code, Ulm antler proof, and the caliber “.375 H.u.H. Mag.”, the bottom is marked “17088” and the top has an Original Mauser logo. The left side of the chamber ring is marked with a German proof and the serial number “G17088”.
Barrel Length: 25 1/2”
Sights/ Optics: Each barrel has a beaded blade dovetailed to a checkered, ramped, banded base fixed to the front of the barrel. The bases are grooved for hoods which are not present. Each barrel has a quarter-rib at the rear with a “U”-notch rear sight installed. Each chamber ring has a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes for mounting the included Pem’s scope base (mounts to the rib and chamber ring).
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is checkered walnut with wood nosecap, pistol grip with Mauser grip cap, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, ventilated brown rubber Mauser recoil pad, and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has a few light nicks and scratches, mostly in the bottom. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad shows scattered cracking and wear, hardened with age. Overall, the stock is in about Fine condition and would rate Fine-Excellent but for the pad.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are both bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in either bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a couple of spots of light oxidation on the rails for the bolt-slide. The .375 H&H barrel’s rib has a patch of oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong sockets. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This rifle comes with the described extra barrel, Pem’s scope base and rings. A serial-matching Mauser hang-tag is on the trigger guard.
Our Assessment: The Mauser Model 66 is a fascinating design incorporating a telescoping bolt that locks into a quick-change barrel. Two screws entering through the bottom of the stock and the front of the trigger guard assembly hold the barrel in place, and once removed allow a new barrel to be installed in seconds. This is reminiscent of the more modern Blaser R93, but predate it by nearly three decades! This example is a Safari model, chambered for .458 Winchester Magnum and with an additional barrel chambered for .375 H&H Magnum. The quick-change barrel design means that, if you can source the barrels, you can use any of the .375 H&H family of cartridges in the same rifle. The gun is a beauty with skip-line checkered walnut stock, inky black high-polish bluing, and a truly unique design that manages to be simple in use despite its apparent complexity. This rifle doesn’t appear to have seen much use, but is ready to head on on safari. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
