Introduced earlier this year, the Mauser M18 rifle was brought to the SHOT Show 2018. This rifle is clearly marketed to be an affordable offering from the German manufacturer. Even its slogan suggests that: “The People’s Rifle”.

This is how the M18 was displayed at the SHOT Show 2018

The first impression from holding this rifle is: “It is not a Mauser”. It is a totally different action from what we normally consider a Mauser action. The first unusual thing you notice is the lack of the Mauser claw extractor of its control feeding system. When you pull the bolt out, you’ll see that it has a three-lug bolt, a different extractor, and dual plunger ejector. You can also see the different safety selector lever and other non-classic-Mauser features. Mauser really made a new rifle, not just another version of the iconic Mauser action that I was expecting to see.

The M18 rifle features a cold hammer forged barrel and polymer stock with soft material inlays in the grip and forearm. The rifle also has a storage compartment in the stock which you get access to by removing the buttpad. Mauser M18 is offered in one of the following calibers: .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, 6.5mm Creedmoor and 7mm Remington Magnum.

The MSRP of the Mauser M18 rifle is $699.99 regardless of the caliber choice. The 5-round detachable magazines are compatible with Sauer 100 and 101 rifle magazines and can be also purchased separately at an MSRP of $49.99.