Testing a 1951 FN Mauser .270 Family Heirloom

Outdoor Life tests a 1951 FN Mauser in .270 Winchester that belonged to the author's great-grandfather, and argues that these sporting Mausers deserve more credit than they get.

Key points

• The rifle: A Mauser 98 action, a 22-inch barrel that appears cut down from 24 inches, a weight of 9 pounds 10 ounces and an adjustable trigger breaking at 3 pounds 7 ounces.
• Not sporterized: FN built these as sporting rifles for a couple of decades, rather than converting military guns. The author cites a 1951 ad for a Sears version with a 2.5-power scope at $135.
• Build quality: The stock fit is precise, and the bolt runs smoother than on the author's 1954 Model 70. The author says such fit now appears mostly on custom and top-end rifles.
• Accuracy: Average five-shot groups were 1.43 inches with Federal Non-Typical 150-grain, 1.58 inches with Hornady Precision Hunter 145-grain and 2.28 inches with Remington Core-Lokt 130-grain.

Quick take

The author blames the vintage 2.75-power post-reticle scope for limiting accuracy, but still considers the rifle capable on deer or elk out to 200 to 300 yards. The author is surprised these Mausers lack the reputation of the Model 70 and Savage 99, and says a rifle like this could still hold its own today.

Read the full story at Outdoor Life.