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Mauser SP66 Review
Price Range:
$6,000 - $7,500
Specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mauser |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| First Build Date | 1975 |
| Action Type | Bolt-action |
| Caliber | Various (commonly .308 Winchester, 6.5x47mm Lapua) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 – 10 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 24 – 26 inches (610 – 660 mm) |
| Weight | 6.5 KG |
| Price Range | $6,000 – $7,500 |
Overview
The Mauser SP66 is a premium bolt-action sniper rifle that has been designed with precision, reliability, and long-range accuracy in mind. Manufactured by Mauser, a company renowned for its craftsmanship and engineering in the firearm industry, the SP66 is a serious contender in the world of military, law enforcement, and precision sports shooting.
The SP66 is chambered in various calibers, including the .308 Winchester and the 6.5x47mm Lapua, giving it a great deal of versatility when it comes to ammunition choices. It has earned a reputation for its exceptional accuracy and precision, capable of consistently hitting targets at extreme ranges. The rifle’s bolt-action design ensures that each round is chambered and fired with pinpoint control, making it perfect for snipers and long-range shooters.
Strength and Quality
The Mauser SP66 is a rifle that excels in build quality. It is built to high tolerances with a combination of precision-machined components and rigorous testing standards. Its receiver is constructed from high-quality steel, and the free-floating barrel ensures maximum stability and accuracy. The rifle’s stock is fully adjustable, allowing shooters to customize the rifle to fit their body for better comfort and control.
When it comes to durability, the SP66 is designed to hold up under heavy use, even in challenging conditions. Whether used in tactical operations, competitions, or long-range hunting, the Mauser SP66 consistently proves its worth in terms of both performance and longevity.
Safety Features
- Manual Safety: The Mauser SP66 is equipped with a traditional manual safety, ensuring that the rifle cannot discharge unintentionally when not in use.
- High-quality Construction: The solid construction and quality materials help prevent accidental damage or failures under heavy recoil.
- Stable Platform: The rifle’s heavy, sturdy stock provides added stability and makes it safer to handle, particularly when firing at longer ranges.
Test Results
Accuracy
In field testing, the Mauser SP66 has demonstrated sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy at 100 yards, a key indicator of its precision. With the correct ammunition and optics, the SP66 can maintain a grouping of 1 inch or less at this distance, making it ideal for precision shooting in tactical and competitive environments. At longer ranges, the rifle continues to perform well, achieving 2 MOA groupings at 600 yards, with a slightly larger spread at 1,000 yards due to environmental conditions.
Effective Range
The effective range of the Mauser SP66 depends heavily on the caliber used, with the .308 Winchester typically performing best up to around 800 meters, while the 6.5x47mm Lapua can extend this range to approximately 1,000 meters with excellent accuracy. The SP66 is designed for both long-range engagements and precision shots at extreme distances, with the rifle capable of retaining its accuracy well beyond 1,000 yards under optimal conditions.
Strength and Durability
Built with a robust, reinforced receiver and a heavy-duty barrel, the Mauser SP66 is designed to handle the pressures of extended shooting sessions, especially when paired with high-powered calibers. The quality of the metal work and materials ensures that the rifle can withstand rough handling and environmental stress, making it a reliable companion in any tactical or precision shooting scenario.
Merits
- Superb Accuracy: Capable of delivering sub-MOA precision, the Mauser SP66 excels at both short and long-range engagements.
- Versatile Caliber Options: Available in several calibers, including the widely popular .308 Winchester and the precision-focused 6.5x47mm Lapua.
- Ergonomic Design: The adjustable stock and smooth bolt-action ensure that shooters can make quick and accurate shots, even under pressure.
- Reliability: Known for its durability, the SP66 is built to last and perform reliably even in harsh conditions.
- Military and Tactical Use: Often used by military and law enforcement agencies, it is designed for tactical operations requiring extreme precision.
Demerits
- Heavy Weight: The rifle weighs between 11-12 lbs, which can make it cumbersome during long shooting sessions or for mobile operations.
- Cost: Priced between $4,000 and $5,000, the Mauser SP66 is relatively expensive, which may not make it accessible for all buyers.
- Limited Magazine Capacity: The SP66 is typically fitted with a 5- or 10-round magazine, which can be limiting for rapid-fire situations.
- Recoil: The recoil from higher-powered rounds like the .308 Winchester can be challenging for some shooters, particularly during extended shooting sessions.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Mauser SP66 is straightforward, but regular care is necessary to ensure long-term reliability. The barrel and action should be cleaned after every shooting session to prevent fouling, and the bolt-action mechanism should be lubricated to ensure smooth operation. Regular checks of the scope mounts and bedding are recommended to maintain accuracy. The rifle’s metal components should be periodically oiled to prevent corrosion, especially if used in wet or harsh environments.
The rifle’s construction ensures that it can be easily serviced and repaired, with most parts being replaceable by the user or a gunsmith.
Comparison with Other Guns
Mauser SP66 vs Other Rifles
| Feature | Mauser SP66 | Accuracy International AW | Remington 700 Police | Sako TRG 22 | Blaser R93 Tactical | Steyr SSG 69 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Germany | United Kingdom | United States | Finland | Germany | Austria |
| Caliber | 7.62×51mm NATO | .308 Winchester | .308 Winchester | .308 Winchester | 7.62×51mm NATO | 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Effective Range | 800 m | 1,100 m | 800 m | 1,000 m | 1,000 m | 800 m |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 6.5 kg | 6.5 kg | 4.1 kg | 4.7 kg | 4.5 kg | 3.9 kg |
| Barrel Length | 26″ | 24″ | 26″ | 23.6″ | 25.6″ | 25.6″ |
| Action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action | Bolt-action |
| Magazine Capacity | Single-shot | 5 rounds | 5 rounds | 10 rounds | 5 rounds | 5 rounds |
| Primary Use | Sniping, Precision Shooting | Military, Tactical | Law Enforcement, Tactical | Precision Shooting | Sniping, Military | Hunting, Tactical |
| Price Range (USD) | $6,000–$7,500 | $7,000–$8,500 | $1,200–$1,800 | $4,000–$5,500 | $3,500–$5,000 | $2,500–$3,500 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Mauser SP66 typically costs between $4,000 and $5,000, depending on configuration and accessories.
Yes, the SP66 is available for civilian purchase where legal and is often used for long-range shooting and as a collector's item.
The effective range of the SP66 is around 800 meters for the .308 Winchester version, with the 6.5x47mm Lapua capable of reaching 1,000 meters.
While it's a powerful and accurate rifle, it is generally used for long-range target shooting and military purposes rather than traditional hunting.
The SP66 is relatively easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning and lubrication to keep it in top working condition.
