Gunfight Friday: 7×57 Battle—Obendorf Mauser vs. Ruger Number 1

Today’s gunfight pits a pair of handsome 7x57s against each other. Paul Mauser developed his namesake 7mm cartridge in 1892, and it was adopted by the Spanish military in 1893. In the hands of the Spaniards and, to a greater extent, the South African Boers, the new smokeless 7×57 cartridge proved highly effective on the battlefield. It also became very popular as a sporting round throughout the rest of the world. There are very few animals that walk on four feet that haven’t been shot with 7x57s.

Of the two rifles today, the Mauser dates to WWII or before, since the Oberndorf plant was bombed during the war, occupied toward the end of it, and dismantled shortly afterward. The Ruger No.1, on the other hand, was introduced in 1967 and is still made today.

Dr. Ralph’s Ruger No. 1

This is my Ruger No. 1 in 7×57 with a Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40 scope. I bought it new about 10 or 15 years ago because my brother in law had six No. 1s in different calibers, and I liked his a lot. I can actually reload it quickly with the elastic cartridge holder right there on the stock. It is not extremely accurate, but I don’t take long shots, so that’s no big deal. I like the 7×57 and have never lost a deer I’ve hit with this rifle.

Tee Bone’s Type M

This Oberndorf mountain carbine was Mauser’s answer to the fine little Mannlicher carbines that were so popular in the early 20th century. Mauser designated it the “Type M” carbine, and this one is chambered for the 7×57 cartridge. It’s a nice-handling rifle, though a bit chunkier and heavier than the Mannlicher. On the positive side, most would agree that the Mauser action is stronger. Scope mounting is much easier, too, with the Mannlicher presenting a challenge with its split rear-receiver bridge. This one is fitted with a nickel Marburg 2½X power scope in quick detachable EAW mounts, a reasonably good setup for those who can tolerate the higher mounting. For a few years I carried this rifle when hunting in wooded areas and have taken several deer with it. But it’s now a fair-weather hunter, since I just can’t bear to have it beat up. So, it mostly just occupies space in the safe, though it remains one of my favorite rifles.

There are your choices: the American retro 7×57 or the German original. Vote and comment below, and keep sending your gun photos to fsgunnuts@gmail.com.

Which gun do you prefer?

Dr. Ralph’s Ruger No. 1

Tee Bone’s Type M

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