ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock Review

Let’s Dive into ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock

The ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock promises to breathe new life into the venerable Mauser 98 platform, offering a blend of modern ergonomics and tactical functionality. This isn’t just a replacement stock; it’s a complete transformation, aiming to turn a surplus rifle into a more versatile and user-friendly firearm.

My old Mauser 98, a family heirloom, was gathering dust due to its outdated stock and lack of optics mounting options. I needed a solution to modernize it without sacrificing its historical appeal, primarily to make it a more capable hunting rifle.

Upon unboxing, the ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock felt surprisingly lightweight yet robust, with the polymer construction exuding a sense of durability. The built-in scope mount was a welcome sight, promising a simple solution to my optics dilemma, and the Scorpion recoil pad hinted at a more comfortable shooting experience.

I considered other options, like Boyd’s hardwood stocks and other aftermarket polymer stocks. I chose the ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock for its integrated scope mount and promise of improved recoil absorption, hoping to avoid the expense and complexity of gunsmithing.

My first impression was excitement, mixed with a hint of skepticism regarding the ‘drop-in’ installation claim, a common source of frustration with aftermarket parts. I was eager to see if this stock could truly modernize my Mauser without requiring extensive modifications.

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Real-World Testing: Putting ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock at my local shooting range, focusing on accuracy and recoil management. The weather was cool and slightly damp, typical for the Pacific Northwest, providing a real-world test for the stock’s weather resistance.

The Scorpion Recoil Pad performed admirably, significantly reducing felt recoil compared to the original steel buttplate, even with heavier loads. Mounting a scope was straightforward, and the raised cheek rest provided a comfortable and consistent cheek weld.

Installation wasn’t quite “drop-in” as advertised; I had to do a bit of filing around the action inlet for a perfect fit, a common occurrence with older firearms. However, the overall process was relatively simple, even without professional gunsmithing experience.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock has proven to be a durable and reliable upgrade. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being subjected to various weather conditions and regular range sessions.

The polymer construction has held up well, resisting scratches and maintaining its structural integrity even after being bumped around in the field. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime.

Compared to my previous experiences with traditional wooden stocks, the ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock offers superior weather resistance and recoil absorption, making it a more comfortable and practical choice for regular use. It definitely outperforms the original stock in terms of ergonomics and functionality.

Breaking Down the Features of ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock

Specifications

• Manufacturer: ATI Outdoors. They are known for producing a wide range of firearm accessories and stocks.
• Gun Type: Rifle. This stock is specifically designed for rifles.
• Gun Make: Mauser. It’s tailored to fit Mauser rifles.
• Gun Model: Mauser Model 98. This compatibility ensures a proper fit.
• Caliber: Compatible with 6.5x55mm Swedish. The stock accommodates this popular caliber.
• Finish: Matte. The matte finish reduces glare and provides a tactical look.
• Hand: Ambidextrous. This design caters to both left- and right-handed shooters.
• Buffer Tube Size: Mil-Spec. It allows for customization with Mil-Spec buffer tubes.
• Additional Features: Standard. Basic and functional features are included.
• Barrel Profile: Standard. Compatible with standard barrel profiles for ease of installation.
• Included Accessories: Standard. It comes with standard accessories for immediate use.
• Fabric/Material: Polymer, Glass Reinforced Polymer. This material ensures durability and weather resistance.
• The Scorpion Recoil Pad significantly reduces felt recoil, making shooting more comfortable. This allows for extended shooting sessions without fatigue.

These specifications are important because they dictate the stock’s compatibility, durability, and overall performance. The combination of polymer construction, ambidextrous design, and recoil-reducing features make it a practical upgrade for Mauser 98 rifles.

Performance & Functionality

The ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock performs its job admirably, transforming a classic rifle into a more modern and user-friendly firearm. Its primary function is to improve ergonomics, reduce recoil, and provide a stable platform for mounting optics, all of which it achieves effectively.

The main strengths include the comfortable grip, effective recoil pad, and the convenience of the built-in scope mount. A slight weakness is that the forend can feel a bit flexible under heavy use, and the magazine follower could use some improvement, as noted by other users.

Overall, the ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock meets expectations, offering a significant improvement over the original stock in terms of comfort, functionality, and tactical versatility. It allows me to effectively mount a scope, and shoot more comfortably.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with the polymer construction feeling durable and well-made, however, I would have liked to see a higher quality polymer used. The weight is well-balanced, contributing to improved handling and maneuverability.

The stock is reasonably user-friendly, though as stated, some minor fitting may be required depending on the specific Mauser 98 variant. The raised cheek rest provides a comfortable and natural shooting position, especially when using a scope.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock should last for many years of regular use. The polymer construction is resistant to moisture, chemicals, and temperature extremes, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.

Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean and free from dirt and grime. Periodic inspection for any signs of wear and tear is recommended to ensure continued performance and reliability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The stock comes with a built-in Weaver scope mount, sling swivel studs, and the Scorpion Recoil Pad. The stock is compatible with various aftermarket accessories, including different sling types, bipods, and cheek risers.

While the stock itself offers limited customization options, the Mil-Spec buffer tube compatibility allows for the use of different AR-style buttstocks for further personalization. This provides a degree of modularity that is not typically found in traditional rifle stocks.

Pros and Cons of ATI Outdoors Mauser 98 Rifle Stock