The Browning High-Power Bolt Action

The Mauser Model 1898 is often referred to as the fore bearer of modern two-lug, turn-bolt rifles, as most have incorporated select design features.

- Brian Pearce

At the very least, the ’98 is the rifle against which all others are compared. Originally patented by Paul Mauser in 1895 and adopted by German armed forces April 5, 1898, it has proven reliable in battle. Its nearly unbreakable design has helped it become hugely popular among sportsman, big-game hunters, guides and professional hunters. It has been manufactured in countless countries, resulting in variances in quality, materials, etc.; however, quality versions command premiums and remain in high demand, such as Browning’s FN High-Power rifle.

Commercial ’98 actions began appearing soon after the Model 1898’s introduction and were quickly utilized by prominent European gun makers such as J.P. Sauer, Krieghoff, Merkel, the British firms Gibbs, Rigby and Holland & Holland, and the noted American firms of Griffin & Howe, Hoffman Arms and others. The ’98 action remains popular with modern craftsmen.