The K98 That Tiger Tank Crews Wish They Had: M63

Published on March 28, 2020
Duration: 29:15

This review of the Zastava-produced Tanker Mauser Model 63, imported by Mitchell's Mausers, highlights its compact size, quality construction, and historical appeal. The video details a common issue with the standard front sight height, which requires modification for accurate 100-yard zeroing, and discusses the rifle's shooting characteristics, collectibility, and potential for modern use. The presenter emphasizes its value as a unique piece in the Mauser lineage.

Quick Summary

The Tanker Mauser Model 63 is a compact, quality-built bolt-action carbine chambered in .308 Winchester, often imported by Mitchell's Mausers. While it offers excellent portability and a smooth Mauser action, its standard front sight may require modification for accurate 100-yard zeroing. Adding a butt pad significantly enhances shooting comfort.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Tanker Mauser M63
  2. 00:09Tabletop Review: Tanker Mauser Model 63
  3. 00:33History and Acquisition of the M63
  4. 00:54Imported by Mitchell's Mausers, Produced by Zastava
  5. 01:16Why Review a Discontinued Firearm?
  6. 01:41Mitchell's Mausers Inventory
  7. 01:56Comparison to Model 24 Police Carbine
  8. 02:19World War II Tanker Mauser Prototypes
  9. 02:40How the M63 Was Acquired
  10. 03:27Current Market Value of the M63
  11. 03:53Why the M63 Flies Under the Radar
  12. 04:27Condition and Round Count
  13. 04:57Mitchell's Mausers' Service
  14. 05:41Making a Case for the M63
  15. 05:58Philosophy of Use: Restricted States
  16. 06:39M63 vs. Mosin Nagant
  17. 06:45.308 Caliber Advantage
  18. 07:33Marketing of the Tanker Mauser
  19. 07:56Restricted State Good War Gun?
  20. 08:03Smoothness and Accuracy
  21. 08:10Cost Comparison to Other Mausers
  22. 08:27Collectibility and Value
  23. 08:53Compactness and Weight
  24. 09:08All Steel Construction
  25. 09:18Collectability and Snapshot in Time
  26. 09:37Top-Notch Quality and Fit
  27. 09:59Condition: No Cosmoline Nasties
  28. 10:17M63 as a Truck Gun?
  29. 10:44Evolution of Surplus Gun Demand
  30. 11:12Evidence of Russian Capture K98
  31. 11:28Comparison: German K98 vs. M63
  32. 11:50Barrel Length Comparison
  33. 12:11Portability Comparison
  34. 12:30Modern Sensibility: Compactness
  35. 13:07Features of the M63
  36. 13:15Bayonet Lug Feature
  37. 13:25Bluing Quality
  38. 13:40Topical Doodle Logo
  39. 14:00Muzzle and Bayonet
  40. 14:06Standard Height Front Sight Issue
  41. 14:20Zeroing at 200 Meters
  42. 14:32Mauser Sight Limitations
  43. 15:15Mauser Sight Presentation
  44. 15:33Comparison: M1 Carbine Sights
  45. 15:50Peep Sights on the Garand
  46. 16:13Ventilation System
  47. 16:53Correcting the Front Sight
  48. 17:13Regulated Sight Picture
  49. 17:23Higher Front Sight Installation
  50. 17:37Improved Regulation
  51. 18:04.308 Caliber Ammunition
  52. 18:23Teak Wood Stock
  53. 18:37High Polish Bluing
  54. 18:43Plunger Release for Takedown
  55. 18:47Trigger Pull Weight
  56. 19:19Controlled Round Feeding
  57. 19:33Mauser Bolt Design
  58. 19:40New Construction vs. Surplus
  59. 19:47Bent Bolt Handle
  60. 19:50Takedown Lever
  61. 20:003-Position Safety Explained
  62. 20:29Length of Pull
  63. 20:35Butt Plate
  64. 20:48Metal Butt Plate
  65. 20:51Sling Swivels
  66. 20:57Features Summary
  67. 21:01How Did It Shoot? Recoil
  68. 21:06Shooting Without Butt Pad
  69. 21:31Pleasurable Shooting Experience
  70. 21:55Manual's Shooting Position Recommendation
  71. 22:03Pachmayr Decelerator Butt Pad
  72. 22:14Comfort Transformation
  73. 22:16Sling Origin
  74. 22:33Paper Targets and Accuracy
  75. 22:51Representation of Mauser Accuracy
  76. 23:11Scope Mount Modification
  77. 23:24Scout Rifle Conversion Potential
  78. 23:34Allure of the Tanker
  79. 23:44Standard Magazine Capacity
  80. 23:51Stripper Clip Cut Out
  81. 24:00Rimless Cartridge Advantage
  82. 24:08Overall Shooting Experience
  83. 24:18Butt Pad Transformation
  84. 24:28Comparison to Gunsight Scout
  85. 24:41Other Mauser Carbines
  86. 25:04Rarity of M63 Analogues
  87. 25:18No New Production Analogues
  88. 25:26Arisaka Comparison
  89. 25:37Winchester Model 94 Comparison
  90. 25:54Length Comparison: M63 vs. Model 94
  91. 26:06Portability and Lightness
  92. 26:09Restricted State Good War Gun
  93. 26:21Accuracy and Smoothness
  94. 26:33Difficulty of Building an M63
  95. 26:56Barrel Quality
  96. 27:12Spring Condition
  97. 27:21Love for the M63
  98. 27:24Mainspring Replacement
  99. 27:33.308 Modern Ammunition
  100. 27:40Not a Janky Old Rebuild
  101. 27:43Set Me Conversions
  102. 28:01FR8 Mauser
  103. 28:24Point of Balance
  104. 28:33Full Steel Construction
  105. 28:37Bring It Back
  106. 28:40Full Review Complete
  107. 28:44Thanks for Subscribing
  108. 28:52Patreon Support
  109. 28:56Watch for Watch Review
  110. 29:01Signing Off

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tanker Mauser Model 63?

The Tanker Mauser Model 63 is a compact bolt-action carbine produced by Zastava and often imported by Mitchell's Mausers. It's known for its quality construction, similar to older Mauser rifles, and is chambered in calibers like .308 Winchester.

What are the main advantages of the Mauser M63?

The M63 offers a compact and portable design, excellent build quality with good fit and bluing, a smooth bolt action, and the reliability of the Mauser action. Its .308 caliber makes ammunition readily available and affordable.

What is a common issue with the Mauser M63's sights?

A common issue with the M63 is the standard height of its front sight, which is often too high for accurate zeroing at 100 yards, causing shots to be high. This typically requires modification or replacement of the front sight.

How does the Mauser M63 compare in size to a K98?

The M63 is significantly more compact than a standard K98. It features a shorter barrel (17.4 inches on the M63 versus 24 inches on the K98), making it much more portable and easier to handle in confined spaces.

Is the Mauser M63 comfortable to shoot?

The M63 can have a stout recoil due to its size and weight. However, adding a Pachmayr Decelerator butt pad greatly improves shooting comfort and reduces felt recoil, making it much more enjoyable to shoot.

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