Mauser Guns Collectors Forum
Pistols => M2 Modern Pistol => Topic started by: vlim on April 21, 2013, 08:36:37 AM
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A new one pops up...
In 2000, German based gun company Sig Sauer decided to put their right to use the Mauser brand name to good use. They marketed a pistol called the Mauser M2 in the calibers .45 ACP, .357 SIG and .40 S&W. It is most likely that the pistols were made in Germany, but they bare the name of SIGARMS USA, alongside the Mauser banner on the slide. The pistol was intended for the US market and you rarely see them for sale in Europe. Which in turn seems to indicate they were manufactured in the US.
Test firing sheets, however, show that at least a number of them were test fired and signed off at the Sig Sauer factory in Germany. So judging from this it is safe to assume that they were indeed manufactured in Germany at Sig Sauer. The fact that these pistols also have 'MADE IN GERMANY' on the frame is another indication of the gun's German heritage.
The pistol is equipped with grips that also show the Mauser brand name, complete with a (R)egistered marking. The Mauser banner is also imprinted on the base of the, MecGar made, magazines.
It uses a rotating barrel, is striker firing (no hammer) and has numerous safety features.
Sig Sauer had purchased the right to the Mauser brand name for small arms around 2000, allowing a related company, Blaser, to set up a division under the 'Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH' name. This division focused on hunting rifles, based on the M98 action.
A recently obtained example was delivered from the factory in Germany in a Sig Sauer marked case (the US versions were shipped in green plastic cases with a gold Mauser logo). Barrel proof date is 2003. Production ran between 2000 - 2006 and it seems that Sig Sauer had a number of pistols still in storage. The test firing sheet indicates it was tested at the factory AFTER 2008.
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I have one of these M2 pistols. They were made in 2000. Mine is a .40 caliber model. They were also available in .45, and were SUPPOSED to have a .357 barrel you could buy separately, but I heard that those were never actually produced.
This is my personal defense weapon that I use on a regular basis. Very accurate and well made. I've read that they were made in the USA, but I cannot remember the details.
Sig Arms USA owned the Mauser pistols brand, but no longer make a Mauser branded weapon. I wish they'd make a historic looking line of guns under the Mauser name. I know we'd all buy them. 8)
Tim
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I would like to find one of those. I shoot SIGs and am a SIG Sauer armorer.
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The idea was to make them in the USA, but that never happened, as far as I'm aware. The early pistols have the 'Frame made in Germany' marking, but were made entirely in Europe. The 2007 versions no longer have that 'Frame made in Germany' marking.
Also some changes to the markings were carried out. The first variation has the M2 marking in silver paint. The later versions have the M2 marking outlined, etched or machined into the slide.
SIG SAUER in Germany still owns the right to the Mauser banner in combination with hand gun production. Their subsidiary, Blaser, is home to the current 'Mauser Jagdwaffen GmbH' which produces Mauser hunting rifles.
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They may be fine pistols, but they just don't have any style to them. Sorry men. This model is not for me.
Jim
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I agree to a certain point. What makes it collectible to me is the fact that, until now, it is the last pistol produced to bear the Mauser trade mark. It marks the end of an era.
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This is the later (post 2008) assembled version.
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The seller of my Italian M2 (with catalog number engraved on the slide) was kind enough to forward all the packing material he found, so I could complete a full set including the original cardboard box and the zip lock bags that contained the spare magazines.
Enjoy.
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You are about to change my mind. They are a Mauser and that may be enough.
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There is an example on Gunbroker for $595. That may or may not be the going price?
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Sounds like a decent price to me. I bought one cheaper, both the other 2 cost me more :)
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Two new ones popped up for sale. You are about to change my mind. Are these double action only? They do look meaty.
Jim
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Yes, they are double action only. Striker fired with a rotating barrel. They look bulky, but are comfortable to handle, even for guys like me with relatively small hands :)
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Found one for $350, but it shows wear. Now officially tempted.
Jim
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I love mine. Good Mauser quality.
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What about that large back hump in the grip? I have a size 8 hand, which is rather on the smaller size. Does that gun handle better with a larger hand size? It looks like it might. There is no place around here to get a grip on one, "so to speak". Would you advise handling one first? Gotta ask this last question. Did you get the .40 or .45. caliber. My military experience tells me to go for the .45 ACP. The law enforcement side of me tells me that most cities go for the .40 S&W. I would enjoy knowing what you decided to spend your money on. Plus I would enjoy having the chance of outshooting my son, just once, with his Springfield 9MM.
Jim
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I haven't come across a .40 version yet, currently I own 3 variations of the .45 ACP version:
Early version (printed logos)
Late version (etched logos)
Italian Export version (with Italian catagory number on slide).
I have fairly small hands, but have no difficulty getting a good grip.
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Thank you for that information. I was not aware of the three variations. That makes my hunt more interesting than ever. Is one variation more collectable than another?
Regards,
Jim
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I think there is also a ''variation 4", the 'Friends of the NRA' version ;')
Since these pistols are relatively new to collectors, I doubt that there is any certainty on pricing.
The Italian contract is rare because the limited number made and shipped to Italy, I would expect.
Not enough serial # data available to determine how many of each variation were made, the numbers suggest that not much more than about 6000 pistols were produced. I tried contacting Sig-Sauer in Eckenförde, but no information there...
Somehow it is interesting that we can find out less about pistols that are 10 years old than on pistols that are 100 years old :)
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Well then, you have settled it. One of each seems to be appropriate. I thank you for the good information. Just located one of the .45 variations for $379. Thinking of pulling the trigger on it. Sounds like a far price. Fooy, Gun was sold. Guess that teaches me to linger not
Jim
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Now just found one for $329. I just need to push the button. I have not seen one that low in price. ;D
Jim