The M71 was WAYYYYYYYY ahead of it's time. Just think, the best the US Military could come up with was a bunch of single shots with VERY weak actions Ie: Trapdoor Springfield being the best and in Germany, the Mauser brothers came up with a REAL bolt actioned MAUSER rifle with super sights and in comparrison, rapid firing without the Springfield copper case sticking problems.

I understand the first bulk order Peter Mauser got on the M71 was with Austria, for 3,000 rear sights only. Yeah - a disapointment, but that sight, with a ladder as well as flip-up blade was a good one.

I haven't hunted with this carbine --- yet - but am sitting on some 60 rounds loaded, ready for a range testing session, with from 385gr. to 550gr. bullets. I injured my right shoulder's cartilage shortly after working up some preliminary 500gr. loads for this rifle and with other, lighter kicking guns to play with, forgot about it until now.

Thanks for reminding me about my M71 - time to play!

Good luck with yours, Vegard_dino - the 8mm will be a lot of fun.