[DWS1117]

What is your favorite milsurp firearm and why? Can be rifle or handgun. I can't play yet. Hopefully I can on payday.

[Dorrin79]

I really like my SKS (Yugoslavian M59/66)

I'd also really like to get a Makarov.

[PAshooter]

For me, my Springfield Garand. Also got a Russian SKS, which is a boatload of fun, but the Garand... well, it was the greatest battle implement ever devised, after all.

Mine was built three months before D-Day. Every time I hold that rifle I close my eyes and just try to imagine where she's been. Good bless all the boys who carried her and her sisters throughout the years.

[Kharn]

Sistema 1911 in .45acp. :D

Kharn

[foghornl]

The US Rifle Cal .30 M-1 Popularly known as "The Garand"

[cool45auto]

That's a tough one. My Romanian SKS is an absolute joy to shoot. I look forward to every range session with it. My British Enfield (No.4 Mk1*) is the same way. I'm also wanting to get a Mosin-Nagant 91/30 sniper clone so that one may take first place.;)

[jsalcedo]

Its a toss up between my sistema and my Enfield MKIII

[Daryl]

I like all the Old US military C&R’s. Yesterday I was playing with my M1 Garand and Krag. So today I love my M1 Garand. It is fun to shoot and has a rich history. But the Krag is a fine rifle with a history of its own.

[Baba Louie]

Well now, old milsurp stuff... coooool
First one I bought was an M1 Carbine. Its good.

Next was the Enfield SMLE MkIII No 1. Whoa. Workhorse.

A really clean 1903. Uh huh... Some earlier Fool sanded down the stock tho', otherwise, its all good.

P17 (got it cheap). Cpl. York and all.

Then came the Swede's. Back when Woolworths had them for $69.00. Bing bing bing... lights, action, camera.

What's this 6.5x55?

Long and sexy.

Made in Oberndorf 1900

Shiny bore, light shooting and Accurate! Ammo was kinda expensive back then (86-87) in that foreign caliber, but...

I got another.

Then one more as a gift to dear old Dad.

Then I took friends out shooting and they also fell in love for $69.00 and four of my buddies went down to the basement of the Woolworths with me and came home with one.

The alltime favorite is the Swedish Mauser M-96 followed by its little Husky brother M-38 and their semi auto cousin of sorts, Ljungmann.

But... its all good.

Adios

[Quantrill]

M1 Garand and DWM Luger. Quantrill

[BowStreetRunner]

My Bulgarian Makarov
love that pistol
no malfunctions whatsoever
BSR

[Dain Bramage]

Romanian M44 Mosin Nagant. It's an old warhorse that's still a hoot to shoot. The convenient "preworn" stock means you don't have to worry about dragging it around. The action and trigger are nice and slick from use, but not worn out. It's got a dark bore, but it beats all my other milsurps for accuracy. I bought a scout scope-mount for it, but it's accurate enough at 100 yards with the iron sights, that I might have to buy an M38 to tinker with.

[Coronach]

CMP M-1 Garand

Date of manufacture? December, 1941.

How cool is THAT?

Mike :D

[ReadyontheRight]

8 points in favor of a CMP Garand

1. It's a piece of American history, a fine example of American ingenuity - and delivers a wood & metal connection to USA's proud service to improving humanity
2. Can be used for anything from plinking on up to serious High Power competition
3. Can be used for hunting large animals (be sure to use the right ammo, the pressures of modern factory softpoint hunting ammo can be too high for a Garand)
4. Ammo – You can still find deals on Danish & Korean military 30-06 FMJ. 30-06 ammo will always be available and reloadable.
5. Once they're gone from CMP, they're gone and you'll pay much more than $500 for one
6. Matches - Garand-specific competitions have sprung up all over the country. The Garand match is a great excuse to go to Camp Perry in August and shoot with thousands of the finest men and women in the world (I'm heading there in two days) :)
7. An accurate, long-range BATTLE RIFLE with excellent, adjustable, bombproof sites
8. blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-PING!

Get a Garand at www.odcmp.com

[hso]

My M1 Carbine is just fun to shoot.

[Tamara]

Definitely my Garand, followed closely by my M1896 Krag Jorgensen carbine (another Springfield product) and my Schmidt Rubin M96/11.

[Duncan Idaho]

I http://smilies.jeeptalk.org/ups/layla_phoenix/heartpump.gif My K-31.

[762x51]

Without a doubt....the Garand. Number 2 for me would be a 98k or K31.

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

My April 1943 Mfg. M1 Garand is my favorite; closely followed by my 1898 Obendorf made Swedish Mauser M96. For benefit of the cheap factor, my M44 Mosin-Nagants are tough to beat unless you're behind the metal buttplate for more than 60 rounds.

It's still tough to beat the old Hi Powers, in terms of handguns, although a good M1917 would be a welcome addition.

Regards,
Rabbit.

[CZ-100]

My M-1 Garand.. :D :D :D

[tetchaje1]

Do you have to have a C&R FFL to receive the CMP Garands in the mail? I didn't see anything on the .pdf form that mentioned that other than being a part of a CMP affiliated organization.

I am applying for a C&R soon, but I won't have it for at least another month. More info please. :)

[DMK]

Hard to say. It depends on favorite for what.

I've got a bunch of SKS of various nationalities, they are my favorite plinkers especially my Norinco. Cheap ammo, super reliable, easy to clean, recoil is nil.

I love the FAL also. That's a rifle I'd grab when the SHTF. It's a real powerhouse in a small intimidating package. If I could only keep one gun, this would be it because it's so versatile.

However, for shooting where accuracy counts, I'll take my 1970 Finnish M/39 Mosin Nagant every time. These rifles are just beautiful, heavy enough to absorb the recoil of 7.62x54R heavy ball and this one is very accurate. This is the rifle I grab when I want to get in the zone.

Sorry guys, I know it's sacrilege but I just haven't been impressed with my Garand. I've got a CMP service grade and the accuracy just isn't on par with my other rifles of it's class(I think I'm going to try a rebarrel in .308). I also find it kind of annoying to maintain when compared to my other semis like the FAL, SKS and AK. I like clips, but the 8 round capacity lack of the ability to top off the mag is mildly annoying. I will say one thing, it's rock solid reliable, but so are all my others.

[5ptdeerhunter]

Mosin Nagant M44 !!!bOOm!!!

How many times can I say it. I guess one more.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=415656

[David Roberson]

Another vote here for the M-1 Garand.

[Leatherneck]

Tough call between my 1911A1 and my Garand rifle ("a real battle rifle"). Close second is my M1 carbine. Looking for a P-38 and a luger, but those babies get pricy fast!

TC
TFL Survivor

[greyhound]

How much doesa Garand go for these days? How bout an M14?

In "Boston T Party's Gun Bible" he likes the M14 over the M1, for a number of reasons including .308 over .30-06.

How hard is it to find good ammo for the Garand? I would think it's be pretty common.

Sorry to be so ignorant but all my experience is with handguns and shotguns

Thanks!:(

[keyhole]

Ummmmmm, favorite right? Would have to be my 03A3, all original, made in 2/43 by Remington. Great condition, and really a good shooter.

[Johnny Guest]

I started to say, because I don't currently own a GI 1911 type, my M1 Carbine is my favorite. But, upon reading another member's post, I realize I have to consider my Sistema 1927 a military type, just not US military. And I get more real use out of the '27 than I do another milsurp piece, a No. 4 Mk 1 .303.

But, I nearly forgot - - - An old 1917 S&W. And then there's the . . . .

Best,
Johnny

[RocketMan]

My M1 Garand, made February 1942. Got to love that six figure serial number.
Second would be my M1 Carbine.

[Wanderer]

My Yugo SKS. I've hit a soda can on its end at 65 yards offhand with open sights. But I'm not bragging :rolleyes:

[gburner]

Another vote for the Yugo SKS. I removed the grenade launcher, launcher sight and bayonet/mount in order to lighten the front and improve the balance. Dead on accurate at 100yds,
built like a tank, easily stripped and cleaned and cheap ammo...whats not to like.

Other than that, I rather like the 40
MM Bofors.:D

[Politically Incorrect]

Favorite? M1 Garand...was out shooting it yesterday. Whenever I see it, I wish that my grandfather was still around so I could show it to him and ask him about his service in Europe.

My favorite to shoot...my Dayton, Ohio made (hoo-ray!) Inland M1 Carbine. That Garand gets a little heavy for my left arm (which had been broken in three places). The Carbine is light and handy. I always tell people that I have an old piece from General Motors they should see.

-Tommy

[50 Freak]

Mine has to be the unissued Enfields No4 Mk2s that came into the country in the early 90's.

To be able to pick up a new rifle that has just sat in storage for almost half a century and who's origins date for more than a century. Thats amazing. Makes me feel almost special....

[444]

I have a pile of Mil Surp rifles. I saw the movie, Enemy at the Gates and thought it would be cool to own a 91/30, I knew they were cheap. So, I went to buy one, but I spotted an Enfield. I liked it so much I bought a couple more. Then I saw the K98, had to have that. But I spotted the crown jewel while I was there; the M39 Finn. I liked that one so much I bought three. Then I finally got around to buying a 91/30, but it didn't shoot for crap. I slugged the bore and it was way oversized, so I got another one. If you get the 91/30 it only stands to reason that you have to get an M44 also. I didn't like the bayonet so I got the M38 as a kicker. The K98 was OK, but I couldn't help wondering about the M48 Yugo. Once I saw a Seede I knew I had to have one of those, but it turned into two when I wasn't looking. It wasn't until the end of this spree that I saw my faviorite of all. The K31 Schmit-Ruben. What a fine piece of craftsmanship. I wanted a spare mag for it. When I saw how much they were getting for a spare mag I realized that I could just buy another rifle for about $20 more, so I did.
In the end, I doubt if I have $1000 tied up in all this hardware. I am kind of off the kick for now and have been for about a year. But they are always here for me to enjoy when I get the urge.
I do own an M1, but it isn't the real thing; it is a brand new Springfield Armory. I haven't ever fired it, it is still new in box and has been sitting there for about a year now.
I only wish I had never been stupid enough to sell my M1 Carbine, my original M1, or the two 03s I once had. NEVER SELL A GUN FOR ANY REASON.

[Pebcac]

My Inland Division M1A1 Carbine. Just tons and tons of fun to shoot, and just as much fun to own such a piece of history! I really, really want a GI 1911 to go with it.

[Dave Markowitz]

I have a bunch of milsurps that I love, but my absolute favorite is my No.4 Mk.I made at R.O.F. Fazakerly in 1944. I got it in 1985, IIRC, and is the absolute last gun I'd ever part with.

Others that come close are my Underwood M1 Carbine, unissued No.4 Mk.II, a vintage 1918 Lithgow SMLE that's the nicest No.1 Mk.III I've ever seen, and even my Chicom SKS.

[coldshot03/04]

Russian Makarov.

[starfuryzeta]

Well, I love my CZ52, cause it makes a great glove-box gun. cheap, sturdy, effective, and reliable.

For pure shooting pleasure, I do enjoy my K31. The best bolt action I think I've ever handled.

However, I think my greatest love is for my M1 Garand. The fit, the feel, the power, the prestige.

Excuse me, I need to go fondle it some more. :D

[Bruce H]

Romanian SKS as it is the only milsurp I own.

[MeekandMild]

Garand. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to think about the fact it may have been there for the siege of Bastogne or the assault on Mt. Suribachi. It may have been at the Chosin Reservoir, maybe Tebessa. Maybe it landed with McArthur on the return to the PI. The list is endless.

[Gewehr98]

Hmm. 1903A1, M1 Garand, or 1903A4?

http://mauser98.com/stack4.jpg

Ok, fine. This week, it's the 1903A4. :D



http://mauser98.com/03a4rightsmall.jpg

[Spieler]

In handguns I will have to opt for P38/P1s and in rifles it's a toss up between the M1 Carbine and Enfield No. 4.

I have always had an affinity for the P38/P1 series and the only one I have now is a great shooter. I also like the way it fits my hand and the way it chambers and fires every type of 9mmP I care to load it up with.

I really like the heft of the Enfield and it too is a great shooter, but the M1 Carbine is just a blast! It is one of the most fun guns I have ever owned. Sure, you aren't going to win any high power matches with it, but once you pick one up and put a few rounds downrange it quickly becomes apparent why it was/is so popular.

[firestar]

My fav is my Star B.

I also like my Yugo Mauser and Yugo SKS a lot too.:)

[CGofMP]

Oh hmmm geee.... Let me think about it for a few minutes... :D
http://www.memorableplaces.com/m1garand/flagm1nobayonetwallpapermemorableplacesdotcom.jpg (http://www.memorableplaces.com/m1garand/)

Charles of "Charles' M1 Newbie Site (http://www.memorableplaces.com/m1garand/)":D

[PATH]

My Long Branch Enfield has found a place in my heart. While it is not a Garand it is one hell of a shooter. I understand that the Mujahadeen were using them with great success in Afghanistan against the Russians.

[Missouri Mule]

Sistema , Makarov 9x18

[MarineTech]

I'd have to say that my favorite of the guns I own is my Inland M1 Carbine.

[PAshooter]

Hey CGofMP:

That pic looks familiar :D

[telewinz]

I can only assume that those who prefere an M1 Garand never owned an FN49. It has everything the Garand doesn't, world class workmanship, and a 10 round magazine you can top off. Life is good:D

[CGofMP]

Heya MD Shooter!

Nice!

I see you have the later bayonet on the rifle so the 50 star flag is quite appropriate. When I took the shot above in 1999 I thought long and hard about how to present it and decided that since the Garand was used MOSTLY when we had only 48 states, that it would be cool to do it that way. Ever try to find a 48 star flag? I got one that I THINK may be wool off of ebay for a decent price.


In any case, Good work. I like the high res shot sir!

My digital camera really is not up to that level...

Neat stuff. Great minds think alike.

Charles

[BamBam-31]

Right now, toss up between the Finn M39 and the Garand.



....okay, okay!! The Garand!! Hands down!!

Every time it pings, I sit up and look like this: :D

[PAshooter]

Excellent point about the 48 star flag, CGofMP - I didn't really even think of that when I snapped the pic - it was sort of a grab shot that ended up as my wallpaper for a time. The flag is the one that's flown in front of my house 24/7 since 9/11... to "do it up right" (next time!) I'd cobble together a frame to hold the flag taut (and square). The bayo is (as you observed) a Korean War vintage one that I picked up at a gun show in essentially new condition... that much is appropriate as while the gun was made in '44 it was rearsenaled at least once and sports a K-War era barrel.

Thanks for the compliments - the camera's a Canon S100 Digital Elph - a very compact 2 megapixel rig that travels with me everywhere. I've been very pleased with it, though better and higher res models are available cheaper now. What else is new?

Nice pic yourself, Charles. Great minds do think alike.

~Dale

[Majic]

another vote for the Swedish Mauser here too.

[Tamara]

I can only assume that those who prefere an M1 Garand never owned an FN49.

Got one.

Nice gun.

Still prefer Garand.

[DamnedDirtyApe]

[QUOTE]My favorite to shoot...my Dayton, Ohio made (hoo-ray!) Inland M1 Carbine


Over my 25 years of living in southern Ohio, I've heard - at least four or five different times, from different people that have worked there - that there's still an extensive supply of brand new Inland carbines warehoused in a basement in one of the old buildings at Moraine. The quantity is said to be numbered in the tens of thousands, and the Gov audits them frequently.

One old fellah told me he'd actually worked around them, and that they're locked on to shipping carts, and there's dozens of carts.

Who knows?

My fave milsurps - a 1943 Winchester carbine, and a January 1944 all-correct Springfield M1.

[Monte Harrison]

http://www.odcmp.com/images/m1_small.jpg
NOT a real tough decision.

[jsalcedo]

I notice no one has mentioned the French MAS 49/56 :neener:

[BamBam-31]

Hooray for Tamara!! :D

THR's closer, bringin' da heat!! :neener:

[jsalcedo]

I stored this rifle for a friend for a few years. It was fun but the muzzle blast was nearly unbearable.

It was my favorite as far as looks and power until other milsurps caught my interest.

Eygyptian Hakim 8mm
http://www.angelfire.com/vt/milsurp/images/hakim.jpg

[444]

I have an Hakim sitting here that I got free. Bubba tried to carve/paint the stock to look like an AK, and it lacks a magazine. I got the magazine from Numrich, but I can't figure out how it is supposed to fit (assuming I got the right magazine in the first place). The rifle is not workable in its present form. I doubt that I will ever be able to find a stock for it.

[Gewehr98]

I managed to find a new, reproduction walnut stock and handguard for my Czech VZ-52 rifle from these folks in Yuba City, Kalifornia:

www.gunstocks.com

[444]

I sent them an E-Mail. You never know. The rifle isn't worth much, I would be willing to put some money into it, but not a whole lot. What kind of money did you put into the stock for your VZ52 ?

[Gewehr98]

Mind you, they come out as semi-inletted, or, as Midway/Fajen like to say, UDI - Unfinished, Drop-In. You get the privelege of doing lots of sanding and contouring, the chunk of wood from the blank that was chucked up in the pantograph lathe is still attached to the butt. I actually walked into a forest of replacement stocks at that Yuba City factory, and picked the one I wanted. And it's there that I saw replacement wood hanging from the rafters for Krags, 1903's, Mausers of all types, and even G-43's. The way it was explained to me, Great American Gunstock Company is what's left after Potterfield, Inc. (Midway) bought the name and most of the assets of Bishop Stocks. Just like Boyd's inherited a lot of the skilled labor from Fajen after Potterfield did the corporate raid on that well-known establishment. :(

[Brian Maffei]

I applied for my C&R FFL two days ago....so hopefully I'll be collecting many, MANY of these.:D

Oh, my vote is for the M1.

[telewinz]

I have a Garand also and its a nice rifle but I'd trade it in a heartbeat for another 8mm FN49 and I will probably trade it off in a few months since there are so many other rifles that I enjoy shooting more. No offense.

[Tamara]

Why would I take offense? Like what you like. :)

(I just had to respond to the "those who prefer a Garand never owned an FN-49" comment, since mine's sitting right next to my Garand. For me, the Garand wins on sights, trigger, and speed of reloading, although the FN does handle slightly faster, hold two more rounds, and can be topped off.)

[Dionysusigma]

One that I have or one that I want?

Have: SAR-1

Want: M1 Garand (badly, too)

[TechBrute]

Um... M14. :D

[Dr.Rob]

Colt 1917 New Service Army (why does that keep coming up?)

Luger

BAR (not that I own one but of all the WW2 weapons, this is my fave.

Springfield 1903A3 (mine is a Remington)

I've never owned a Garand, but I understand the appeal, its a very well made rifle.

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

...With an exception for the Sweder-Mauser folks. ;)

My favorite milsurp has to be my 1882-vintage Trapdoor Springfield. Gun #2 in a collection of 60-ish has been a favorite for a LONG time.

For handguns, gotta go with with the old Webley and Scott Mk. IV, circa 1914:
http://www.imageseek.com/sven/2003_04_19/webley_.jpg

Yeah, I know, it's got a Mk. VI barrel on it. So sue me. I LIKE long barrels. I like it better than either of my 1917 flavors. There's a possibility that my 1888-vintage Mk. I Webley might supplant the MK. Iv's supremacy, but I have to shoot it before I commit myself.

Runner-up handgun is the CZ-52. That'd be gun #4 in the collection. Embarassingly modern, but a BLAST to shoot.

It cannot be denied: Older is better. More Style, Character, History, and Panache.

[fallingblock]

So my favorite is a 1955 Fazakerley #4mkII
I unwrapped it from new to shoot military rifle.

All time favorite would be the model 1889 Trapdoor Springfield I owned as a teenager...now that was a very carefully made rifle!

[MostlyMosin]

Note for 444 -

Please let me know if you'd sell me your Hakim as I can use it for restoration and/or spare parts.

I own three Hakims, and I'm always needing spare parts and/or complete rifles.

Please contact me if I can make you an offer!

[444]

Send me your address, it's yours.

[natedog]

K-31. I want a Garand.

[Beetle Bailey]

Uh, I love all my milsurps just the same ;) . Honest I do (but I always clean the Finnish M39 first :rolleyes: ).

[Beetle Bailey]

Every time it pings, I sit up and look like this: :D

He's not exaggerating. He really does stand up and do this: :D

I used to think he did that because he shot a good group; now I know the truth :rolleyes: .

[Stickjockey]

Since my Garand isn't technically milsurp (CAI receiver with milspec parts:o), I'd have to say it's a toss-up between my M-1 carbine and the Enfield SMLE (BSA, 1915). Wait; the carbine's a Plainfield. Guess it'll have to be between the Enfield and the '03 Springfield.

Gewehr98-

Nice '03A4. I'm so jealous!

[4570Rick]

RockOla M1 A1 High Wall. :D

[Missouri Mule]

#1 Makarov
#2 Sistema
#3 yet to be determined....:cool:

[FPrice]

It's a deadheat between the Model 1911A1 .45ACP and the M-1 Garand. I like both of them about equally.

[Kevlarman]

Well, it's a tossup between my Garand and VZ24.

I got the Mauser like 11 months ago, and the Garand just this August. At first, the Garand was malfunctioning a lot and I didn't get to shoot it all that much, so I played with the Mauser a lot more. Now that I found that it was the ammo causing the problem, I think I'm leaning towards the Garand again.

[Eyeless]

1896 Swedish Mauser. Carl Gustav. Mfg 1902. Military rebarreled in 1932. Originally a sniper. Great rifle.

[Okiecruffler]

There's just something about this Hungarian that makes it may favorite.

http://www.hunt101.com/showphoto.php?photo=66220&sort=7&thecat=500&password=

I think it's those two letters, "K.F." that I found carved in the stock under all that cosmoline.

Now it would take days for me to decide on a second favorite, and then I would change my mind in a few minutes.
I voted no for a C&R forum on THR, but at the time I had no idea there were so many present.

[Black Snowman]

FAL, it's big, it's heavy, it shoots decently, it's powerful, it doesn't kick bad, it looks cool and it's just a lot of fun.

It's also my only weapon that vuaugely qualifies as Mil-surp. :D

[telewinz]

FN49..........what M1 Garand always wanted to be but never acheived.:D

[Deepdiver]

CMP M1 Garand (mfg. April 1943). - the "mother of all battle rifles":D !

[Malone LaVeigh]

Another vote for my '43 Garand. My '14 Springfield 1911 comes close in sentimentality, because it was carried by the husband of my favorite aunt in the S Pacific.

I also have a lot of respect for my M-38, because it whopped the Nazis and because it whips my *** every time I shoot it.

Ditto my P-38 but for different reasons.

[NavajoNPaleFace]

I've got to go with my two Gustaf M96s followed by my two 1903A3s.

After that it's any of 'em I grab, lol.

[cracked butt]

KABLAM KABLAM KABLAM KABLAM KABLAM KABLAM KABLAM KABLAM TINGGGGdingding

!:D

[jrhead75]

Enfields, Garands, Ought threes...in about that order. How many can we choose? A K-31's definitely on my list.

[TexasVet]

If you like bolt guns, you ought to try the bolt throw on a Portuguese Mauser Vigiero Model 1904/39. That is the slickest, most positive bolt action ever, period (well, except a Krag... maybe....) LOVE it.

[Checkman]

My two Enfields. Mk III * and No 4 Mk I.:D

[Crownvicman]

I'm New, but I have to join this thread! Do I have to pick just one?

1) My Korean Garand. My Parents bought it for me as a birthday present back when I was in high school.

2) Finnish M 91 rifle. The most accurate rifle I have ever fired. And yes, I own a Swiss k-31. If not for the difficult safety this would be my primary hunting rifle.

3) My Yugo M1924 carbine. Light, accurate and lots of cheap ammo right now. If I could have only one gun, this would be it.

[S_O_Laban]

Welcome to THR, Crownvicman. BTW I'm driving a 94 P71. And Oh yea.... back to the topic:D I'm working on my C&R and here is my to do list.

1. K31

2. Makarov

3. some version of a SKS ( suggestions anyone??)

[Bill Hook]

SKS = Yugo 59/66 Either AIM (nicer to deal with) or InterOrdnance (who have the best right now). AIM also have K-31s, so for less than $300, you could get both and save shipping.

[Crownvicman]

Thanks S_O_Laban.