If you could only have one milsurp bolt action

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what would it be and why? (straight-pulls included)
M1903A3 Springfield. Just as accurate as the original '03s and with MUCH better sights. When I was a kid, they were selling for under $30, and unlike other milsurps, they were ready to go from the box with those great sights.

I have two -- one Remington and one Smith-Corona. The Remington I use with cast bullets, and have the Smith-Corona zeroed with jacketed loads.
 
It’s hard to choose just one. From a standpoint of craftsmanship and accuracy, maybe a Swiss G11. From a standpoint of history? My Finn M28-30 with an issue-number that puts it smack dab in the middle of the Winter War fighting. From a standpoint of pleasantness to shoot, my Chilean model 12 mauser 98 in 7mm. Rarity? My 8x50r M95 long rifle. Evoking the era? Yugo refurb K98k in perfect condition. I really couldn’t choose which one to keep, they’re all great. The thing about milsurps is that they’re by definition a collectible. Most of us don’t buy one because we want one rifle, or a great tool for hunting or self defense. The last rifle I’d ever sell is probably a Marlin 336, but that’s more a function of utility than sheer love.

I shoot my Swiss rifle a lot because it’s high condition and also not particularly rare or collectible since the Swiss never fought. If I were going into battle I’d rather have a No. 4 Mk 2, but at the range I’d probably rather shoot the Swiss rifle, for matters of conscience. (I can wring it out without serious concern I’m putting more wear on the barrel of my pre-WW1 SMLE, for instance.) If I could just have one I’d probably keep my ‘98 Krag. Not the best at any one thing, but just so darn cool.
 
Considering I don’t currently own a complete Milsurp rifle, there are really only a couple options that come to mind. 03 Springfield is certainly on the list, but it’s too common and too cliche for me. Eddystone is a close second there. Garand, yeah still in the same neighborhood, but it piques my interest more (not bolt but still) nothing really has that weird and overly purposeful but refined combination that I am looking for, with the exception of the destroyer carbine. Make mine pristine, incredible action and trigger, beautifully figured wood, and pack it with about 10,000 9x23 rounds.
 
"Conelrad" ... wow, there's a term I haven't seen for years. I was in broadcasting in the early '70's. If there's a story there, have you posted in the intro thread? Just curious. :)
 
I don't own a milsurp bolt action. If I did, it would probably be a Swedish Mauser, because I like the 6.5x55. Runner up would be an 03A3.
 
I found the Swede M-38 I had to push all the right buttons. Tough, accurate, well made, good overall length and weight, and with an inherently accurate cartridge that didn't pound you but was sufficient for most game.

There's a reason they go for big bucks now.
 
Mosin Nagant M-38 Carbine (obviously in mint condition and nice Barrell). The perfect short rifle without the bayonet of the M-44.
 
Lee-Enfield No4 MK2 because I grew up shooting them, also because they're an excellent battle rifle, and finally because they were instrumental (in various forms) in the success of the largest empire in world history a.k.a. The British Empire.

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Actually, the Lee-Enfield No4 MK2 presided over the demise of the British Empire, which basically fell apart after WWII -- about the time the MK2 was becoming general issue.
 
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