Best Bolt Action (General Issue) Battle Rifle

[InkEd]

In your opinion, what is the best General Issue Bolt Action Battle Rifle?

IMHO:

The British Lee-Enfield.

 

[s12.aaxtell]

I second the British Lee-Enfield

-Alex

 

[JShirley]

It would be nice to include actual reasons for your choice.

The P14 and M1917 were both as quick, more accurate, and stronger. They are only bested by the SMLE in ammo capacity.

John

 

[OpelBlitz]

How many Generals were issued Lee-Enfields?

 

[n10sivern]

m1917 followed by enfield

 

[R.W.Dale]

French MAS36

Great sights

Very few individual parts as simple as can possibly be

Fired a vary modern cartridge

Outstnding accuracy

The last bolt action infantry design before autoloaders took over it reflects the pinnacle of the platform

On a broader scale rifles with "open" sights need not apply here.

 

[nathan]

Anything that shoots to point of aim is a good bolt action. I d say the Finn M 39 Sako i have is a tackdriver and quite smooth in cocking and loading. Of course it only holds 5 rounds which could be a disadvantage in combat. But for what we use it for, hunting, and target shooting, it fits it all. Ammo is quite affordable and soft point loads are available.

 

[cleardiddion]

For sheer numbers, effectiveness, and combat experience:
The Lee-Enfield.

My personal choice?
Probably the P-17 or P-14.
I had a P-14 and that thing shot like a dream. Wish I hadn't gotten that speeding ticket....

 

[henschman]

M1903a3

 

[mgmorden]

K-98 Mauser. I own most of the battle rifles in one form or another (Carcano and Arisaka are the only major ones I can think of), and I just like the K-98 better than any of them. Don't like cock-on-close, and the K-98 balances really well. Only negative in my opinion is the ammo capacity.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

M1903a3

+1

Though I am not really into milsurps of the period, the A3 seems about as good as you can expect to get from a bolt action. Not sure how its speed and capacity stacks up against the competition, but it has excellent sights, is anvil tough, and seems like a good representation of what a bolt action battle rifle should be.

 

[Cosmoline]

Best for what purpose?

The Lee-Enfield is probably the best for combat. It combines sufficient accuracy with good capacity and fire power.

The K-31 Swiss is probably the best for accuracy

The Mauser K-98 is hands down the most flexible design.

The M1917 is among the strongest

The Type 38 Arisaka is probably the handiest

The 91-30 Mosin is the most rugged

etc.

 

[essayons21]

I would be torn between the SMLE and the K98

 

[JShirley]

The 1903 is actually more delicate than M-Ns, P14s, 1917s and Arisakas.

 

[kaferhaus]

springfield...

 

[Beetle Bailey]

If I had to fight with it, I'd say No.4 Enfield. Peep sights, quick action, and ammo capacity are a great combo.

But my favorite is the Mauser 98k. Unless you must have a peep sight, everything just feels right about the 98k.

 

[kaferhaus]

If I had to fight with it, I'd say No.4 Enfield. Peep sights, quick action, and ammo capacity are a great combo.

But my favorite is the Mauser 98k. Unless you must have a peep sight, everything just feels right about the 98k.

I prefer the peep sight but it's much quicker to get on target with the tangent sights... just less accurate, shorter sight radius etc.

 

[Col. Plink]

Brno VZ-24

 

[Rshooter]

I would have to say the Ishapore Enfields. A .308 caliber bolt action holding 12 rounds. Everything you love in the Enfield with a modern cartridge.

 

[Jonny V]

Arguing the merits of the Mauser 98 vs. the Lee-Enfield is like arguing the merits of the F-86 Sabre against the Mig-15. These are the all time great designs in the history of bolt action rifles, and both are still relevant, (and just as good) today.

The fact that we can go out and buy them for (usually) less than the cost of a new Remchesterby only sweetens the pot.

 

[Aren't we all]

Too many to choose from, most all are great. But I like underdogs... Lebel 1886/93

 

[XxWINxX94]

I'm going to agree with the Lee-Enfield. However, its weight is a little more than the others, I believe, due to all the wood. Which could be an issue when coming to the "best."

Proud owner of a No.4 MkI, K98k, and Mosin Nagant and I love them all!

 

[CornCod]

I agree with those who tout the Lee-Enfield, but the Mauser K98 comes in a very close second.

SMLE: Mag capacity and fast operating bolt
Mauser: Great accuracy

 

[dogsoldier0513]

Springfield 1903A3

 

[Kachok]

Have to go with the 98 mauser. I saw one for sale the other day, badly battle worn, but the action was still smoother then any modern gun I have handled latley except the T3. Very Very Very well built gun.