Best Xmas Rifle?

[InterWebGuy]

Hi all,
So I'm planning on buying my brother a rifle for the holidays (it'll stay with me as he's stuck in NY for school for the time being)... I'm torn between getting him an SKS variant and some sort of Mauser. I have both myself, and like each for different reasons- so much so that I'm having trouble deciding which one to go with! Anyone willing to give your $0.02 to help me choose?
Thanks,
IWG

P.S. "buy both" isn't an option this season (sadly) due to the crappy economy, etc. This would have been easier otherwise!

 

[Deus Machina]

Well, find out if he prefers bolt-action or semi, then buy accordingly. If you can't, then I think the SKS is a little more all-purpose.

Otherwise, unless you're set on those two, I'd suggest looking for a Nagant 91/30 in good condition. Maybe I'm biased, but considering how cheap they are, it would probably go over well to get him the nice boltie and a can of ammo.

 

[Baneblade]

Ammo is a big consideration. His shiny "new" rifle won't do him any good if the only ammo available is $20 for a box of 20. Does he want cool or traditional? If it was my brother, it would be the Mauser or Nagant, no question about it.

 

[natecade1]

My mosin nagant, is my most fun rifle. I didn't think it would be, and I don't know why it is, but it is just plain FUN!!

perhaps it offers more sensory over-load than the others, thereby causing a greater release of adrenaline. The M44 carbine model produces a louder noise and a blinding mussel flash that isn't experienced with the full size versions.

your original post: I have fired both of those rifles as well and I would suggest a K98, although original ones are nearly impossible to find.

 

[Wedge]

Get the SKS

 

[Tarvis]

Depends on his taste, as Deus said. I vote the SKS if he doesn't have a semi auto, and the mauser if he does. Send me a mauser while your at it .

 

[zsill7]

As has been said look for his interests first

as far as a bolt gun goes though Nagant would probably be better and more cost effective than a Mauser

From what ive heard on THR 8mm surplus is kinda drying up as well and 7.62x54 isnt so much

just look for a good rifle thats in good shape. No pitting good rifling ect.
lots of them can be found in never issued condition as well

 

[Big Bill]

I just bought a nice Mosin Nagant for $104 and 880 rounds of ammo cost $151.

 

[jpwilly]

SKS's are more fun in the long run and less punishing to shoot.

 

[Kman]

An unissued SKS would be hard to beat.

 

[bearmgc]

Swede Mauser if he likes military bolt actions.

 

[Geneseo1911]

Tough to say; both are powerful enough to take deer. While the Mauser would be more accurate, the SKS would hold enough rounds to get all 8 (9 if you count Rudolph).

Oh wait, you didn't mean Christmas rifle that way. Sorry.

 

[InterWebGuy]

Thanks for all your advice! I wound up going with him to the local gun-shop and just kind of tried to get a feel for what he liked- we wound up picking out an 8mm Spanish Mauser for about $100 out the door (!!!). I may buy a Nagant in the near future due to the extremely low price of milsurp ammo though... I hadn't realized it was so much cheaper than 8mm.

Also- given that even SKSs are bought out from all of my local dealers at this point, has anyone got any idea on where a guy can find himself an AR10? I've been meaning to buy one for a couple years now, and the prices keep climbing (if you can even find one in stock).
Thanks,
IWG

 

[paintballdude902]

sks since ammo is cheap and readily available

 

[Loggerlee]

If it were me I'd rather have a K98 than anything in 7.62x39
I have an old turkish mauser though,so I'd have to want the SKS,they are a "good" rifle millions of dead commies used them.