Couple of C&R questions

[Crazy Carl]

First-

I'm really wanting a VZ24 & see that SOG has them with the Czech crests for a reasonable price. Anyone have any tips/insight on SOG's quality? Bores & muzzles okay?

Second-

Thinking about a Mosin as well & thought I'd start with a 91/30. That said, any reason to choose Izzy over Tula and hex over round?

I'm not a collector, by any means, but do dig the older rifles. "Pretty" is nice, but for both rifles mentioned, shootability & accuracy are my primary concern, not cosmetics.

Thanks!

 

[Crazy Carl]

Anyone?

Thoughts on a Yugo 24/47 or 48?

Trustworthy shops/sources?

 

[iamkris]

I've ordered several rifles from SOG. Reasonable shipping times. Their condition descriptions can be a little optimistic...I've found AIM, Empire, Classic to be a bit more spot on when it comes to describing condition. That isn't saying SOG is bad...I just happen to like the others better.

 

[svaz]

I can't comment on either the vz.24 or SOG, sorry.

About the 91/30s, though, I believe the general consensus is that it's not the [Russian] factory, but the time period that you may want to pay attention too. Pre-war rifles are said to have a generally nicer fit and finish and consequently, are usually better shooters. I believe all hex receivers will be pre-war. That said, Russian sniper rifles (barrels, anyway) were no different from standard infantry rifles other than they shot especially well during the sighting in inspection.

If accuracy is your main concern, you may want to look for Finnish 91/30's (Sako, Tikka, or captured). You will, however, likely pay a premium for them. Also, be on the look out for ex-snipers; they will have two or four filled holes in the receiver wall and the Cyrillic letters "СП" (SP) on the receiver. Be sure to check the bore as one of the reasons it may be an ex-sniper is because it have been shot out.

HTH

 

[madcratebuilder]

shootability & accuracy are my primary concern, not cosmetics.

If that's the case take a look at the Swiss K-31's.

 

[Col. Plink]

Interesting questions. I can only chime in because I have a VZ-24 and a buddy has a Mosin. Among Mosins the Tula-made (star&arrow) hex receivers are more collectible, and it's generally true that pre-German invasion models are likely to be of better quality. Accuracy? My buddy's is surprisingly good for its age and cost, but who's to know until you get a chance to shoot it.

My VZ-24 has proven to be an excellent weapon, though I don't know how they vary with age (mine is a Nazi command performance, c.1940, no crest or eagles). My only difficulty has been that the lowest rear sight setting is 300m. So likely I'll scout scope it so as not to cause permanent alteration. As for SOG, don't know what that is.

 

[skidooman603]

Col Plink: Ever think about a taller front sight blade to pull that POI down?

 

[Crazy Carl]

Thanks, guys.

Was only asking about SOG, as they're the only one's I've found w/"crest intact" vz24s (not a huge deal, but all other things being equal....).

Got a fairly local source for M-Ns, so I'll at least be able to look at them.

What do you guys think of the Yugo 24/47s vs. the other Mauser variants? I know the action length is slightly different, but how do they compare, otherwise?

K31 is on the wish list, for sure, along with a Swede & a 1903A3 &... lol... Just starting with the Mauser & Mosin, as they're a bit more interesting to me.

 

[CZguy]

It's been a couple of years since I've dealt with them, but I consider them a good company to deal with.