I'm thinking of getting one of these surplus bolt action rifles. I've never owned a rifle before(except my granddads Marlin 1893). I see those Mosins for sale all the time, and I just read the thread about those Schmidt-Rubin K-31. They sure do look nice. Any suggestions? Thanks
First Bolt Action
- Thread starter tsenn
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cratz2
Member
My preference is for the K31s and the Enfield No 4 Mk I and Mk I*. I dont own a full length Mosin but have full time access to one. I have a little M44 carbine that I've probably put the most rounds through of any of my MilSuprs. It jerks you around a bit compared to the K31 and the Enfield but they're pussycats anyway.
Personally, I'd recommend a No 4 Mk 1 or Mk 1* for a general purpose rifle. I really like the receiver sights. They come up quick. They look nice too. Well, once you clean them up a bit.
Personally, I'd recommend a No 4 Mk 1 or Mk 1* for a general purpose rifle. I really like the receiver sights. They come up quick. They look nice too. Well, once you clean them up a bit.
John G
Member
I agree. Get a Lee-Enfield. The No. 4 has nicer sights than the No. 1, ten round magazine, quick, reliable bolt. Its a classic, and the price won't dent your wallet too much. I've got a No. 1 and a Jungle Carbine, and I love them both. Enjoy!
Tamara
Senior Member
Heh.
I saw the thread title and thought: "The Chassepot and the Dreyse needle gun, why?"
I saw the thread title and thought: "The Chassepot and the Dreyse needle gun, why?"
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
Get a copy of "Shotgun News" (news stand, Barnes/Noble, gun store) and check the ads. That will give a data base of models and pricing. Remember that your local dealer will add on some profit/handling and there is that good old sales tax...
And, you can check the tables at gunshows with some idea in mind as to what sort of price you should pay.
Art
And, you can check the tables at gunshows with some idea in mind as to what sort of price you should pay.
Art
Handle some of the old Mil-Surps and see what fits you best.
I personally prefer the Mosin Nagant, but that is just a preference.
Enfields are cool too.
So are Mausers. You can get an M-48 for around $150 or so.
Be advised that the short MN's kick pretty hard, so if you want to shoot it alot, you should probably get a full length variant.
I have found that my Navy Arms Enfield jungle carbine doesn't kick very hard. Went until I ran out of ammo the last time I shot it, and I still wasn't sore.
I personally prefer the Mosin Nagant, but that is just a preference.
Enfields are cool too.
So are Mausers. You can get an M-48 for around $150 or so.
Be advised that the short MN's kick pretty hard, so if you want to shoot it alot, you should probably get a full length variant.
I have found that my Navy Arms Enfield jungle carbine doesn't kick very hard. Went until I ran out of ammo the last time I shot it, and I still wasn't sore.
BusMaster007
Member
If you find a Swedish Mauser of any sort, they are very nicely made firearms, and generally more accurate than most.
The 6.5x55 Swede round is a mild kicker.
Have fun finding the rifle you like and tell us what you get.
The 6.5x55 Swede round is a mild kicker.
Have fun finding the rifle you like and tell us what you get.
Just found a new in the box No. 4 mk 1 Enfield. The guy says its never been fired, still in the wrapper and covered in grease. Says it was made in 1950 something. He's asking $350.00 I'm going to check it out. What do you think?
BusMaster007
Member
I think that'd be great if the price is right.
What a cool find. New. In the box.
YOU would be the first to fire it.
That's cool.
What a cool find. New. In the box.
YOU would be the first to fire it.
That's cool.
cratz2
Member
It may be new and unfired considering the date but just know that there are several very fine thoroughly refinished rifles out there.
That's a very good price if it's brand new - I usually see them going for $400-$500 but could just be a good deal.
I paid $200 for a arsenal refinished No 4 Mk I* with all new wood.
That's a very good price if it's brand new - I usually see them going for $400-$500 but could just be a good deal.
I paid $200 for a arsenal refinished No 4 Mk I* with all new wood.
Well, I got the Enfield today. It is a No. 4 Mk 2. It is covered in cosmoline and wrapped in paper. We peeled back a little of the paper to see the markings and to look at the wood. The wood looks brand new. I still have to wait 10 days to pick it up, so after I clean it up I'll try to shoot some pics. Anyways, what can I expect from this gun? How do they shoot? I assume it has a bit of a kick. Thanks
BusMaster007
Member
Since you have to wait 10 days, maybe the shop owner will let you spend some of that time cleaning up the gun so it'll be ready to shoot when you get the GO...
Tamara
Senior Member
...I'm just bitter that no one commented on my joke.
Harbinger
Member
Don't be bitter, Tamara. Maybe people are just stunned that your knowledge of firearms goes all the way back to the days of the before time.
Dave Markowitz
Member
You got yourself one of thest Lee-Enfields ever made. I have one like yours that is capable of minute-of-angle accuracy with the right ammo. IMO the No.4 Mk.II was the best military bolt-action rifle ever made.
For ammo, see if you can find any South African or Greek surplus .303. This stuff is nice and clean, and does not have corrosive primers. The Greek ammo is reloadable, too. New production Sellier & Bellot ammo is also very good and reasonably priced. Avoid .303 made in the UK, since it is mostly corrosively primed, and loaded with Cordite, which is erosive. Also avoid the cheap Pakistani or Indian ammo -- it's loaded like the UK stuff and a lot of it wasn't stored properly.
Of course, American made factory .303 shoots well, but it's more expensive than what I've mentioned here.
The recoil will be noticeable but not too bad. Less than a Mauser in 8mm. Just make sure that you keep the butt firmly planted in your shoulder when you shoot.
Enjoy your new rifle, but be warned, Lee-Enfields are addictive!
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