First surplus bolt rifle?

[lencac]

Don't kid yourself, as cheap as Mosins look with "good" ammo they are capable of very good real world accuracy. Good ammo is defined as anything that is not mil-spec surplus. It's not very accurate and it is corrosive. Preferably load your own or at worst case commercial ammo for accuracy testing.

 

[Smith357]

I would get a Swedish Mauser.

 

[lencac]

I would get a Swedish Mauser.

And I'd like to get a mint 1903A4 for $150................... but just don't see any of those around anymore

 

[wojownik]

Really this boils down to what "feels" right for the OP. I have both - I personally prefer the Mosin, a well as the availability and low cost of the ammo.

 

[Maverick223]

Between the two, Mauser hands down, but when you add in all the other options I prefer the K31 and Enfield (when in as-issued condition, the Mauser is the best hunting rifle IMO) to either.

 

[Virg461]

I have both (as well as four K-31's). The K-31 is the best shooter, plus the surplus ammo is very accurate and not corrosive.

But if you're convinced that you want one or the other, get the Mauser. It's a good shooter, handles better, and isn't 14 feet long like the M-N.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Mosin, but if you think you might use this rifle for anything serious (like putting venison in the freezer) the Mauser is much more likely to hit what it's aimed at.

Boy, I'll probably get yelled at for saying that.......

 

[harmon rabb]

Get both. These things aren't going to stay this cheap forever.

 

[Ignition Override]

Compared to the aperture sights of Enfields and Garands, the Mauser's sights require a bit of practice.

The surplus Czech/Yugo 8mm ammo prices have been stable in the last year or so.
Ammoman discounted his 900 rds. of Yugo last spring from $229 to $199-shipping included.

The new very low-cost Wolff spring has prevented any more FTFs.