Hunting with Milsurps

[dak0ta]

Is it considered a bad thing to take a milsurp rifle in full military configuration and hunt with it? Do most people have a problem with it getting dings and dents from the outdoors? Rather one should keep it locked up and safe to preserve its historical value?

 

[EmbarkChief]

I don't feel that way....

 

[dmazur]

I plan to take my Garand on a hunting trip.

I'm not sure what you mean by "full military configuration", unless you are referring to one that hasn't been sporterized to any extent. So yes, it would be full military configuration. Except for the bayonet...

I bought a replica, so it has no historical value. I can, however, understand the concept of collecting guns and preserving historical value. I suppose if I had a nice WWII-era Garand, I'd think twice about taking it out and getting it soaking wet.

Why would I do it? Just to know I could take a deer with an iron sights battle rifle, I suppose.

The Garand certainly isn't the best suited for deer hunting. Heavy, hard to mount a scope conventionally, and not made of weather-resistant materials.

 

[Float Pilot]

I only use my Swede Mausers, 1903A3s, maybe the Krag on nice days and occasionally an Enfield.
You take care of them and they will take care of you....

 

[maskedman504]

Tools are meant to be used. YMMV.

In alot of cases new rifles are atleast equally, if not more expensive than milsurps. If you are not abusing the weapon, what is the harm in using it?

 

[krupparms]

My SKS took my last deer. You have to install a 5rd. magazing but that takes about 10min.s.I use 125gr. SP. If I get over east I use a 03A3, I use 180gr.SP. for bigger stuff! They work fine! But now days I use help getting to my stand!

 

[Snowdog]

Naw, if your shoulder can handle it (some milsurp rifles are hefty) then you're golden.
Personally, I think it's dandy to use an old warhorse for hunting. I like to think of that as "re-purposing" and environmentally friendly.

 

[dak0ta]

So which one should I use?

8x57, 7.5x55, .303 British, 7.62x54r?

 

[C'Thulhu]

They're fine if you don't mind the weight. I took my m39 out two years ago, and I won't do it again. Way too heavy.

Another caveat is that certain calibers may be difficult to find in a good hunting bullet. Keep that in mind as well.

 

[Snowdog]

All those cartridges mentioned are offered by various manufacturers with bullets appropriate for hunting, so it might just boil down to preference.

From a cartridge standpoint, I very much like the 6.5x55 and 8.92x57JS.
From a surplus rifle standpoint, I really like the No4 Mk1 (or Mk2) Enfield.

 

[caribou]

M-39 in military config is AWSOME!

We did this the last few days.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=634827

 

[303tom]

I use my military rifles for hunting, some more than others........

 

[CZguy]

I started out deer hunting with a K98, that I picked out of a barrel for $25.00. It worked just fine but was pretty heavy at the end of the day.

 

[geo57]

I've used my Mosin rifles to harvest my deer the last few years, both a M44 and 91/30. I slightly prefer the 91/30.

 

[LoonWulf]

if your doing alot of stalking thru brush or any thick cover realy, the lenght and weight of most milsurps could be an issue, atleast the long ones could be. I know quite a few hunters who love the SKS, a few who use sporterized mausers or 03s, but i havent seen alot of others here. To show how backwards we are, i dont know ANYBODY who hunts with an ar lol.

 

[dastardly-D]

Milsurp for hunting !

Why the heck not ? They are made for the worst conditions possible.If it is accurate enough for the distance you plan on shooting at,they will do the job.Now if it's in pristine condition,and a real genuine collectable ,then maybe just keep it that way.As to rain,snow,mud,banging thru the brush,a civilian rifle just can't keep up with a milsurp. You can find softpoints for any Swede,Nagant,8mm,7mm,6.5,whatever/.........Use it,enjoy it,clean it.

 

[Tirod]

In the '70's, my first time out hunting I was loaned a late war 98K shooter. Others in the group used Enfields, '03's, Garands, Ithaca shotguns, whatever. We largely hunted in treestands morning and evening, with deer drives midday to kick them out.

After that, I moved to using an HK91, so looking back, I was using a brand new milsurp. Now I have a 6.8 AR15 - another "new" "milsurp."

Era for era, a military rifle is generally always superior to the civilian firearm. More robust finish, more durable, less finicky action. And, the military gun almost always gets the superior feature first, while the traditional hidebound civilian gunner finally catches up decades later - shooting an old milsurp and discovering it does more.

I just choose to use your children's milsurp now and enjoy it.

 

[nathan]

Forum member Caribou at hunting section uses his M 39 effectively in that part of Alaska.

 

[wnycollector]

When they opened up the county where I normally hunt to rifles a few years ago, I took a nice four point with my 1937 mauser. Subsequent to that, I have taken a my SKS and Mosin on successful hunts also.

 

[morcey2]

My backup rifle for deer hunting is either my VZ-24 or 1909 Argentine, depending on what I feel like that day. Both are accurate enough for the range I can shoot with iron sights. Once I get some soft-point 7.62x54R, my backup will be one of my M44's with the bayonet removed. (and re-zeroed since it's right on with the bayonet deployed.)

Matt

 

[Dr.Rob]

I've hunted with a guy that used a sporterized .303 Enfield. We used to keep a 1903A3 with a half stock in camp as a back up rifle. I've seen Swedes, 1903's and other bolt guns out in the Colorado woods and plains. I've never fired my Brno Kar98k in anger at a deer.. but I certainly could. I like it a lot better than the 1903a3, and shoot it more accurately.

 

[Marlin60Man]

Seems like retiring a rifle like that to a cabinet where it won't ever be shot or used again would be kind of an insult to the history behind it. Just my opinion anyway.

 

[dak0ta]

Which would you take for hunting? 91/30, K31, M98, No.4?

 

[geo57]

As I stated before, I have used both a Mosin 91/30 and a M44 on whitetail, but properly loaded, any of those mentioned would do a fine job if the hunter did his.

 

[JRI]

Another caveat is that certain calibers may be difficult to find in a good hunting bullet. Keep that in mind as well

Not if you handload.