SouthronBoy
Member
I can't justify spending a whole lot of money on this project, but I'd like to build a scout rifle.
My initial thought was to get a Mosin Nagant M38 to work on. (I already have an M44 that I like well enough). I then got the bright idea to buy a 91/30, and cut the barrel down to about 20". 91/30s are about $50 cheaper than M38s, and since I'll probably have to get the barrel crowned anyway, why not?
Since I've been doing some research, I wonder if I wouldn't be better off with an Enfield, a Mauser clone or a Swiss K31. The Enfields and the Mausers can be found in .308, and I think the Swiss 7.5 might be acceptable.
I don't know anybody with any of these rifles, so a test drive is unlikely.
An argument in favor of the Swiss rifle is that since these never saw combat, it wouldn't be like I was destroying an historical artifact or something. I'd feel the same way about a MN 91/59 as well--the Soviets ruined their historical value and turned them into novelties.
FWIW, I'm left-handed.
I plan on doing as much of the work as I can myself.
I appreciate any input or suggestions.
My initial thought was to get a Mosin Nagant M38 to work on. (I already have an M44 that I like well enough). I then got the bright idea to buy a 91/30, and cut the barrel down to about 20". 91/30s are about $50 cheaper than M38s, and since I'll probably have to get the barrel crowned anyway, why not?
Since I've been doing some research, I wonder if I wouldn't be better off with an Enfield, a Mauser clone or a Swiss K31. The Enfields and the Mausers can be found in .308, and I think the Swiss 7.5 might be acceptable.
I don't know anybody with any of these rifles, so a test drive is unlikely.
An argument in favor of the Swiss rifle is that since these never saw combat, it wouldn't be like I was destroying an historical artifact or something. I'd feel the same way about a MN 91/59 as well--the Soviets ruined their historical value and turned them into novelties.
FWIW, I'm left-handed.
I plan on doing as much of the work as I can myself.
I appreciate any input or suggestions.