If you could only have one milsurp bolt action

There was a gunsmith in Switzerland named (Burgin) who made a special conversion bolt handle. It cost approx. 300.00 when i bought mine.
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Yes, agree with that choice. Here's my M96/38:
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I'd prefer the Husqvarna with the turned-down bolt handle, but this will do, and it shoots great.

 

Enfield No4 Mk2.

 

Whattabout' Springfield M-2's, do they qualify as milsurps? Just askin'

 

It's impossible to have only one - any C&R holder knows they breed...

 

M1903A3 Springfield. Just as accurate as the original '03s and with MUCH better sights. When I was a kid, they were selling for under $30, and unlike other milsurps, they were ready to go from the box with those great sights.

I have two -- one Remington and one Smith-Corona. The Remington I use with cast bullets, and have the Smith-Corona zeroed with jacketed loads.

 

Yup. I've got one of them, too. Mine is an M1922 upgraded to M2 status. One hellofa squirrel rifle.

 

It’s hard to choose just one. From a standpoint of craftsmanship and accuracy, maybe a Swiss G11. From a standpoint of history? My Finn M28-30 with an issue-number that puts it smack dab in the middle of the Winter War fighting. From a standpoint of pleasantness to shoot, my Chilean model 12 mauser 98 in 7mm. Rarity? My 8x50r M95 long rifle. Evoking the era? Yugo refurb K98k in perfect condition. I really couldn’t choose which one to keep, they’re all great. The thing about milsurps is that they’re by definition a collectible. Most of us don’t buy one because we want one rifle, or a great tool for hunting or self defense. The last rifle I’d ever sell is probably a Marlin 336, but that’s more a function of utility than sheer love.

I shoot my Swiss rifle a lot because it’s high condition and also not particularly rare or collectible since the Swiss never fought. If I were going into battle I’d rather have a No. 4 Mk 2, but at the range I’d probably rather shoot the Swiss rifle, for matters of conscience. (I can wring it out without serious concern I’m putting more wear on the barrel of my pre-WW1 SMLE, for instance.) If I could just have one I’d probably keep my ‘98 Krag. Not the best at any one thing, but just so darn cool.

 

Good question, and I'm glad you asked because the sniper rifles were fitted with a very fine flip-up adjustable sight, much more precise than the standard battle sights.

 

Considering I don’t currently own a complete Milsurp rifle, there are really only a couple options that come to mind. 03 Springfield is certainly on the list, but it’s too common and too cliche for me. Eddystone is a close second there. Garand, yeah still in the same neighborhood, but it piques my interest more (not bolt but still) nothing really has that weird and overly purposeful but refined combination that I am looking for, with the exception of the destroyer carbine. Make mine pristine, incredible action and trigger, beautifully figured wood, and pack it with about 10,000 9x23 rounds.

 

my choice also...

 

My Steyr SSG-69 & ZF-69 optic.

Conelrad

 

"Conelrad" ... wow, there's a term I haven't seen for years. I was in broadcasting in the early '70's. If there's a story there, have you posted in the intro thread? Just curious.

 

Probably one of my Swede Mausers.
I've got a Bubba'd M94, an M96, an M96/38 and a sporterized M38.
If I was forced to take one that was as-issued I'd probably go with the M96/38.

 

Lee-Enfield No4 MK2 because I grew up shooting them, also because they're an excellent battle rifle, and finally because they were instrumental (in various forms) in the success of the largest empire in world history a.k.a. The British Empire.

 

How could I have forgotten my M2 22 ? Brain must of been locked on centerfire

 

Very hard to pick just one but if I had to this 1943 K31 with a cool stock splice would be a good one.

 

I found the Swede M-38 I had to push all the right buttons. Tough, accurate, well made, good overall length and weight, and with an inherently accurate cartridge that didn't pound you but was sufficient for most game.

There's a reason they go for big bucks now.

 

Mosin nagant 91/30. I think they are fun and I enjoy carrying and shooting them out in the snow.

 

Mosin Nagant M-38 Carbine (obviously in mint condition and nice Barrell). The perfect short rifle without the bayonet of the M-44.

 

Actually, the Lee-Enfield No4 MK2 presided over the demise of the British Empire, which basically fell apart after WWII -- about the time the MK2 was becoming general issue.

 

Only one hmmmm 3040 Krag carbine. Slick as can be.