King of milsurp bolt guns?

If you could only have one...

  • Swiss K31

    Votes: 38 25.3%

  • Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I

    Votes: 28 18.7%

  • Mosin-Nagant M44

    Votes: 6 4.0%

  • Mosin-Nagant 91/59

    Votes: 7 4.7%

  • Edited by Art

    Votes: 4 2.7%

  • Mosin-Nagant M38

    Votes: 5 3.3%

  • Mauser 98k

    Votes: 62 41.3%
  • Total voters
    150
  • Poll closed .
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H

Hawksnest

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Location
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I've been looking to get a milsurp bolt gun for a long time now. IMHO, there are so many great rifles out there chambered for very proven cartridges. With such a variety, it's hard to settle on just one "ultimate" rifle. If I ever do decide on a rifle, it will be for blowing the brains out of pumpkins and watermelons, maybe even punching holes in paper. It will by no means be an every-week shooter, mainly because of ammo costs.

Edit: I should elaborate about the 98K selection. If you have a different Mauser other than the 98 Karabiner, like the Yugo M48 or Czech vz 24, that can go under the 98K option. Also, if you like the Ishapore 2A1 Enfields, that can go under the No.4 Mk. I. Sorry for any confusion.

I have posted a poll along with this thread showing all of the bolt guns I am considering. I know there are many other greats such as the Krag-Jorgensen and Springfield '03, but I am not in the market for such rifles right now. Vote your favorite for the following reasons (not necessarily in this order of importance):

1. Accuracy
2. Availability of parts.
3. Quality of build.
4. Cost and availability of ammunition.
5. Reliability

Sorry, I just realized that I put the M44 carbine twice on the poll. Does anyone know how to edit that?
 
Last edited:
Most copied bolt action in the world. A Mauser. Maybe consider chambering it in .308/30-06
 
Sixgun86 said:
Most copied bolt action in the world. A Mauser. Maybe consider chambering it in .308/30-06
Click to expand...
Can a milsurp Mauser use commercial grade .30-06? I know the Garand has issues with pressure when firing commercial grade loads, but I am not aware that any bolt guns have this problem.
 
M44 for me, has served me well as a scout revamp. Cost, accuracy, avail of parts, ammunition costs are all AAA+++ for me.
 

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I like them all. The K 98 is a beauty to behold. But in terms of accuracy i ll go with the K 31. Shoots like a .308 . Using the GP 11 surplus, its top quality.
 
Those CZ 24s are good to go . The rear sight starts at 300 meters so your shots will be high at 100 yds. I d suggest: change to a higher front sight post if you want to hit close to POA.

I had one before and they are soft shooting mauser rifles .
 
K31. The Rolex of the mil-surp bolt actions.

Except, I'd probably rather get a 1903, since it's chambered in .30-06 and ammo is way more plentiful.
 
I pick the Mauser 98 but not necessarily a 98k. Mausers were manufactured in 30.06 for Colombia and Peru among others. A solid Mauser 98 action can easily handle magnum calibers if you were to rebarrel/rechamber.
 
The Moisin Nagant has a rep for being the most accurate of the mass produced milsurp rifles due to the fact that when in battery, the locking lugs are vertical rather than horizontal or at an angle. This makes the action more rigid and results in less barrel vibration.
 
My first thought was a 1903A3. If you get a good one you will be hard pressed to need another mil surp. But its not on the list.

So I voted for the 98 Mauser. Strong, reliable, powerful cartridge, spair parts are avalible for it. The list gose on. If you get one that has not been abused it should fill your needs. Me personaly? I would look for one from WWII just for the history thats involved.

WB
 
The military M98 Mauser has millions of originals and copies all around the planet.

And it has been proven in combat for over 100 years. A feat only approached by the Great Enfield. Which is not as adaptable.

It has been chambered for military use in 7MM, 8mm, 7.65mm, 7.62 NATO and 30-06. Not to mention odd Siamese Mauser calibers. and even 303 for some trials rifles.
The Persian Mausers, Czech Vz24s, Yugos and even the 1903 Springfield are really just slightly modified M-98s.

Millions of sporter rifles and commercial rifles are simply modified M-98 actions.

That action will shoot anything from a 243 to a 458.


You listed the Mosin in various forms, but it is still a Mosin. Talk about stacking the deck.
 
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I noticed the Mosin list stacked without any mention of the better models - The Finnish beasties.

Per OP's requirements
1. Accuracy +++
2. Availability of parts. + (although bolt parts are easily scored.)
3. Quality of build. +++
4. Cost and availability of ammunition. +++ (surplus 7.62x54r is everywhere.)
5. Reliability +++
I must say...

M39. Sako, Valmet, SKY or B, take your pick.
 
Of the rifles on the list, the one most likely to be accurate is the Swiss K31.
I love mausers as much as the next person, but lots of milsurp mausers of every flavor are very worn and used.
You might get a gem, you might get a pig. If you spend a lot on a mauser to get a really nice one, Argentine, Persian, Nice German, etc, you are getting into 1903a3 money.
For an accurate Mosin, look for a Finn M39. Prices are in K31 territory, and you might have a better chance of getting a real shooter.
Damn flyer...
 

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