Milsurps at the public gun range

[giggitygiggity]

People's eyes are always drawn to my M-1 as well as my SRT Arms suppressed 9mm AR.

 

[kbuilta]

I have never seen anyone else at my club with anything other than modern firearms except at our GSMM or Vintage Bolt gun matches. But usually someone stops by to chat and ask about what I'm shooting during ceasefires since I just about only show up with Garands, a 1903A3, an M-N M39, an M-N 91/30 or a Swiss K31.

One time, there was a good-sized group of foreigners out being shown 'American shooting' by a couple of locals who thankfully spoke English. The visitors were from someplace in eastern Europe, I think it was Moldova, so probably don't get to shoot anything ever (except if/when they were conscripted). They were fascinated by the Garand I was sighting in but nobody wanted to try it when I offered. They just wanted to watch and talk among themselves for a while and then they went back to a black rifle at the other end of the range. I felt like a salesman giving a demo but nobody wanted to buy anything.

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

People's eyes are always drawn to my M-1 as well as my SRT Arms suppressed 9mm AR.

I haven't broken out my newly acquired Garand at the public range yet but I expect about the same. I've yet to see anyone else enjoying milsurps there. Mostly modern stuff and some really nice hunting rifles. Also nobody else seems to be shooting with irons. Pretty much all optics of one type or another all down the line. Can't wait to see if that infamous Garand "ping" turns any heads. Acquiring 150 grain SP has been a challenge as the offerings are all online and a little bit more expensive. This range does not allow FMJ so the cheaper CMP ammo I bought can't be used there.

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

I like ‘unusual’ guns and at the range people often inquire about them.

When I invite them shoot a few rounds the biggest grins are achieved by …

1.PPSH41

2.Steyr AUG

3.H&K MP5

4.Martini-Enfield .303

5.IMI Galil .308 SAR

I'd grin at any one of those too! Especially the Steyr AUG. I'd like to get my hands on one of those some day.

 

[MilsurpShooter]

Now this is what we're talking about. K31 could be next on the list. Big rack of them over at a Gander Mountain near me

I'd do it while you can, seems that they aren't as prevalent as they once were. I actually managed to pick up a 1896/11 recently to go with my K31. And if you do grab the K31 make sure to grab some GP11 too, oh and the proper bayonet... And a cleaning kit with stripper clip mirror for bore inspection... and.... I'll just stop before I get any further lol

 

[ID-shooting]

I'd do it while you can, seems that they aren't as prevalent as they once were. I actually managed to pick up a 1896/11 recently to go with my K31. And if you do grab the K31 make sure to grab some GP11 too, oh and the proper bayonet... And a cleaning kit with stripper clip mirror for bore inspection... and.... I'll just stop before I get any further lol

There is my kick I get out of mil-surps. Once you get the weapon, you gotta have all the gooidies it came with. Oilers, cleaning kits, slings, bayos, drop cases, parts, tools. It never ends cuz now i am looking for ammo pouches, kits, uniforms. Then not complete till you have the matching side arm all the stuff for it. Lol. You end up with a whole room of stuff.

M91/30
03A3
PPS43
VZ58
AMD65
Type 56 SKS
M4
M92S
1911

Working on IMI Uzi, G3, and CAR-15/XM177

Short list, M10, VZ24, TT-33, M9

 

[Officers'Wife]

Most fun I had with Milsurps at the range is with my Ross Mk III straight pull. Most people don't know what it is and never heard of one. A few people would recognize the name, but remembered that they were supposed to be unsafe to fire and unreliable. They were the latter, but not for the reasons usually given. The problem was corrected, too late to save the reputation of the gun. They were as safe as any other rifle as long as the soldiers using them did not do what they were TOLD not to do; disassemble the bolt.

The criticizing and skepticism ceased when the rifle would shoot inch groups at 100 yards all day long.

The time my uncle took me to a competition outside of Knox everyone there was saying my Enfield was too much rifle for me and called me "kid." After the second heat they were calling me "Miss." After the final they were calling me Selena. A couple asked my uncle if they could buy the rifle. (He said no.)

On the way home I mentioned the name changes. My uncle (being his smart alec self) just told me that whether she is 14 or 40 no man wants to get to insulting to a lady that just scored 98 out of a hundred at 100 yards.

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

There is my kick I get out of mil-surps. Once you get the weapon, you gotta have all the gooidies it came with. Oilers, cleaning kits, slings, bayos, drop cases, parts, tools. It never ends cuz now i am looking for ammo pouches, kits, uniforms. Then not complete till you have the matching side arm all the stuff for it. Lol. You end up with a whole room of stuff.

M91/30
03A3
PPS43
VZ58
AMD65
Type 56 SKS
M4
M92S
1911

Working on IMI Uzi, G3, and CAR-15/XM177

Short list, M10, VZ24, TT-33, M9

Accoutrements are crucial. Still on the hunt for a real sling and a cleaning kit for the No. 1 MkIII. Also a period correct nose cap. Mines a 1914 BSA and I'm not sure of the make and year of the one I found, only that it is missing the screw for the stacking swivel. It's more or less a placeholder. Of course the furniture is new because I had to unsporterize it. It should have the long range volley sight and a unit disk but I'm willing to forego those. Did pick up a vicious looking 1916 Wilkinson bayo for it.

And then of course, the Garand is a postwar greek rifle but hey, it's a Garand and it shoots very well, so I'll need a WWII period correct one of those

03A3 is moving up the chart of desirables. It's funny how what I want changes.

 

[HexHead]

I'm still trying to figure out you getting scolded for carrying a cased rifle. You weren't handling it or touching the rifle itself.

 

[HankB]

The range master even stopped to look her over during ceasefire even after scolding me for walking with my bagged rifle during ceasefire, which admittedly was a stupid mistake to make.

I'm still trying to figure out you getting scolded for carrying a cased rifle. You weren't handling it or touching the rifle itself.

My thought exactly - I have NEVER been to a range where carrying a CASED rifle (if that's what you meant by "bagged") behind the firing line was against the rules at ANY time. Of course, casing or uncasing it during a cease fire would be an entirely different matter . . .

 

[tark]

Uncle Nubbs, I please do not take this as a criticism, but how is someone trying to load 8mm ammo into a .303 going to hurt themselves? The ammo will not chamber in the wrong gun and therefor will not fire. Some milsurps WILL accept ammo not designed for them, but they can fire it harmlessly. I am thinking specifically of type 99 Arisakas. They will accept and fire harmlessly, 7.65 Argentine and 300 savage cartridges. Some will accept 308/7.62 NATO ammo as well, although this round is difficult to chamber in some rifles. The fired cases from all of these rounds are ruined for any reloading. The 300 Savage is turned into a straight case, the others have their shoulders pushed forward leaving almost no neck.

In every case (pun intentional) the controlled feed Arisaka slips the round under the extractor which holds it against the breech bolt face as it is firing. This , in effect, establishes proper headspace. If the extractor misses, the case is pushed forward into the chamber where the firing pin can't reach it. There is an old myth floating around that the Arisaka round is larger at the base than the 308, or 30-06. No it isn't, go look it up.

I usually go to the range with three or four guns. Nobody loads or touches them without my supervision.

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

I'm still trying to figure out you getting scolded for carrying a cased rifle. You weren't handling it or touching the rifle itself.

I thought it was weird too. Was talking to a friend and my understanding is that this range is under the microscope for a stray bullet that went over the berm a few years ago.

RO told me it broke his concentration while he was giving directions. I get it. Felt a little dumb for a few minutes. LOL his demeanor towards me changed quite a bit after he looked over the rifle next ceasefire.

In the spirit of THR, I try to set a good example over being safe and maintaining good positive etiquette in any environment, public or private. I also failed to think walking with a cased rifle slung over my shoulder was somehow a safety issue but if it busted his concentration I can see that being problematic. Their range, their rules.

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

Uncle Nubbs, I please do not take this as a criticism, but how is someone trying to load 8mm ammo into a .303 going to hurt themselves? The ammo will not chamber in the wrong gun and therefor will not fire. Some milsurps WILL accept ammo not designed for them, but they can fire it harmlessly. I am thinking specifically of type 99 Arisakas. They will accept and fire harmlessly, 7.65 Argentine and 300 savage cartridges. Some will accept 308/7.62 NATO ammo as well, although this round is difficult to chamber in some rifles. The fired cases from all of these rounds are ruined for any reloading. The 300 Savage is turned into a straight case, the others have their shoulders pushed forward leaving almost no neck.



In every case (pun intentional) the controlled feed Arisaka slips the round under the extractor which holds it against the breech bolt face as it is firing. This , in effect, establishes proper headspace. If the extractor misses, the case is pushed forward into the chamber where the firing pin can't reach it. There is an old myth floating around that the Arisaka round is larger at the base than the 308, or 30-06. No it isn't, go look it up.



I usually go to the range with three or four guns. Nobody loads or touches them without my supervision.

That was somebody else's post warning me to take care with milsurps being close to each other. No worries. When I shoot out at the farm, I'll take several down to my bench. My Mosin, .303, and Garand, for example, all use stripper clips or enblocs which I've generally got preloaded so it's quite easy to tell the cartridges apart! It's never a problem for me at all and if I'm shooting with a friend, he'll generally want me to load it for him at least at first. Enfield and Mosin strippers get rimlocked pretty easily if not set up properly so I usually end up handing them reloads as they shoot.

 

[ID-shooting]

Accoutrements are crucial. Still on the hunt for a real sling and a cleaning kit for the No. 1 MkIII. Also a period correct nose cap. Mines a 1914 BSA and I'm not sure of the make and year of the one I found, only that it is missing the screw for the stacking swivel. It's more or less a placeholder. Of course the furniture is new because I had to unsporterize it. It should have the long range volley sight and a unit disk but I'm willing to forego those. Did pick up a vicious looking 1916 Wilkinson bayo for it.

And then of course, the Garand is a postwar greek rifle but hey, it's a Garand and it shoots very well, so I'll need a WWII period correct one of those

03A3 is moving up the chart of desirables. It's funny how what I want changes.

It gets pretty stupid, pretty quick. Local surplus store guy knows me and my collecting friend rather well. He sets stuff to the side for us regularly when he gets new things in. It is to the point I have my eye on a vintage M2 ball crate with lid and clear markings, $50 bucks, I am seriously considering it to store my M2 ball and M2 AP ammo in. It's a disease, pure and simple. LOL

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

It gets pretty stupid, pretty quick. Local surplus store guy knows me and my collecting friend rather well. He sets stuff to the side for us regularly when he gets new things in. It is to the point I have my eye on a vintage M2 ball crate with lid and clear markings, $50 bucks, I am seriously considering it to store my M2 ball and M2 AP ammo in. It's a disease, pure and simple. LOL

I just wish I had the $$$$ for everything I want! There's no end to it! Get a Mosin, then want a hex receiver or a PU sniper. I've got a soviet greatcoat but it's never cold enough to wear in Texas. I've got my eye on a really nice 1926 LE no1 MkIII some LGS wants 250 for. Bandoliers, pouches, helmets... I don't have many vices outside of this. It really is a sickness. Cheers!

 

[justin 561]

I usually get scoffed at by most for the Yugo SKS, but when I bring the Fin M39 with the "tiger stripe" they will come look over the stock. every time they pick it up, they have the look like their picking up a bag of concrete.

 

[entropy]

Be extremely careful if you have two different milsurp rifle types near each other.
Even very seasoned, careful shooters in their 30s or 40s at a private shooting club will get confused and try to load your 8x57 Mauser ammo in your .303 Enfield, or vice versa.

I always load them for the shooter, unless it's someone I've shot with and know their knowledge level. Avoids any confusion.

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

I always load them for the shooter, unless it's someone I've shot with and know their knowledge level. Avoids any confusion.

That's been my experience too. Most of my friends want me to do it for them, at least at first, being generally unfamiliar with the weapon.

 

[Ignition Override]

Have you been able to shoot a few rounds out of an actual 9mm Luger Sturmgewehr?

Did so a year ago at the range in Newburgh IN, just outside of Evansville.
Very little recoil or muzzle rise.

 

[captmoto]

I am in a group of milsurp shooters that gathers once a month to shoot and jaw jack. We usually draw some interest from the others at the range. M1's always get a look. We get the Enfield variants, Swedish Mausers, 98 variants Moisin 39's, 44's, 91/30's and the Chinese variants. Rolling blocks and M1 carbines. Swiss rifles are pretty hot right now and one guy with a Swedish Ljungman AG42.
I bring my IHC M1, 91 Argentine Mauser and 42 Izhvek 91/30. I will have a K31 next week.
It's a very friendly groupof people and are all generous about letting each other try guns out and a little horse trading does on too.
One of our Moisin volleys. Everybody starts giggling during the second round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti1nSw1S0P4

 

[HankB]

I thought it was weird too . . . RO told me it broke his concentration while he was giving directions. I get it. Felt a little dumb for a few minutes.

No need for you to feel dumb - his lack of intelekt and inability to konsentrate shouldn't be contagious.

Their range, their rules.

True; when it's not your range, your only choices are to comply with their rules - even when they're silly - or go elsewhere.

 

[krupparms]

Back in the 80s, I picked up a NORINCO downfolder stocked AKS in7.62×39mm & my Dad & I headed for the range. It was a small range that was a meadow with a berm. I had shown my dad how it worked and he was shooting it, when a car pulled in with 2 people in it. They got out & got their gear out. The guy & his buddy had a Norinco SKS. The guy who owned it was telling his friend that they were shooting a AK and went on to tell his friend that it was the gun used by the VC in Vietnam. My dad gave me a strange look, and I just shook my head. Dad had done 3 tours in S.E.Asia & thought it was kinda of funny! We had a great time shooting & a good laugh on the way home!

 

[ol' scratch]

The Garands get lots of attention, particularly the IHC. My Mosin PU also gets some attention. The firearm that everyone wants to look at is the STEN Mark V I built from parts, however.

These the the comments.

"What is that? Tubing?"

"What country would field THAT?"

"Every time I see you (scratch), you have something I haven't seen before."

"That is the funniest looking gun I have ever seen."

"You MADE that?"

I get a kick out of taking the silly thing out.

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

No need for you to feel dumb - his lack of intelekt and inability to konsentrate shouldn't be contagious.



True; when it's not your range, your only choices are to comply with their rules - even when they're silly - or go elsewhere.

Thank you. If and when I do make a safety mistake on the range, I think I'm a big enough man to take my lumps and learn from it.

 

[Uncle Nubbs]

I am in a group of milsurp shooters that gathers once a month to shoot and jaw jack. We usually draw some interest from the others at the range. M1's always get a look. We get the Enfield variants, Swedish Mausers, 98 variants Moisin 39's, 44's, 91/30's and the Chinese variants. Rolling blocks and M1 carbines. Swiss rifles are pretty hot right now and one guy with a Swedish Ljungman AG42.

I bring my IHC M1, 91 Argentine Mauser and 42 Izhvek 91/30. I will have a K31 next week.

It's a very friendly groupof people and are all generous about letting each other try guns out and a little horse trading does on too.

One of our Moisin volleys. Everybody starts giggling during the second round.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti1nSw1S0P4

Great video. That looks like a bunch of fun. I have a sister 1942 Izhevsk 91/30 to yours. The giggling is infectious. Hickok45 does it. You guys do it. I do it.