Mossberg 810 or Husqvarna?

[imacauk]

Hi all, I've been a long time prowler, but this is my first post.
I'm wanting to buy an inexpensive used 30-06. Choice 1 is a Mossberg 810a that is in decent shape. It has a detachable magazine. Asking $340 [Canadian dollars]. Choice 2 is a Husqvarna. This rifle appears to be a 70's vintage "sporter" because it has a Shnabel forend tip, straight comb, side safety and 24" barrel. It has a drop plate and holds 5 rnds. There are some slight handling marks on the stock, but the bluing is good. The seller claims this gun is a FN model, but I don't believe him. He is asking $575 CDN for this gun.
So which would be a better gun for the money? Both are 30-06, both have 24" barrels, but the differences in the quality of action and barrel are what I'm wondering about. Is the Husky worth the extra $250? Will I be served just as well with the Mossberg?

I'll use this gun as a deer/elk gun. I have other guns to use for that also, so this will be just another to add to the collection.

I asked this same question on the Firing Line, and only got 1 answer. It was good, but I'm looking for more opinions.

Thanks

 

[rangerruck]

the 810 was a great rifle, and very underrated; actually any of the old mossy's were very good. However, the husqy should be much better, much much better, in every way, except maybe not too much better in the accuracy dept, that will be up to you.
Now then, is it 250 dollars better? Well, it is a bit of a rarity, few peeps have them, they are nice, and accurate and beauties, but your wallet should tell you if it is that much better...

 

[Runningman]

I would take a good hard look at the Husqvarna. What model is it? Husqvarna did build some rifles using the FN 98 action from Belgium so it is possible. Even it is not the FN action the Husqvarna commercial rifles such as the HVA actions are excellent and well built they also came in different grades.

Bottom line if the Husky does not have and serious issues such as a cracked stock or rust issues I would go for it. The Husky commercial rifle are much higher quality rifle than a typical Mossberg at least the ones I have looked at over the years. They are not real common here in the US.

I would sure like to find a decent Husqvarna rifle in 9.3 x 62 myself.

 

[Uncle Mike]

I just took delivery of a Husqvarna 8mm mauser caliber bolt action.

I'll have to get the specifics for you.

 

[imacauk]

That's the kind of advice I was seeking. Thanks. Were the Mossberg 810's prone to any problems in particular? The quality of them is not as high as the Husky, but in what way? Prone to breakage, or just a 'fit and finish' kind of thing?
Thanks again

 

[rangerruck]

No, any of the old mossy centerfires were not known for probs, and were the budget rifles of the time, during the 70's; thats when remmy went after them with the 788- them and savage. It just happens to be a very plain jane type rifle. Plain wood, plain finish, metal, mags, etc., but they worked and worked.
So when we say the husky is better in every way- literally they are; better fit, finish, wood, metal work, screws, etc. The huskys will only continue to go up in value, and rarity, the mossy's are pretty much stuck where they are.
but does it mean you will get better end results? Again, up to you.

and man , you are right, could I love a Husqy in 9.3 cal.... so good...

 

[imacauk]

Thanks guys for your help. I'll look at the Husky a lot more closely.
Cheers!

 

[Bwana John]

The Husky could be one of the best bolt actions ever made.

Look for the stripper clip cut out to determine if the action is surplus or commercial.

The surplus rifle has the cut out. (not bad rifles actually)

You want the commercial action.

 

[Runningman]

The quality of them is not as high as the Husky, but in what way? Prone to breakage, or just a 'fit and finish' kind of thing?

Mostly a fit and finish thing. Not sure on the 810s but years ago when looking at a 1960s Mossberg 800 I was a little shocked to see it had a plastic trigger housing. Of course these days plastic, synthetic, and polymer type materials are much more accepted on hunting rifles and may be a good thing if the correct material is used for the application. But back then it really surprised me.

 

[Speedo66]

As previously stated, the Husqvarna as a fine rifle will hold it's value in the long run. The Mossberg will be just another used gun losing value.

There is also the personal satisfaction of owning a fine piece.

Although the Mossberg emblem shows the "tre knona" or 3 crowns of Sweden, the actual made in Sweden Husqvarna is the better item.

If the money isn't an issue, go for the Husky.

If it's an FN model, wouldn't it have Belgian proof marks?

 

[Zach S]

Husqvarna, as in the orange outdoor equipment husky? They made guns?

 

[Runningman]

Husqvarna, as in the orange outdoor equipment husky? They made guns?

Yes, Husqvarna made guns for hundreds of years. They no longer do so.

 

[Zach S]

Learn something new everyday.

Based on my experience with their chainsaws, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of their rifles.

 

[Speedo66]

Husqvarna, as in the orange outdoor equipment husky? They made guns?

And great motorcycles. And stoves.