Need Help Choosing A Gun...

[RomaniKing]

Ok ... so here is my predicament.

I'm new to these forums, so first things being first: Hello.

Ok, now that singular piece of awkward introduction is done, I need help choosing my next rifle.

The 3 I have been looking at are: SVT, K98k, or an SKS (not so much).

I am really leaning towards the K98 due to its mauser bolt . But I've had a few people tell me that an 8mm is sub par? I don't know much about that round ... can someone tell me a lil more? Is it good enough to drop a deer? elk?

The SVT is also another i want, due to the semi auto 7.62x54. I love 7.62x54 more than i should really mainly due to it being cheap to find surplus. Any opinion on these 3 guns would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I know almost nothing of the SKS other than a bunch of rednecks have told me to get one. =S

 

[Norinco982lover]

What do you want it for? Do you own any other rifles?

 

[svaz]

Interesting range of weapons you have there; both in terms of function and price.

The SVD and the 98k are roughly equiv in power, both chambering full-size cartridges, but an original SVD will be several times the cost of 98k. Even the PSL (SVD, look-alikes, but differing mechanicals) will cost a few hundred more.

The SKS shoots the much smaller and weaker 7.62x39 cartridge. It should be good enough for whitetail (roughly as powerful as the .30-30), but marginal for a big old elk even at close range. IMHO, SKSs (and AKs) are absurdly priced right now. However, it's a great truck gun if you can find it for $200.

Here are some good research sites for the:

Mauser 98k
SKS

Also, if you like the 54R & presumably aren't opposed to bolt-actions, check out the Mosin-Nagant 91/30.

HTH

 

[woad_yurt]

8MM Mauser is in the 30.06 neighborhood. How is that "sub-par?"

I have 3 (2 Czech and a K98k) and they're great rifles. Very powerful and very accurate.

PS: Listen to those rednecks. An SKS is a "must have." Look at a Norinco. They're the lightest, handiest ones. In the hand, it almost feels like a .22. My Paratrooper model goes with me any time I go shooting. It's the only long arm that goes every single time. Everybody loves shooting that SKS.

 

[hso]

If you're a euro-milsurp fan, and those selections sound like you are, I'd suggest a k-98, then the SVT, then the SKS.

Being a misurp fan myself thats the order I'd do it.

As to the 8mm being inferior in any way, nope.

 

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

I like the mauser, had an sks it was kinda fun to plink with but the mauser is much finer rifle

 

[Sam1911]

You're getting good advice.

SVDs are very interesting. Do your research before spending your money there. As said, actual SVDs are expensive. PSLs are similar (looking) and still a bit expensive. You need to know exactly which gun you're buying, how much you should be paying for it, and you also need to know which ammo to buy to shoot in it. (Not all 7.62x54R is the same.) Personally, I think it's an enthusiast's rifle. Something to get "someday" but not terribly high on the list.

The k.98 is just a GREAT gun. And the 8mm is a GREAT round. As others pointed out, it's almost the twin of the .30-'06, can be loaded pretty stoutly, and has probably been used to take every major game animal on the planet at one point or another. Would be adequate for hunting any non-dangerous species of North American game, at reasonable ranges.

The SKS is a fantastic gun. Easy to shoot, reasonably accurate if you have the skills, decent cartridge for close-range game up to white-tail size. I always think of the SKS as the communist's semi-automatic answer to the Win '94. Fast, easy to shoot, good in close, ultra reliable.

So you have three very different choices. If this is a hunting gun, get the Mauser without question. If this is a fun plinker and/or close-range deer rifle, get the SKS. If you're looking for something a bit exotic to tinker with at the range, and you can afford it, get the SVD.

-Sam

 

[RomaniKing]

Thanks SO much guys. I really appreciate everything. Im leaning towards the K98 or any other 8mm mauser. I already own an M91/30 and i have to say its bloody amazing. The second shot relocates the shoulder

 

[C-grunt]

The only place I think the 8mm is subpar is in the ammo selection category. A good hunting round is not necessarily available at Walmart. Otherwise its a great cartridge that should be a more popular hunting round.

 

[Deckard]

As said, actual SVDs are expensive.

I think the OP was referring to the WWII SVT-40. Much cheaper than genuine SVDs, but about as much as a PSL.

Back on topic, out of the 3 listed I'd go with the K98 as its the cheapest, it'll certainly drop a deer, and will be accurate enough. An SVT will be hard to lay hands on and if you get one and are planning on shooting it frequently be warned that replacement parts will likely be a bitch to find. An SKS is a solid rifle, durable, cheap ammo, etc. But IMO its ugly as a pig and I'd find a different semi-auto rifle. I only buy rifles I'll enjoy shooting and the SKS just leaves me cold.

 

[Snowdog]

I absolutely dislike the SVT-40. Not due to any fault of its own, but it just reminds me of a day back in the early-mid 90's when I was purchasing a NIB Chinese "type 56" SKS at a "Rose's" department store. The fellow at the counter points at the SKS and then behind him at the several surplus SVT-40s and said "If I had any money, I'd buy every one of these I can find and sell 'em in a few years".
I had just come into money at the time and considered this... then decided on a then-new PC. Heck, it was something like a 486 with an awesome 133MHz processor. It even had a modem!

Those SVT-40, though in less-than-pristine shape, were selling for $120 or so. The brand new Chi-com SKS carbines for less than $100. Both have probably quadupled or better in price since.

Ok... to your question, I would personally go the K98 route due to the current price/value.
I love my Yugo M48 (which is similar but not quite a K98) and have considered purchasing a K98. The "sub-par" BS you've heard is likely just an innocent mistake, being that American manufactures have intentionally loaded the 8mm Mauser far shy of its potential.
Some (like me) like to get a general idea of a cartridges "power" by determining its kinetic energy. There are more factors to consider, but it's good enough for most.

IIRC, European military loads of the 8mm (also known as the 8x57 and 7.92x57JS) used a 196gr - 198gr slug and generate up to and sometimes over 3,000 ft-lbs (or FPE). I believe American loading are something like a 170gr slug that generates 2,100 ft-lbs. Still plenty for deer and such but not loaded to potential.

 

[inclinebench]

Just do yourself a favor.....buy them all! More to shoot. Like Lays potato chips...no one can own just one.