Rifle suggestions (replacing a old target rifle)

[Jolly Green]

I currently have a Swedish m96 with a Soderin diopter and thoroughly enjoy it. However, i am just a kid without a job so I can't continue to afford 6.5x55 even though I'm using old milsurp. Accordingly I plan on selling my rifle locally. Here is what I am looking for in a new rifle:


-Cheaper ammo (no more than $0.25 per round)
-Military (a surplus rifle) (Also because I hate the look and feel of sporters, which is the sole thing keeping me away from a CZ 452)
-Iron sights (this is the sole point that is necessary, I don't plan on dishing out money for a nice piece of glass anytime soon.)
-South paw friendly - Definitely not a must, but would be kind of nice.
-No preference on bolt/semi/lever
-I have been shooting at 100 yards, but am ready to move out to 200 or 300 and plan on working my way to 500(to help with caliber selection)
*If a great .22lr is suggested I will just use smaller targets are closer ranges to supplement for distance.

Please try to make your suggestion applicable to at least some of the guidelines.

Thank you for any contributions.

 

[52grain]

For something off the beaten path, CMP is selling surplus NIB Kimber 82s in .22LR for $600. I have been tempted numerous times but have not bought one (yet) the people that have them seem to like them. Not sure about the barrel weight but they are a single shot with aperture sights.

http://www.thecmp.org/22targetsurplus.htm

 

[Jolly Green]

movin' on up

Bump for more suggestions.

 

[Cosmoline]

Is handloading out of the question? Seems a shame to get rid of such a fine firearm and you can really make it shine with handloads. You're going to be trading DOWN from that rifle. Also, are you sure you know how much those Soderin diopter sights are worth? You might be surprised.

But if you're really wanting a change, I'd suggest going with a Finnish Mosin. The ammo is cheaper than 6.5 Swede and it's a good performer.

 

[52grain]

What i do to save money is shoot 10 or 15 rounds out of one of my center fires and then spend the rest of the day shooting .22lr. If you don't have a .22, I recommend getting one ASAP (before you get reloading equipment).

I agree that getting rid of the Swede and/or the Soderin sights would be a real shame. If you do, you'll regret it later.

 

[benzy2]

You could try a Savage FVT. Not surplus but it comes with decent aperture rear sight and globe front sight. You may be able to find some used target .22 rifles for a decent price. Not sure how much you are looking to spend on the rifle. I think a .22lr is about the only option possible to have decent accuracy and cover that bullet price point.

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

Accordingly I plan on selling my rifle locally.

Yeah. You don't want that junky 96 or the junkier diopter. You need to unload that white elephant, and I mean fast, before the barrel wilts.

Do you live near Kentucky? I can travel to you, buy that crappy Swiss rifle, and dump it on some poor unsuspecting schmuck hereabouts. I'm sure I'll lose some money on the deal, but hey, I'm just that kind of good Samaritan.


KR

 

[jpwilly]

Get a 22lr like the Savage MKII.

 

[White Feather]

another vote for the savage.

if you dont go the .22 route, stay with the savage [110 american classic]
in .308. you can find the ammo anywhere. its not a bank breaker [usually
any wal mart, kmart, dicks, and most large sport stores like bass pro or
cabelas will have boxes of them for around 12-17 bux a box.

now your covered for lots of north american game. exceptional accuracy
with a good rifle and glass [when you decide to do that] and real
withstandable recoil. savages have a great out of the box reputation
[loved everyone i have ever bought] and the accu-trigger is real nice.

the 110 is very affordable but NOT "cheap". savage actions are some of the
strongest in the buisness. an there made in the good 'ol U-S of A!!

slap a set of iron sites on that bad boy and give 'em hell!!

everyone SHOULD have a .22 though. its is the most affordable shooting there
is and will still allow you to keep up your shooting chops untill you get back
into a larger rifle/pistol. not saying go do that now as you replacement for
your swede 96, but if you are, for finance sake, thats a-ok. go out and spend
40.00 on a couple 500 rnd bricks of .22 LR and shoot untill your great grand kids
are old and grey!

 

[DavidABQ]

Don't get rid of the Swedish Mauser; you WILL regret it later.

Go find yourself an inexpensive .22, something like a Marlin model 60 or model 795!

 

[chevyforlife21]

have you ever heard of the cz452 military training rifle?

 

[pikid89]

how bout a 10/22 liberty training rifle set up...10/22 with either standard carbine stock/AR type stock...with M1A sights like tech sights

 

[Oregun89]

I find that most men regret selling any rifle, unless of course they regretted buying it in the first place.

If you like it, do all you can to keep it.

As far as rifle selection, there are many great rifles, I would be searching by caliber if I were you, and I would be searching for something in .223

I'll also throw in another vote for Savage

Whatever you do, don't build a toy, keep it simple, strong, and accurate. Don't make it something it's not.

 

[Ignition Override]

Sent you a pm, but on second thought, a quality .22 which really appeals to you can provide so many more shots per dollar, if that is one of your main objectives.
Two weeks after the purchase of my first Mauser (Yugo 48A), a friend of the previous owner told me that the seller had taken a deer from 200 yards with the iron sights.
Did not ask whether cheap (.25-.30/rd.) surplus or newer ammo was used.