surplus rifle bug

[_N4Z_]

I've been eyeing the surplus rifle market lately thinking of picking one up for a fun at the range toy. They are so affordable and accurate it's almost a crime not to have atleast one.

Also, the local club has been talking about opening up a military rifle bolt action competition which has spurred my interest too.

I'm looking at Schmidt Rubin K31's, Finnish Mosin M39's, and of course the venerable Mauser 98 in 8mm.

Accuracy is important here. Taking opinions, I know the K31 has a large following.

AIM Surplus or Samco Global? Again, taking opinions.

 

[mordechaianiliewicz]

I have shot all three, and I would suggest the K31 if accuracy is your greatest priority (although the M39 is dern close). You can obtain new production boxer.nc.reloadable 7.5 brass from the WOLF Gold line (although cheap steel case stuff would be great, I seriously doubt WOLF would produce that).

Also, it's real smooth too. Nice action, beautiful sights. And I'm thinking if you're doing competition, it will likely be a slight bit quicker than the Finnish gun (and definitely faster than a Mauser) in working the bolt (b/c of it's straight pull design).

For iron sights competition, with speed as a factor and targets between 50-300 yards, I would suggest either an Enfield, or a K.31 Swiss.

For long range open sights, K.31 hands down.

For long range scope work, a Mauser with optics set up (or a 91/30 sniper for that matter)

 

[rust collector]

If nice machining, close tolerances and great accuracy give you any satisfaction, please check out the K31. The stocks are usually bunged up, but can be reclaimed or left as is, and you do have a chance to connect with the former custodian if yours has a tag under the buttplate.

I've not played with the M39, but my M44 is a tribute to sturdiness if not accuracy. I have enjoyed my Swedish M96s as well (a bit hard to find these days). Some of the Mausers are a bit crude or tired, and I have never cared for the sights, but ammo is cheap, and some can be fixed up quite nicely if the bore is in good condition.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

If accuracy is of major concern then the Schmidt-Rubin or Finn M1939 are your two top choices, unless you find a nice Swedish Mauser. The Finn has the advantage of plentiful cheap surplus ammo, and new production Russian ammo. 7.5 Swiss ammo is A LOT more expensive.

M1891/30 Mosins can be quite accurate, especially if you find one that's been rebuilt by the Finns.

Mausers in 8mm can be very accurate, but a lot of them have been through at least one world war, and show it, so you'll need to be picky.

 

[_N4Z_]

Thanks for the input fellas.

I've thought alot about the M39's for that very reason.

The Finn has the advantage of plentiful cheap surplus ammo, and new production Russian ammo.

AIM Surplus has Finn rebuilt 91/30's too.


As it stands I'm leaning more toward K31 or a Moison varient over the Mausers.

 

[MJ]

What they said and add the Enfield.

While not a target rifle the Enfield#4 lays down past 200 and works way out there, in fact get one of all and have a ball. I like the Swiss but each design has its charm like the M-39.

Cheers
*MJ*

 

[Trebor]

MJ,

I hate you. Will you adopt me?

 

[Trebor]

The Swedish Mauser M-96 has a great reputation for accuracy. My Swede is the most accurate rifle I own and is my prefered choice for Mil-surp rifle matches. The 6.5x55mm round also has less recoil than 7.62x54R or 8mm Mauser, which helps in the rapid fire stages. Ammo (non corrosive mil-surp and new production) and stripper clips are readily available. The ammo is a little pricey, but it is non-corrosive and very accurate.

After the Swede, I'd look at the Finnish Mosins, especially the M-39, and the K-31. Mosin Nagant ammo is cheaper, but it is all corrosive. The Swiss K-31 has a reputation for gilt edged accuracy, but ammo is pricey. Personally, I think the action on the K-31 is a little easier to work than most Mosins.

Don't overlook a nice tight Garand or even a M-1 Carbine. I've had results with my Carbine at 200 yards at local matches. Heck, a guy shooting a paratrooper carbine won our annual Mil-surp match a couple years ago.

 

[MJ]

Swiss 7.5 Ja!


$144 for 480 rounds of GP11. Or make your own, it all works.



MJ

 

[KrankyKraut]

MJ,

How did you get that nice orange finish on your rifle?

 

[MJ]

Kraut it came that way.

Every one of the 96/11s I have seen had the same finish.




*MJ*