Surplus Semi auto dilemma

[maskedman504]

Hi Guys-

I am in the market for a new-to-me rifle; a surplus semi auto.

I don't want to mess with a Hakim or Rashee.

I am pretty much narrowed down to a FN-49; don't care if it is 7mm, 8mm or 30-06. Either chambering, ammunition will be more expensive then the other rifle on my short list- a SVT-40. I have read the SVT-40 can only fire light ball 7.62x54r?

Normally, I would consult surplusrifle.com, however, the site appears to have gone kapoot.

Anyone care to explain the ideosyncrasies of these rifles and provide an honest comparison?

Thanks in advance.

 

[56hawk]

What do you want to know? As far as the SVT-40 goes, mine likes FMJ bullets. Soft points get hung up on the front of the magazine and won't feed. As far as power goes it has an adjustable gas system so you can tune it for whatever ammo you have. And on the FN-49 don't forget the .308 Argentine Navy version. I've got one, and it has 20 round detachable magazines.

 

[RCArms.com]

I've had both FN-49 and SVT-40's before. Currently have neither, but miss the SVT-40.

FN-49: Rugged but heavy. My 49's were Egyptian in 8mm Mauser. Reliable with all ammo I tried in it. so-so accuracy and I did not like the sights. Kind of a pain to take down with the receiver cover. Non detachable mag was a huge design fault in my opinion.

SVT-40: Lightweight and slim in profile. Surprising light recoil, but LOUD due to the brake. Good sights and mine were accurate rifles. No ammo sensitivity issues, but I only ran light ball in mine. Polish and Albanian were the most consistent performers. Similar takedown issues with the receiver cover, but not as bad as the FN. ABSOLUTE must inspect bore and gas components prior to purchase as they are usually pitted. Extra mags are hard to find and expensive.

FWIW, I'd go for the SVT-40 over the FN49. I'd also go with a M1 Garand over either of them.

Happy Hunting.

Don

 

[briantf]

>>>
I'd also go with a M1 Garand over either of them.
>>>

This, seriously. Similar money for a similar condition rifle in both cases, and you'd best know a LOT about what you're buying. The SVT is especially baroque in construction, very old-world and high-labor, very neat but almost as fragile as the G43 series.

For the Garand, you can also buy a "brand new rebuilt" CMP Special Grade, in which case you are paying $1K for a better "new" Garand than Springfield Armory Inc. has been selling for $1400 for the last decade.

If you want a middling caliber rifle, the SKS and M1 Carbine come to mind as well.

Regards,
Brian in CA

 

[shuvelrider]

I would suggest the French MAS 49/56 in 7.5x54, not the .308 conversions (junk by CIA). Very robust gun with 10 rnd capacity, cheaper on the market compared to the others mentioned above. I have a Garand also, but I would grab the MAS due to lighter weight and shorter length. Am still able to reach out and hit the targets. One unique feature of this rifle, that when firing, the empty case's eject out and towards the 1:00 (forward) of the shooter. Makes sense if you have been on a firing line, or a small area with brass bouncing around.

 

[303tom]

I have to agree with Shuvelrider, I picked this one up for around $200.00 & it`s 7.5 French...........

 

[shuvelrider]

If you bought that recently for 200, you done real good. Like "stole it"




BELOW POST-------------- Still a rockin price, paid more for mine around the same time but with goodies included.

 

[303tom]

If you bought that recently for 200, you done real good. Like "stole it"

Two years ago................

 

[T.R.]

Russian made SKS carbines don't have much accurate reach beyond about 150 yards or so but great fun to shoot. They're deadly in the deer woods.

TR

 

[dak0ta]

Also the Swedish AG42b Ljunman in 6.5x55.

 

[dprice3844444]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFo3A3XzBJM&lr=1 shuff's mini g

 

[briantf]

>>>
shuff's mini g
>>>

OOOOOHH!! Good call, hadn't thought of that! That's a sweet setup, I built my Numrich Tanker 308 kit before Shuff started that up, else I would get one built. GREAT suggestion!

Regards,
Brian in CA