iamkris
Member
While I don't get Good Friday off at work, an 80 deg (but windy) day in the upper Midwest is reason to celebrate. As such, I took a few hours off of work today to run up to the range and try out a few of my newest acquisitions.
First up 1903 Gustov-manufactured Swedish M96
I recently became infatuated by Swedes and after a unsatisfying experience ordering one from SAMCO (very expensive, terrible shape) I bought this beauty from WildAlaska. He reported near 1 MOA groups with match handloads. I haven't had a chance to buy dies yet but I did pick up some of the new Wolf Gold (made by Prvi Partisan).
This rifle is in great shape for being 103 years old. Silky smooth action, wood and metal both in great shape. Sparkling bore. Original sight holdover chart. That 6.5x55mm is a joy to shoot. Can barely feel the recoil. The trigger is very nice, with a standard military takeup then a crisp break at about 4-5 lbs. This rifle has the 100 yard adapter on the sight (sight was originally calibrated from 300-2000 yards) First 3 shots went low centered and into about 1-1/2". Another 3 opened the group to about 2". Not bad with unproven factory ammo for the first time out.
Can't wait to start handloading...hmmm, Midway order on its way...
Next up 1900 Mauser-manufactured Swedish M96
When I was looking for a Swede, I had this rifle offered to me (no pics yet, too new). The wood and metal is not in as good of shape and the trigger isn't quite so nice but it was a screaming deal with sling, bayonet, scabbard, frog, sight protector (well at least it was these days. Swedes a couple of years ago were going for $125. Now you can't touch a nice one for under $300). Plus, the Mausers seem to go for more.
This one has standard sights but a +2 front sight. First shots with the Wolf Gold weren't on the paper (although I saw specks through the spotting scope which made me think it was spraying shots 10"). I moved the rear ladder first to 200 then 300 meters. Finally got them on the paper (need to replace that front sight.)
The surprising thing was this rifle bettered the first. 1-1/4" to 1-1/2"....iron sights...factory ammo...106 year old rifle. Awesome
Finally 1944 Sako Finn M39
I had the greatest hopes for this one. Great trigger and a great history. The Finns took a sow's ear (hex receivered MN 91/30) and turned it into a silk purse with new stock, new barrel, new sights and a cleaned up trigger. I first tried some Czech Silvertip 147 gr...sprayed them about 6". Then I tried some Wolf Gold 147 gr FMJ. Same result. And there was much sadness. My beautiful Finn was a bust.
Before I put her away (and started wondering if I could get my money out of her when I sold it) I pulled out a bag of 10 rounds of Hungarian 174 gr (silver tip over yellow stripe) that I'd thrown in my shooting bag (a guy a couple of years ago had given me them and said 'these things are awesome'...I had forgotten I had them). Shot 3 rounds...hey...those were pretty close. 3 more...then 4 more. 10 shot group in around 3".
There is hope for her after all. I just need to order up some heavy ball. I read somewhere on THR that many Finns tended to like heavy bullets better...mine is apparently in that camp.
Very satisfying way to spend a early spring sunny day.
First up 1903 Gustov-manufactured Swedish M96
I recently became infatuated by Swedes and after a unsatisfying experience ordering one from SAMCO (very expensive, terrible shape) I bought this beauty from WildAlaska. He reported near 1 MOA groups with match handloads. I haven't had a chance to buy dies yet but I did pick up some of the new Wolf Gold (made by Prvi Partisan).
This rifle is in great shape for being 103 years old. Silky smooth action, wood and metal both in great shape. Sparkling bore. Original sight holdover chart. That 6.5x55mm is a joy to shoot. Can barely feel the recoil. The trigger is very nice, with a standard military takeup then a crisp break at about 4-5 lbs. This rifle has the 100 yard adapter on the sight (sight was originally calibrated from 300-2000 yards) First 3 shots went low centered and into about 1-1/2". Another 3 opened the group to about 2". Not bad with unproven factory ammo for the first time out.
Can't wait to start handloading...hmmm, Midway order on its way...
Next up 1900 Mauser-manufactured Swedish M96
When I was looking for a Swede, I had this rifle offered to me (no pics yet, too new). The wood and metal is not in as good of shape and the trigger isn't quite so nice but it was a screaming deal with sling, bayonet, scabbard, frog, sight protector (well at least it was these days. Swedes a couple of years ago were going for $125. Now you can't touch a nice one for under $300). Plus, the Mausers seem to go for more.
This one has standard sights but a +2 front sight. First shots with the Wolf Gold weren't on the paper (although I saw specks through the spotting scope which made me think it was spraying shots 10"). I moved the rear ladder first to 200 then 300 meters. Finally got them on the paper (need to replace that front sight.)
The surprising thing was this rifle bettered the first. 1-1/4" to 1-1/2"....iron sights...factory ammo...106 year old rifle. Awesome
Finally 1944 Sako Finn M39
I had the greatest hopes for this one. Great trigger and a great history. The Finns took a sow's ear (hex receivered MN 91/30) and turned it into a silk purse with new stock, new barrel, new sights and a cleaned up trigger. I first tried some Czech Silvertip 147 gr...sprayed them about 6". Then I tried some Wolf Gold 147 gr FMJ. Same result. And there was much sadness. My beautiful Finn was a bust.
Before I put her away (and started wondering if I could get my money out of her when I sold it) I pulled out a bag of 10 rounds of Hungarian 174 gr (silver tip over yellow stripe) that I'd thrown in my shooting bag (a guy a couple of years ago had given me them and said 'these things are awesome'...I had forgotten I had them). Shot 3 rounds...hey...those were pretty close. 3 more...then 4 more. 10 shot group in around 3".
There is hope for her after all. I just need to order up some heavy ball. I read somewhere on THR that many Finns tended to like heavy bullets better...mine is apparently in that camp.
Very satisfying way to spend a early spring sunny day.
Last edited:
