Balog
Member
I've been doing a bit of research, and these appear to be the best of the mil-surps. I'm trying to decide which to acquire first. They all have advantages and drawbacks, but I'm not too concerned as they are all top-notch. Also, I won't be able to buy it until I get back from Iraq so any current sales are kinda irrelevant.
I'm looking for a rifle that could be used for plinking and target shooting, but that would also be useful for hunting. I'm wondering if any of these models made before the Jan 1, 1899 cutoff for antiques are still available? Hmm, let's go in order.
Swede Mauser:
Good: All are very accurate, the target models have excellent sights, the M-38's are shorter and lighter, the M-96's were made from 1893, excellent steel, and the 6.5x55 is an awesome cartridge.
Bad: I'm concerned about the durability of the match sights on the target models, I've heard they are poorly balanced for offhand shooting, they are small ring models (although this has never really seemed like a big deal), and no cheap surplus/Wolf.
K-31:
Good: super accurate, smooth and fast straight pull design, detachable mag fed, well balanced, excellent manufacturing, 7.5x55 Swiss is another wonderful cartridge, and GP-11 is just about the most accurate issue ball ever.
Bad: complicated bolt, have to buy extra mags, 7.5 not produced by Wolf yet, GP11 drying up, wood furniture often in bad shape, and none were made before 1899.
M-39:
Good: most history of the three choices, accurate, reliable, 7.62x54R is accurate and widely available, and spare parts are more widely available.
Bad: not as match grade accurate as the others, bolt is awkward and slow, and the trigger is not as good as the K-31's I've tried.
So, any thoughts? Are those valid points, or am I way off? Like I've said I love all three rifles and plan on getting all three eventually, it's just a matter of which comes first.
I'm looking for a rifle that could be used for plinking and target shooting, but that would also be useful for hunting. I'm wondering if any of these models made before the Jan 1, 1899 cutoff for antiques are still available? Hmm, let's go in order.
Swede Mauser:
Good: All are very accurate, the target models have excellent sights, the M-38's are shorter and lighter, the M-96's were made from 1893, excellent steel, and the 6.5x55 is an awesome cartridge.
Bad: I'm concerned about the durability of the match sights on the target models, I've heard they are poorly balanced for offhand shooting, they are small ring models (although this has never really seemed like a big deal), and no cheap surplus/Wolf.
K-31:
Good: super accurate, smooth and fast straight pull design, detachable mag fed, well balanced, excellent manufacturing, 7.5x55 Swiss is another wonderful cartridge, and GP-11 is just about the most accurate issue ball ever.
Bad: complicated bolt, have to buy extra mags, 7.5 not produced by Wolf yet, GP11 drying up, wood furniture often in bad shape, and none were made before 1899.
M-39:
Good: most history of the three choices, accurate, reliable, 7.62x54R is accurate and widely available, and spare parts are more widely available.
Bad: not as match grade accurate as the others, bolt is awkward and slow, and the trigger is not as good as the K-31's I've tried.
So, any thoughts? Are those valid points, or am I way off? Like I've said I love all three rifles and plan on getting all three eventually, it's just a matter of which comes first.
