Whats Your favorite Milsurp Rifle..
- Thread starter Wildalaska
- Start date
- Status
Pumpkinheaver
Member
FnFAL/L1A1 it was the first one I ever owned and I fell in love with the design.
30Cal
Member
I like the M1903, straight grip, finger-groove stock.
fallingblock
Member
#4mkII is what I've settled on....
After the Australian government mandated no semi-autos.
It is an easily operated and smooth bolt action rifle,
with generally a pretty good trigger and great sights.
One of the guys in the club just bought a K-31 Swiss
(they're A$550 here )
and it is very nicely made and accurate.
After the Australian government mandated no semi-autos.
It is an easily operated and smooth bolt action rifle,
with generally a pretty good trigger and great sights.
One of the guys in the club just bought a K-31 Swiss
(they're A$550 here
) and it is very nicely made and accurate.
I love my Carl Gustav M96 and Husqvarna M38 swedes, but picked up 3 K-31s lately and they are great fun too. The SKS is my goodwill gun, especially for youngsters and friends who haven't shot much and might have trouble with more recoil.
Haven't shot the M44s yet, but expect mighty flash and report. They are a bit crude on the exterior, but should still be fun.
Haven't shot the M44s yet, but expect mighty flash and report. They are a bit crude on the exterior, but should still be fun.
Pilgrim
Member
I have a M-1917 rifle in my safe that I treasure. Mainly because that is the model rifle my father shot expert with when he was in the Army from 1943-1945.
Pilgrim
Pilgrim
mephisto
Member
This topic comes up quite frequently. I always participate and usually post a different answer than the last time.
I really like the old milsurp rifles. I have a pretty rounded out collection, but the milsurp rifles are my faviorites (at least this week). I probably own most of the popular ones and have multiple copies of the ones I like the best. I am also fortunate enough to have local matches using the old rifles, so I get to wring them out at long range under match conditions.
Currently, my faviorite is the 1903A3 rifle. At present, I only own one (that will soon change) but it is a real shooter. I finally won a local match with it last weekend. Second would have to be the M1 rifle. I really don't know what it is about the M1, but I really enjoy them. Next would probably be the K31. Yesterday, I might not have placed it at #3, but just before I read this thread I was sitting here watching a movie and dry firing one of my K31s. I used it in the local matches for a couple years. I would rate it as the best buy of all the milsurp rifles out there unless you found a real bargin.
I called off work tomorrow so I wouldn't miss my shipment from the CMP: another 1903.
I really like the old milsurp rifles. I have a pretty rounded out collection, but the milsurp rifles are my faviorites (at least this week). I probably own most of the popular ones and have multiple copies of the ones I like the best. I am also fortunate enough to have local matches using the old rifles, so I get to wring them out at long range under match conditions.
Currently, my faviorite is the 1903A3 rifle. At present, I only own one (that will soon change) but it is a real shooter. I finally won a local match with it last weekend. Second would have to be the M1 rifle. I really don't know what it is about the M1, but I really enjoy them. Next would probably be the K31. Yesterday, I might not have placed it at #3, but just before I read this thread I was sitting here watching a movie and dry firing one of my K31s. I used it in the local matches for a couple years. I would rate it as the best buy of all the milsurp rifles out there unless you found a real bargin.
I called off work tomorrow so I wouldn't miss my shipment from the CMP: another 1903.
Spieler
Member
I like my Enfield No. 4, M1 carbine and then the various Mauser types.
ID_shooting
Member
I only have the one (91/30) I got this weekend, so my answer is my new MN, right now.
I have shot AKs, SKSs, and Mausers, Like the Mausers too.
I have shot AKs, SKSs, and Mausers, Like the Mausers too.
Crownvicman
Member
I like mauser short rifles. My favorite is a Yugo m-24.
Red_SC
Member
Enfields for me, too.
armoredman
Member
My Mosin M38 is a very nicely made, accurate, good looking rifle, despite what anyone says. I also wish I still had my old Mauser K98, and would love another one. Other MilSurps I would love to havve are M1 Garand, Hakim, FAL, SKS, and at least two more Mosins!!!
Hand_Rifle_Guy
Member
I really have a "thing" for odd action types...
...Particularly if they come chambered in a "finger-bore" cartridge. Bigger's lots more fun. More "thwack-factor", I think. And single-shots never run out of ammo. (Well, you never have to stop shooting to fill up some sort of magazine, anyhoot. )
So: most boyring, but still pretty neat is the old 71, or the 71/84 Mauser in 11mm Mauser.
Next up: Sniders. Love that flip-it-sideways breech. AND the .577 Snider!
I really like Martini/Henry's. (Or should I say Peabody?) Rourke's Drift. Zulu. The .577/.450, with iron case heads soldered to a case made of rolled brass foil. They look HORRIBLE! But they worked. 85 grains of blackpowder is a load to be reckoned with.
Favorite of them all is a pretty obvious choice: The Model 1873 Springfield Rifle, Caliber .45, also known as The Trapdoor Springfield, shooting that remarkable round-that-will-not-die, the .45-70 Government.
"In 1882, the bullet weight in the infantry rifle cartridge was increased from 405 grains to 500 grains in order to increase accuracy at extended ranges." That from the Ordinance Board. "Extended ranges" referred to barrage-fire by squads out to 1200 yards or so. The tang-sight on my 1882-vintage rifle is calibrated all the way out to 1500 yards!
(Out to 1200 on the front side, 1300,1400, and 1500 are marked out on the BACK side of the flip-up tang. I think I'm the only one who's ever noticed this, as NO-ONE talks about Trapdoors being sighted further than 1200 yards, not even Mike Venturino. I oughta send him a letter. )
Honorable mention to Enfields, Garands, k98 Mausers, and of course, Carl Gustaf's SwederMauser. But really, they don't compare.
Jus' throwin' out my $.02, fast an' loose...
...Particularly if they come chambered in a "finger-bore" cartridge. Bigger's lots more fun. More "thwack-factor", I think. And single-shots never run out of ammo. (Well, you never have to stop shooting to fill up some sort of magazine, anyhoot.
)So: most boyring, but still pretty neat is the old 71, or the 71/84 Mauser in 11mm Mauser.
Next up: Sniders. Love that flip-it-sideways breech. AND the .577 Snider!
I really like Martini/Henry's. (Or should I say Peabody?) Rourke's Drift. Zulu. The .577/.450, with iron case heads soldered to a case made of rolled brass foil. They look HORRIBLE! But they worked. 85 grains of blackpowder is a load to be reckoned with.
Favorite of them all is a pretty obvious choice: The Model 1873 Springfield Rifle, Caliber .45, also known as The Trapdoor Springfield, shooting that remarkable round-that-will-not-die, the .45-70 Government.
"In 1882, the bullet weight in the infantry rifle cartridge was increased from 405 grains to 500 grains in order to increase accuracy at extended ranges." That from the Ordinance Board. "Extended ranges" referred to barrage-fire by squads out to 1200 yards or so. The tang-sight on my 1882-vintage rifle is calibrated all the way out to 1500 yards!
(Out to 1200 on the front side, 1300,1400, and 1500 are marked out on the BACK side of the flip-up tang. I think I'm the only one who's ever noticed this, as NO-ONE talks about Trapdoors being sighted further than 1200 yards, not even Mike Venturino. I oughta send him a letter. )Honorable mention to Enfields, Garands, k98 Mausers, and of course, Carl Gustaf's SwederMauser. But really, they don't compare.
Jus' throwin' out my $.02, fast an' loose...
jobu07
Contributing Member
mephisto, I have that same pair of beauties myself. Great guns those Enfields are. They've really grown on me lately. Maybe it's the mild recoil of the .303, yet the great power they posess in that fine balancing rifle? I do love them. Of course, I love the accuracy of my M39 also. Eh, they are all so great. Right now i'd have to say that my Enfields are my favorite milsurp. Of course, that will change once I get that inevitable garand mind you.
Tamara
Senior Member
My favorite?
Gee, that's a tough one, and liable to change from moment to moment.
Right now, probably my DWM Argentine 1891, due to its gemlike craftsmanship and immaculate condition.
Gee, that's a tough one, and liable to change from moment to moment.
Right now, probably my DWM Argentine 1891, due to its gemlike craftsmanship and immaculate condition.
Only one I own is a 1903A3... always thought the Garand and Carbine were pretty cool.
But I long for the day when I can own a BAR.
I've looked over the M44 carbine a number of times, that's a lot of rifle in a small pacakge.
But I long for the day when I can own a BAR.
I've looked over the M44 carbine a number of times, that's a lot of rifle in a small pacakge.
Black Snowman
Member
I like auto-loaders. My 1st was a frankenFAL from Century that turned out to be a really nice shooter. It's currently in the shop. My next is a Yugo M59/66 SKS and I just got it out to the range the other day. I really like it. Lots of fun to shoot. Need stripper clips though. Next on my list is a rifle that goes ping from CMP.
I think the handyness and fun features of the SKS are going to make it my favorite for a while. I'm thinking about a bolt gun but none of them really stand out to me yet. I really need to pay more attenion at the shows and handle a few.
I think the handyness and fun features of the SKS are going to make it my favorite for a while. I'm thinking about a bolt gun but none of them really stand out to me yet. I really need to pay more attenion at the shows and handle a few.
Barry in IN
Member
I'd have to say the M1 Garand.
But I also have to admit: I have had a LOT of fun with my No. 4 Enfield, and 1896 Swedish Mauser.
The Schmidt-Rubin is really neat, but I haven't had much of a chance to play with it. Sure wish it had a peep rear sight.
But I also have to admit: I have had a LOT of fun with my No. 4 Enfield, and 1896 Swedish Mauser.
The Schmidt-Rubin is really neat, but I haven't had much of a chance to play with it. Sure wish it had a peep rear sight.
I have several that I just could not live without. I can't really rank one over the other, except possibly for the M1 Garand. I'm really surprised that no one has mentioned the Persian Mauser. It is the finest Mauser in 8mm and possibly the finest mauser ever made, at least on par with the Swede Mauser.
My choices:
1. M1 Garand - Greatest battle rifle ever. Very reliable semi-auto and one of the main reasons why we don't speak German. Ping!
2. Persian Mauser - (Czech Brno-made 98/29) Unsurpassed craftsmanship, period. To me, the best made rifle ever. You can't find anything else like it. Just beautiful.
2 (tie). M39 Finnish Mosin-Nagant - tack driver with unrivalled history and character.
2 (tie). Springfield 1903A3 - Very well-made in the USA. Very accurate. Very pleasurable to shoot. The absolute most silky-smooth action and a fantastic trigger pull.
Swiss K-31 carbines and Swedish Mausers are outstanding rifles as well, but the ammo is too costly for me to put them in the above list. Personally I haven't shot them enough to develop a real affinity for them yet.
All of these rifles really don't have an equal in today's world of modern commercial weapons, except maybe for the modern Swiss arms. These rifles are so finely crafted and constructed that almost all of today's modern rifles are very pathetic in comparison.
I could go on and on talking about all of these rifles. For the most part these rifles are all reasonably priced right now. $90 plus shipping from AIM Surplus for a Swiss K-31 is the raging steal of the century. You are a bleeding fool not to buy one at that price.
My choices:
1. M1 Garand - Greatest battle rifle ever. Very reliable semi-auto and one of the main reasons why we don't speak German. Ping!
2. Persian Mauser - (Czech Brno-made 98/29) Unsurpassed craftsmanship, period. To me, the best made rifle ever. You can't find anything else like it. Just beautiful.
2 (tie). M39 Finnish Mosin-Nagant - tack driver with unrivalled history and character.
2 (tie). Springfield 1903A3 - Very well-made in the USA. Very accurate. Very pleasurable to shoot. The absolute most silky-smooth action and a fantastic trigger pull.
Swiss K-31 carbines and Swedish Mausers are outstanding rifles as well, but the ammo is too costly for me to put them in the above list. Personally I haven't shot them enough to develop a real affinity for them yet.
All of these rifles really don't have an equal in today's world of modern commercial weapons, except maybe for the modern Swiss arms. These rifles are so finely crafted and constructed that almost all of today's modern rifles are very pathetic in comparison.
I could go on and on talking about all of these rifles. For the most part these rifles are all reasonably priced right now. $90 plus shipping from AIM Surplus for a Swiss K-31 is the raging steal of the century. You are a bleeding fool not to buy one at that price.
Last edited:
Bullet Bob
Member
K-31's ( I have 2)
followed very, very closely by my 1921 Swedish 96.
followed very, very closely by my 1921 Swedish 96.
Dionysusigma
Member
I love my 1919 Gustaf Swede mauser. The thing is frickin' accurate, and is the only gun with which I have ever shot a 1 MOA group. I know if I get another Mosin (probably a 91/30 this time) or two I'll be just as happy with them.
However, if I am ever able to even find a Hakim, SVT-40, G-43/K-43, AG-42, FN-49, or (!) a Johnson, that would be cool. I have yet to see even one of these things.
However, if I am ever able to even find a Hakim, SVT-40, G-43/K-43, AG-42, FN-49, or (!) a Johnson, that would be cool. I have yet to see even one of these things.
- Status