In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Surplus Rifle for hunting
cwinn
Member Posts: 1,223 ✭✭
Looking for some opinions on surplus rifles
to use for short to medium range deer or slightly larger game.
I reload, so ammunition availability is not really an issue.
I am mainly concerned with price, followed by accuracy and then overall rifle quality (trigger, sights, etc.)
I am not planning to use a scope, but wouldn't mind the option (but not neccesary)
My original thought was a No 4 Enfield, or a Mauser in 6.5x55. Neither seem to be near as cheap as I remember them being. I had a Mosin M44, but prefer a longer barrel and the trigger and ergonomics left much to be desired.
to use for short to medium range deer or slightly larger game.
I reload, so ammunition availability is not really an issue.
I am mainly concerned with price, followed by accuracy and then overall rifle quality (trigger, sights, etc.)
I am not planning to use a scope, but wouldn't mind the option (but not neccesary)
My original thought was a No 4 Enfield, or a Mauser in 6.5x55. Neither seem to be near as cheap as I remember them being. I had a Mosin M44, but prefer a longer barrel and the trigger and ergonomics left much to be desired.
Comments
You may have to reload hunting ammo but it uses .308 bullets and several people online including myself say they work well with 308 data.
They have no safety, though. Just didn't come with one.
Looking for some opinions on surplus rifles
to use for short to medium range deer or slightly larger game.
I reload, so ammunition availability is not really an issue.
I am mainly concerned with price, followed by accuracy and then overall rifle quality (trigger, sights, etc.)
I am not planning to use a scope, but wouldn't mind the option (but not neccesary)
My original thought was a No 4 Enfield, or a Mauser in 6.5x55. Neither seem to be near as cheap as I remember them being. I had a Mosin M44, but prefer a longer barrel and the trigger and ergonomics left much to be desired.
Why not go with the 91/30? Look for one by Tula though.
Anything that's not a current import will be higher and may have been shot out with the cheap service ammo that used to be available by the crate.
The M91/30 will only shoot to point of aim with the bayonet fixed.
Yeah buddy! [8D]
Hell for stout and utterly reliable.
Damn near ugly enough to leave unlocked in the truck and not worry about anyone stealing it.
For what you state there, the best choice would be the Schmidt-Rubin K-31 in 7.5X55, praised for their accuracy, you can still get them for a good price, mine is in 99% condition and was only $400, you can get servicable models for much less.
Rifle quality is awsome as you will never get a war time production rifle.
Fantastic fully adjustable sights and the trigger is better than any new production rifle.
The 7.5X55 has the same power as a 308 and uses standard .308 diameter bullets so reloading is very easy too.
All you have to do is shoot one and you'll become a believer.
The M91/30 will only shoot to point of aim with the bayonet fixed.
That only applies to the M44, they were sighted in with the bayo extended. On some, it has little if no effect, others it can move the point of impact a good 6" at 50yrds.
Better to buy one that has already been sporterized or just buy a commerical rifle.
My first choise is a Krag Jorganson but there aren't any cheap ones left. I'm on my third one which is more than paid for with the profits I made on selling the first two.
The era of the cheap military surplus rifle is over.
Honestly, you can buy a used Savage 110 for not much more than the midrange surplus rifles. The scope option is free and the accuracy is most likely better. Rifle will be lighter to boot.
The era of the cheap military surplus rifle is over.
Yeah, what he said!
Unless you just want to hunt with an old military rifle, you
can save money, and save carrying around a lot more weight
by going with a good used sporting rifle.
I would hunt deer with either of my 91/30's or the Yugo Mauser, at 175 yards I can hit a 10X12 steel plate with amazing regularity even shooting cast lead bullets.
Put together some hunting loads, 8mm Mauser, 7.62X54R, 6.5 Swede or even the Japanese rounds and go forth harvesting Bambi to Bullwinkle.
Neal
But... for cheap? I'd get a NEF, H&R, etc. or one of the older store brand utility rifles you can get for under $200.
quote:I am mainly concerned with price, followed by accuracy and then overall rifle quality (trigger, sights, etc.)
For what you state there, the best choice would be the Schmidt-Rubin K-31 in 7.5X55, praised for their accuracy, you can still get them for a good price, mine is in 99% condition and was only $400, you can get servicable models for much less.
Rifle quality is awsome as you will never get a war time production rifle.
Fantastic fully adjustable sights and the trigger is better than any new production rifle.
The 7.5X55 has the same power as a 308 and uses standard .308 diameter bullets so reloading is very easy too.
All you have to do is shoot one and you'll become a believer.
Like mine I would also Like to get an 03. They will stay as they made I will not change them.
I do have a couple of 03's sporterized for .308 Norma Mag.
No one mentioned the Mosin-Nagant? I have no experience with it, but I see it all the time at gun shows...CHEAP.
Apparently you don't read very well it was mentioned like 4 times before your post.[;)]