What is your favorite military bolt gun?

[303carbine]

Mine is the 303 Enfield in it's many forms followed close by the 8x57 Mauser 98, I have hunted with both a lot over the past forty years. I like the No4 sights better than the Mauser, maybe one day if I find a donor Mauser,I will get a smith to put an Enfield ghost ring type sight on it for me. The best of both worlds.....or worst whatever the case may be.:shock:

[gew98]

Mine is the 303 Enfield in it's many forms followed close by the 8x57 Mauser 98, I have hunted with both a lot over the past forty years. I like the No4 sights better than the Mauser, maybe one day if I find a donor Mauser,I will get a smith to put an Enfield ghost ring type sight on it for me. The best of both worlds.....or worst whatever the case may be.:shock:

I'm the opposite... I have over 50 7.9's and love 'em all. But the 303 jobbers have a warm spot in my heart...they shoot so darn good !.

[brassrat]

My #1 mk3 1917 has a evil black stock and a Williams glow sight up front and Williams economy peep in back. I took out the insert and its a ghost ring, I guess. Very clear shooting

[oscarflytyer]

1903 Springfield

My youngest son - 15 - votes for the Steyr '95 8x56R. He loves that mini howitzer!

[rondog]

I'm pretty fond of my '43 Remington M1903A3, it seems to be all correct as far as I can tell, and it shoots great.

[Mk42gunner]

U.S. Rifle Model of 1917, followed closely by the M38 Swedish Mauser. Cock on closing has never bothered me.

Robert

[marvelshooter]

I'm pretty fond of my '43 Remington M1903A3, it seems to be all correct as far as I can tell, and it shoots great.
I have to go with rondog on this one. I have the very same rifle and it is also my favorite military bolt gun. To be honest it is my only mil-surp at the moment but I am getting my paperwork ready to order a CMP Garand.

[bob208]

my favorite of them all and I don't shoot them much any more my 03a4 and my no.4t they are both the real thing and all there. for shooting with cast a karg. for just shooting with either bullets. it would be my Columbian 98 that was converted to .30-06 in the 50's

[Multigunner]

The SMLE MkIII no bloody *.
Best fully adjustable rear sight I've found, though subject to damage if you get ham handed.
Takes some ingenuity to handload for it, but results have been great.
Second would be the 95-98 actioned Mausers, but not all variations of either measure up.

PS
I really like the Krag, but since the only Krag I've owned was a wallhanger I can't say from experience how it shoots or would compare in practical use.
I would say I consider the Krag to be a better rifle in almost every respect than the pre charger loading Lee Enfields.

[N4AUD]

My Swiss K31. Dead on accurate. It shoots better than I can aim.

[Larry Gibson]

My favorites are mostly my Mauser M98s followed very closely by my M1903s. Never owned a SMLE though I've been tempted. Have a Ross M10 that I shoot often.

Larry Gibson

[gnoahhh]

My favorite is the U.S.Rifle, Model 1903 (preferably a NM model). It's the only milsurp out there that I don't immediately start plotting how to build a custom rifle out of.

[Dale in Louisiana]

I have a few, but I think that for best accuracy, my 1903A3 leads the pack. That's not to say that the rest aren't terrific fun and completely able to perform as well as when they left the factories.

I have FOUR Mosin Nagants, three Russian and one Finn. the Finn was relatively pricey. The other three cost just about diddly squat.

I have the requisite No. 4 Mk. 1, and Yugo M48.

All are interesting in different ways.

dale in Louisiana

[BruceB]

Dang....

I've been a devotee of military rifles all my life, and have owned, studied and fired ALL the major rifle "systems" dating from the dawn of the metallic cartridge era. And now we ask which is my favorite....

Okay. That would be the #4Mk1 Enfield, I first met the type in the Army Cadets of Canada, a huge nation-wide organization for lads of 14-18. Supported and trained by the Canadian Army, the training I received there had lasting benefits.

In the summer of 1958 , at a Cadet summer camp in Saskatchewan, I was issued a #4 rifle (#85L7408....anyone seen it? Reward offered) which I lived with for eight weeks. My folks gave me a #4 for Christmas of '59 and I've not been without a #4 since that date.

I now have two new-condition #4 rifles, and my high regard for the type is still unchanged. My favorite, yep, yessiree.

[Jkallen83]

1895 chilean mauser 7x57....my all time favorite rifle. i LOVE it. pinpoint accuracy. most amazing deer rifle ever.

[skeet1]

84066
My Frankenstein, 03-A3 drill rifle rebuild.

[PS Paul]

1895 chilean mauser 7x57....my all time favorite rifle. i LOVE it. pinpoint accuracy. most amazing deer rifle ever.

Good man. This is my SECOND, followed only by the '96 Swede. Fun, accurate, beautiful (in a groundbreaking, yet utilitarian sort of way and not quite the ugly duckling the SMLE is....) and a real pleasure to just handle and look at. Fondle, perhaps?? Guilty as charged. I LOVE to just fondle the guns I own. Chilean model '95 was the first centerfire rifle I ever owned and I shoot it to this day.

[ukrifleman]

Right now, its a 1918 vintage, M91 6.5x52 Carcano, . Mainly because I am on a mission to get it to shoot well with cast.
ukrifleman.

[savagetactical]

M1903A1 , then followed up by a post war Norwegian K98K in 30-06. Lastly a nice Enfield.

[fouronesix]

Kind of split between two. M1895 Chilean or Rem 03A3 w/ early 4 groove bore. Both shoot extremely well.

I like the Chilean because of the Mauser craftsmanship and old world pride of manufacture.

I like the 03A3 because it is tough, reliable, has excellent battle sights and represents the best in a mass produced military arm.

[nitrohuck]

I am very surprised I do not see more votes up for the Swede M96 Mauser in 6.5x55!

My 1901 Carl Gustav FSR m96 Mauser with a Hauges 1950's diopter setup rises to the top of my list. I swear I could blindfold myself and spin around in circles randomly firing off shots and it would still group sub-moa, seriously I don't know how this rifle does what it does. (btw I don't recommend trying that at the range, you probably won't make many friends)

Second would be my K31, which has also proven to be a hell of a lot more accurate than most any shooter put behind its trigger.

I am currently in the market for an 1903a3, so I am happy to see so many others are pleased with theirs!

[savagetactical]

The SMLE MkIII no bloody *.
Best fully adjustable rear sight I've found, though subject to damage if you get ham handed.
Takes some ingenuity to handload for it, but results have been great.
Second would be the 95-98 actioned Mausers, but not all variations of either measure up.

PS
I really like the Krag, but since the only Krag I've owned was a wallhanger I can't say from experience how it shoots or would compare in practical use.
I would say I consider the Krag to be a better rifle in almost every respect than the pre charger loading Lee Enfields.


The Krag I used to own had an action that can only be described as ball bearings rolling on a glass surface. It was that smooth, No other military rifle have I owned that was as slick as that 1896 Springfield.

[wallenba]

Hmmm...kinda like picking your favorite child. Cost not being a factor, just fun, I'd have to put my K31 on top. That said, I have a real fine K98 German Wehrmacht DOU 1944 coming in second. I'll skip the rest and give you my two worst. My M95 because it can't keep it under 4.5" at fifty yards. Then my Arisaka 7.7 99, because it is a butt ugly, beat up, finicky, old gal.

[Win94ae]

Actually, I took one shot with my Eddystone US Model of 1917 today.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFsA2KjVio4

That is my 2¢.

[zomby woof]

O3a3
30.06

[John Allen]

Mine is the 1917 Eddystone

[gew98]

Kind of split between two. M1895 Chilean or Rem 03A3 w/ early 4 groove bore. Both shoot extremely well.

I like the Chilean because of the Mauser craftsmanship and old world pride of manufacture.

I like the 03A3 because it is tough, reliable, has excellent battle sights and represents the best in a mass produced military arm.

I could not disagree with you more on the 03A3.... it likely has the worst sights on any massed produced battle rifle. I knocked the rear sight off an O3A3 by simply shouldering it...and had to walk through snowy trails to find it after I got back. The unprotected front side blade is so easily bent/broken like on the earlier 03's...and the goofy sheet metal sight cover shifts badly and offers one convoluted sight picture when it does. I'll take an M1 over an 03 anything all day long !. I can think of a handfull of other surplus bolt rifles of same and earlier eras that are superior to that 03 half treatment. The WW2 98k is hard to beat for a combat rifle in the bolt world , but the No1 & No4 rifles really can do some serious shooting...with the No4 having excellent combat sights and ergonomics..

[Outpost75]

134624

03A4 Springfield, Korean rework.

[gew98]

84148

03A4 Springfield, Korean rework.

Ah...that's not an 03A4. It's an 03 allright...with a non issue scope and scope mounts , but still not an 03A4 by any measure.

[MtGun44]

Close to fouronesix. Either Chilean 95 in 7x57 or Springfield 1903 with a 1921 barrel date that
shoots VERY well indeed.

Bill

[williamwaco]

98 Mauser ( all of them )

[texassako]

I am kind of specific. The M28-76 Mosin Nagant from Finland. Why? They actually made a variant with a stock for left handed soldiers, but it still has a right hand action. Handy having a right hand bolt on it when on the bench or bipod. It is accurate as well.

[fouronesix]

I could not disagree with you more on the 03A3.... it likely has the worst sights on any massed produced battle rifle. I knocked the rear sight off an O3A3 by simply shouldering it...and had to walk through snowy trails to find it after I got back. The unprotected front side blade is so easily bent/broken like on the earlier 03's...and the goofy sheet metal sight cover shifts badly and offers one convoluted sight picture when it does. I'll take an M1 over an 03 anything all day long !. I can think of a handfull of other surplus bolt rifles of same and earlier eras that are superior to that 03 half treatment. The WW2 98k is hard to beat for a combat rifle in the bolt world , but the No1 & No4 rifles really can do some serious shooting...with the No4 having excellent combat sights and ergonomics..

I couldn't disagree with you more on that either! I don't think the OP said anything about semi-autos or Garands but that didn't prevent you from comparing apples to oranges. I could name any number, maybe most!, of the so-called popular military bolt actions from the late 1800s through to the semi-auto era that had terrible battle sights. Poor sight pictures, over-rated ranging capability with tall ladder arrangements, quirky windage adjustments, equally weak or vulnerable front sight blades and on and on. I guess since all the 03A3 sights fell off during combat everyone just chucked them in the bar ditch- right?

As to "knocking" your 03A3 sight off by just shouldering it- that's truly hard to believe and an almost laughable anecdote. Obviously there's more the story that will surely be lost to this "straw man" argument.

[303Guy]

Would it surprise anyone if I said the Lee Enfield? My favourite is the No4. Or is it the MLE?

[303carbine]

My 303carbine FTR rebuilt 1940-1927 Lithgow BSA SMLE is a very accurate shooter made up of two rifles, one sporter BSA and an unserviceable 1927 Lithgow.
I accurized it and put two coats of boiled linseed on it, all reloads and factory stuff shoot great, especially the 30-40 Krag fire formed into 303 British.
I can't believe how well it all came together and how accurate it is from a bunch of parts to a fulll functional shooter.

[carolina556]

Favorite is a 1903 Springfield Mark I, then a 1853 Enfield (obviously not bolt action) Both are amazing and beautiful guns that dominated their time periods. I like the 1903 over the A3 version because I prefer the open sight versus the ghost ring, and the fact that it came first so it has significant historical value. I do also appreciate mausers and enfields, but think the 1903 is a better gun and better looking than the clunky Model of 1917.

[WILCO]

VZ24. My all time favorite.

[wch]

My '03 and/or my '03A3.

[LynC2]

I would say my 1909 Argentine or my M96 Swede, a tough choice as I like them both.

[Multigunner]

I guess since all the 03A3 sights fell off during combat everyone just chucked them in the bar ditch- right?

As to "knocking" your 03A3 sight off by just shouldering it- that's truly hard to believe and an almost laughable anecdote. Obviously there's more the story that will surely be lost to this "straw man" argument.
Last time I visited a gunsmith shop they were mounting a scope on an 03A3 and I asked the owner if he was going to keep the rear sight they'd taken off in case he wanted to use it if the scope got damaged. The Gunsmith said that wasn't possible because to get the rear sights off an 03A3 he'd always had to saw the sight apart.

I wouldn't put much stock in Gew 98's tall tales.

PS
Found a good description of how difficult it is to remove an 03A3 rear sight.
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=22946


The Krag I used to own had an action that can only be described as ball bearings rolling on a glass surface. It was that smooth, No other military rifle have I owned that was as slick as that 1896 Springfield.

I can certainly agree with that. Though my carbine had such a corroded bore it was not safe to shoot I did practice loading and cycling the action. At least as fast as the SMLE.
The pre-charger loading LE and MLM rifles had a larger magazine but were slower to reload.

[preparehandbook]

Mauser. I have a serbian one right now, but have owned a few others.

[savagetactical]

Last time I visited a gunsmith shop they were mounting a scope on an 03A3 and I asked the owner if he was going to keep the rear sight they'd taken off in case he wanted to use it if the scope got damaged. The Gunsmith said that wasn't possible because to get the rear sights off an 03A3 he'd always had to saw the sight apart.

I wouldn't put much stock in Gew 98's tall tales.

PS
Found a good description of how difficult it is to remove an 03A3 rear sight.
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=22946



I can certainly agree with that. Though my carbine had such a corroded bore it was not safe to shoot I did practice loading and cycling the action. At least as fast as the SMLE.
The pre-charger loading LE and MLM rifles had a larger magazine but were slower to reload.

I can attest to how hard it is to remove the rear sight from an 03A3. I have never heard of one falling off. It took considerable work on my part to remove one from an action I bought several years ago when I was building an 03A4 clone in 308. The only people I have ever heard say they came off easily were people that have never tried to remove one or have absolutely no experience with collecting Springfield rifles. I am thinking GEW may be in the latter category. Every part of those rifles including the stamped parts is heat treated and is pretty tough stuff.

[Petrol & Powder]

I've owned a Springfield 1903 (not a 03A3) and a #4 Mk 1 Lee Enfield, and they are good rifles but I really like the Spanish Mauser's in 7 x 57 OR the 98k that were re-barreled to accept .308 Win.

[Para82]

M96 Swede, M98 Mauser, M95 Chilean Mauser. Can't pick just one!

[TNsailorman]

I very much like the mausers and have had several over the years(98's, 96's, 24/47's), including right now. I especially like the 1903 and 1903A3(better balance than a mauser). I love the M1 Garand. They all shot well for me but the most accurate one I have had was a 1917 Eddystone. It would out group most Remington 700's off a rest. My current 1903A3 will cut a ragged hole with 175 grain Sierra match bullets(it does have a handbedded "C" stock on it tho). My model 96 swede 1908 version was probably the best machined and fitted rifle of any that I have personally owned. No machine marks anywhere and slick as ice. I read the comment about the rear sight on a 1903A3 falling off while being shouldered. I once saw a 1903A3 dropped on a concrete pad at the range and the rear sight suffered "O" damage. I have seen front sights on several military rifle that had been damage.

[Petrol & Powder]

M96 Swede, M98 Mauser, M95 Chilean Mauser. Can't pick just one!
/\ probably the three best Mausers. That would be a hard pick. 6.5mm Swede, 8mm German and 7x57mm Mauser, the M95 would get my vote but that 6.5mm is a great cartridge as well.

[perotter]

Early Arisaka Type 99. The chrome bore pushes it to the top for me. Plus the safety is nice when it's real cold as it works well with sub zero gloves/mittens.

[Artful]

It would be between stock Mk4 SMLE or M98 or M38 Mosin that I have bubba'd.

I must say it's a tough choice - today at the quarterly shoot I had both my 7.62x39 M98 w/ WASR mags and my M38 scout, and I still can't decide.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Favorite ???
I guess the Krag...it is just so unique !
But I do love to shoot the mausers even more...
Jon

[HGS]

U.S. Model 1917 enfield as a young man, then an 03-A3 after I progressed in age.

HGS

[Uncle Grinch]

I love all my Mausers and while the Swede really has a place in my heart, along with the Argentines, I have really fell in love with my split bridge 1904 Portuguese-Vergueiro Mauser; so much, that I picked up another action and had a sporter built on it.

Just to be different....

[Fishman]

Im going with the Lee Enfield, in particular the #4 mk 2 because of its excellent sights among other things. Hard to pick one favorite so I usually dont.

[rmcc]

M1 Garand has slipped to #2. 1943 03A3 has become #1 just for being so damned accurate!!!

rmcc

[Garyshome]

The only one I have. Mosin.

[SawmillJack]

I like my Enfield and my Mauser rifles especially my model 91 Argentine carbine. But I have to say my favorite
is my model 1911 Schmidt Ruben.

[fouronesix]

Here they are. M1895 Chilean and Rem 03-A3. I'm surprised the flash didn't knock the rear sight and front hood completely off the 03-A3.

[Multigunner]

Here they are. M1895 Chilean and Rem 03-A3. I'm surprised the flash didn't knock the rear sight and front hood completely off the 03-A3.

Good thing they didn't use Coachwood stocks.

There are quick removal hoods intended only for use when transporting the rifle, these protect the front sight blade, they are not configured for using the front sight. The Marines developed the aim through hood which looked to be more sturdy.

The Germans used similar clip on front sight hoods. I doubt you'll hear Gew98 ragging on about those falling off.

[offshore44]

Yugo M24/47. It just feels right and shoots great with cast.

[grumman581]

Early Arisaka Type 99. The chrome bore pushes it to the top for me. Plus the safety is nice when it's real cold as it works well with sub zero gloves/mittens.

My father brought back an Arisaka Type 99 (7.7 mm) from WW-II. It was the first bolt action rifle that I ever used for deer. It "disappeared" around 35 years ago. A co-worker had been holding it for me, I had gone in the Navy, and I lost contact with him over the years. By that time, I had even forgot his name. :( Total screwup on my part...

[gwpercle]

K11 7.5 Schmidt-Ruben aka 7.5 Swiss. Them people knew how to make rifles. Now that I'm older, having trouble seeing open iron sights, I have been favoring the peep sighted 303 British Enfield No. 4 MKI. Although I like the 7.5 action and trigger , if you can't see the sights whats the use trying to shoot.
Gary

[opos]

German K98 and a 1917 Enfield. I'm from a time (50's) when we "sportarized" lots of them for deer and elk hunting...today I like both the virgin military versions and also if I run across a really well done conversion from the 50's and 60's I'll probably grab it as there is no collector value and they are not popular with the black arms folks....I recently picked up a beautiful K98 that has all the "bells and whistles" from back then....Super nice Fajen stock and a mirror deep blue...got a 4x old school Weaver on Weaver 2 piece mounts..shoots minute of angle at 100 yards off bags and is just really a beautiful gun...cost was $300...Nobody wants them....Got a 1917 that was one of the Sears "sportarized" guns they made up from Winchester surplus parts after they were pulled out of the arsenals...pure early 60's style....again, bore like new...shoots beautifully and it was $250...Just a trip down memory lane...can't buy an original and nice 03A3 for $25 like back then but I got a few virgins..same with the Mausers and 1917...even got a couple of Mosins and I really get a kick (literally ) out of shooting them with the old milsurp ammo...lots of soap and water..in short they are all great!!

[andreadavide]

Another vote for the K31. Mine has even a Left Handed operating rod. Stock apart (it seems that it was SOP in the armée to habe beavers around chewing the buttstock) the irons are as new. And the quality is the same of a Rolex watch. Non invasive (and effective) optics rail available and a diopter complete the setup.

Funny as it may seem, the ex-aequo favourite is my mismatched Mosin Nagant "sniperoski" with a PU original optics.
Crude than cruder crude, the receiver seems to have been hammered in a blacksmith forge and filed someway by a drunk Ivan. But is shoot straight where I aim. And this is 'nuff for me.

Andrea

[Multigunner]

Most interesting bolt action military rifle I've seen was a WW2 bring back Greek 1903 Mannlicher.
The son of the owner brought it over to ask if I could find out what sort of cartridges it took.
These rifles were built on the same basic action with rotary spool magazine used for the famous sporting rifles.

[Char-Gar]

1903 or 1903A3. The US 1917, the Krag rifle and the Garand are also strong contenders. I will admit to a strong preference for US military rifles.

[savagetactical]

Most interesting bolt action military rifle I've seen was a WW2 bring back Greek 1903 Mannlicher.
The son of the owner brought it over to ask if I could find out what sort of cartridges it took.
These rifles were built on the same basic action with rotary spool magazine used for the famous sporting rifles.


6.5×54mm Mannlicher-Schönauer should have been the caliber. I had a sporter made on one numerous years ago, I wish I had kept that rifle.

[Multigunner]

6.5×54mm Mannlicher-Schönauer should have been the caliber. I had a sporter made on one numerous years ago, I wish I had kept that rifle.

Yep I found that out for him. Never heard if he was able to obtain any at the time.
Some Greek rifles were later given a generic chamber to allow use of the 6.5 Carcano cartridge as well as the standard MS cartridge.
I would not suggest using the Carcano cartridge unless certain the rifle has this sort of chamber since a worn chamber might allow the Carcano case to go in, but still not be a safe to fire combination.

During WW1 the Austro-Hungarians reamed the chambers of captured Carcano rifles to allow use of either cartridge.

[mikeym1a]

Mine is the model 1909 Argentine Mauser. Mine was 'sportenized', however, it has always been very accurate, shooting better than I am able. It is my favorite, because it was my first. It has never failed me. 8-)

[1Shirt]

Love'um all! Far to hard to decide between, 98,03,SMLE,Sweds,Mosins, etc.etc.etc.
1Shirt!

[Pb2au]

Mauser 98. 8x57. pew pew pew pew. Love that rifle.

[Magana559]

I have always been fond of the M44 ruski Mosin Naganat

[Hang Fire]

I am coming around to really liking my Mas36. Sights for me are not for precision shooting beyond 300 yards, but under that I find it to have the fastest target acquisition of any milsurp

[Hang Fire]

Whoops, double post

[Multigunner]

I am coming around to really liking my Mas36. Sights for me are not for precision shooting beyond 300 yards, but under that I find it to have the fastest target acquisition of any milsurp

I've never fired one of these but have examined a few. One was a Viet Nam bring back, either a civilian sporting version or one of those altered by the Vietnamese for use by female anti aircraft gunners and other troops not expected to act as riflemen. Very light and handy, the barrel appeared to be an unaltered carbine length. That carbine had an aftermarket thumb safety, that was positioned behind and under the bolt end cap.
The sights looked sturdy and gave a good sight picture.
I may get one of these one day, perhaps a pre bubba'ed rifle that I can use my imagination on. These can be made into nice looking sporting rifles. I've seen images of some with tasteful engraving on the magazine well that looked very nice.

[psl sniper]

Mosin nagant pu sniper. shares ammo with my dragunov.

[rintinglen]

I like the Swedes. I had the pleasure of owning a minty 96 that was a real sweet shooter. I sold it in a moment of necessity and have regretted it on and off ever since.

[13Echo]

1898 US Krag. Slickest action I've ever used, finely made and finished, and just plain cool.

Jerry Liles

[390ish]

M-39 Finn for me.

[captain-03]

Favorite ???
I guess the Krag...it is just so unique !
But I do love to shoot the mausers even more...
Jon

Personal preference is the 30.40 Krag -- smoothest action know to man!! Not nearly as accurate as my '03s or '17s; but, man it sure has the COOL factor!!

[madsenshooter]

K11 7.5 Schmidt-Ruben aka 7.5 Swiss. Them people knew how to make rifles. Now that I'm older, having trouble seeing open iron sights, I have been favoring the peep sighted 303 British Enfield No. 4 MKI. Although I like the 7.5 action and trigger , if you can't see the sights whats the use trying to shoot.
Gary


These folks make a couple different mounts for the K11. http://www.swissproductsllc.com/

My favorite at present is my K31. So far it also my most accurate rifle with both jacketed and cast. It is followed closely by my Krags.

[RugerFan]

M-39 Finn for me.

Ditto. My B barrel is very accurate with cast.

[izzyjoe]

I have an Isreale 98 in 7.62, and a 88 commision in 8x57. they both are fun to shoot. i had a 1891 mauser in 7.65, it was fun to shoot, but i grew i tired of forming brass for it, so i sold it.

[MTtimberline]

I have to say the 1903.

[robertbank]

I have owned several over the years. I only have two now. My 1950 5 Groove Longbranch is hands down my favourite. Ageing eyes prevent me from eeking out all the accuracy my K 31 is capable of which is a shame. The gun is certainly the best, put together military gun I have ever seen. It is like a Swiss watch and shoots like the latter can tell time. That said my, now scoped #4 Lonbranch will shoot my 314299 cast boolits into 1.5" at 100 yards and that is plenty good enough for me. Best of the military bolts IMHO.

Take Care

Bob

[BruceB]

QUOTE=robertbank;2436650]I "My 1950 5 Groove Longbranch is hands down my favourite."

"Best of the military bolts IMHO."

Bob[/QUOTE]

You 'n me both, Bob...

[Smoke4320]

K31 Swiss and 6.5 x 55 swedish .. just can not choose

[Eddie2002]

Been shooting two 7.7 Japs in military form and a sporterized Sedgley Springfield 30-06. As much as I like the 30-06 the Arisaka is more fun to shoot cast plinkers with just because it gets some looks at the range.

[scb]

Another vote for the 1898 Springfield.

[whelenshooter]

Model 91 Mauser. First centerfire rifle I ever owned. My Dad had one 'carbined' for me when I was about 16. I still have it plus an as issued model. Nice looking rifles too.

[gew98]

I love the feel and look of the gew98 rifle...as well I love shooting them alot. But I have a real soft spot for the enfield rifles as I have had most variations and ALL shot above par.All the same though I have a fondness for the Patt'14.....one robust rifle in a fine caliber. I have a good handfull of gew88's and they do shoot way better than one would expect. Hard call to just pic one..... especially now that I remember a couple minty standard modell's I had that could shoot amazingly tight groups with surplus and reloads.

[jonk]

Very hard to say. Some perennial favorites include my Gew. 98, Gew. 88, 03 Springfield, and Swiss G.11. If I had to pick one of those it would probably be the Springfield, purely from an accuracy and sight setup standpoint.

[Combat Diver]

Favorite is a M1903 Springfield followed by the Mauser 98.

CD

[bruce drake]

In descending order of preference.

P14 Enfield in 303 Brit - sweetest rifle I've ever fired and a Winchester to boot!
1888/05 Commission Rifle - smoothest bolt I've ever used and spot on with the sights with a .323 cast bullet.
Enfield #4 in 303 Brit - love the aperture sight and the smooth bolts but the magazine is picky somedays
Mauser 98 - I love my Mausers. I use them for almost every one of my gunsmithing bolt rifles. I don't care for the original V-notch rear sights but Redfield and Lyman rear aperture sights fix these rifles into great shooters.

I honestly have a large number of Mauser bolt rifles but I will tell you my Enfield is my preferred rifle and caliber.

Bruce

[Fly]

K-31 Swiss.These rifles are made like a fine watch.The Swiss have always taken pride in every thing they make.

Fly

[1Shirt]

I love all of my milsurps and try to shoot all of them at least a couple times a year. Like loading for 7.62x54 and 303Brit because of the rimmed case. Don't have anything French because, well just because they are French I guess. My K-31 and Swed's are the most accurate, the Mosin's and Enfields the most versatile.
1Shirt!

[herbert buckland]

No 5 Lee ,easy to carry,ample magizine capicity and quick to use.Still have not come across a modern bolt action that is as good for a scrub hunting rifle

[KCSO]

I'll have to go with the Krag, especally as a cast bullet gun.

[Adk Mike]

I've got a couple US 1917's. They do shoot very well. A lot of fun at the range.

[adrians]

Another vote for Krags, then nipping at it's heels are my Enfields.

[FredW]

My 1903 Rock Island and Springfield's.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/Whitedog333/spring8_zpsf876fac8.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/Whitedog333/media/spring8_zpsf876fac8.jpg.html)

And my 1920 National Match 1903 Springfield

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/Whitedog333/nmr7_zps0ffd9ec0.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/Whitedog333/media/nmr7_zps0ffd9ec0.jpg.html)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/Whitedog333/NMR1_zps61bb774f.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/Whitedog333/media/NMR1_zps61bb774f.jpg.html)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/Whitedog333/nmr5_zps935de84f.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/Whitedog333/media/nmr5_zps935de84f.jpg.html)

[ballistim]

My 1894 Swedish Mauser sporter that my Dad made as a deer rifle for me when I was very young. Grandpa bought it for $49.00 from an ad in the American Rifleman magazine before the Kennedy assassination. Very accurate and has served me well as far back as I can remember.

[koehlerrk]

My favorite has to be my very first mil-surp, a 1940 vintage Swiss K31 with a walnut stock. I added a scout scope, a Leupold M8 4x in an S&K no-drill mount. Sweet old rifle, shoots better than I can most days, and man alive did the Swiss do a good job building it, she's a real pleasure to shoot.

[GSCSA]

It would have to me my Enfield No. 2 MK IV .22 trainer. Non-import marked and has the windage adjustable rear sight.

[Comrade Mike]

Swedish Mausers

[GARD72977]

1951 FN Mauser 30-06 . Its in great shape with the L stamp for King Leopold. I think it has been re-parked. Shoots great as is the perfect caliber for a military bolt gun. Brass is everywhere and I bought some Trail Boss for 50yd cast boolits loads. Not many of the old mauser bolt guns did not see war.

[Armo]

1886 Kropacheck 8mmx60R
Also Chinese type 53 ugly as all get out, but very powerfull and accurate !
Also, Mossberg 42 M-B , .22 training rifle

[BD]

I'm very loyal to the US service rifles. Because they were "Our Rifles". We won wars with them.
But to look purely at the wood and steel itself, my favorite milsurps are the M96 swedes. I've owned 5 of them and still have two. I've never fired a group with another "as issued" milsurp bolt that could stay in the same room with an average original M96. It's not just the thought that went into the cartridge design, or the precision that went into the original manufacture and fitting the rifles, it's the care that was given to those rifles over their entire service life, and the whole theory that a national military could be made up of true riflemen kept supplied by the best rifles that could be provided. That is what makes them truly special.
BD

[FredW]

I've heard a lot of Good things about those rifles. I'm going to have to check them out.

[Desertbuck]

My all time favorite bolt action rifle is hands down the US model of 1917. The rifle has never let me down and she simply never ceases to amaze me and others of her accuracy. I do not claim to be a good shot, but with trusty old Bettsy Eddy in my hands hitting what I am aiming at becomes second nature. No matter what the distance, if I can see it with the naked eye I can reach out and touch it. Sorry the Sharps and the m1 Garand don't belong on this thread but they are two of my three Queens and are proudly on display in my man cave. And the M1917 and the M1 Garand both share a NOBUCKL sling. If you don't have one I highly recommend that you get one. They look very good on USA surplus rifles require very little time and effort to adjust.

[robertbank]

Very nice collection. That is one good looking P 17. I am looking for either a P 14 or P 17. Not many around up here in half decent shape. May have to look southward.

Take Care

Bob

[rattletrap1970]

Hmm, I haven't shot nearly all of them. But I did very much like the m96 Swedish Mauser. I also like my Fabrique Nationale M1951 Army .30-06. I don't meet many bolt actions I don't like.

[joecz858]

The No.4's are really fantastic. I had a 1944 Longbranch that looked like it had never ever left the arsenal. I could barely find so much as a smudge of grease on it. I really miss it now...

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

1903a3

[458mag]

my 1903-a3 dad bought for me when I was 14 then both of my 1910 303 ross rifles. vantastic shooters all

[Fly]

Man that rifle brings back memories.I,m 68 years old.I was in the Navys drill team.When I went to boot camp those
spring fields were what was issue for marching.Yea they were pluded & what every else they do.But where prefit
balance for drill rifles.But I always wanted a M1 garand instead.Well I got my wish when I Joined the drill team.

As on today I own ether. I have a lot of the rest but price always is my issue.Mmmm Not really it is my wife issue with price.

After looking at yours I think I may now want one of those over the Garand.

Fly
My 1903 Rock Island and Springfield's.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/Whitedog333/spring8_zpsf876fac8.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/Whitedog333/media/spring8_zpsf876fac8.jpg.html)

And my 1920 National Match 1903 Springfield

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/Whitedog333/nmr7_zps0ffd9ec0.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/Whitedog333/media/nmr7_zps0ffd9ec0.jpg.html)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/Whitedog333/NMR1_zps61bb774f.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/Whitedog333/media/NMR1_zps61bb774f.jpg.html)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/Whitedog333/nmr5_zps935de84f.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/Whitedog333/media/nmr5_zps935de84f.jpg.html)

[gwpercle]

1911 Schmidt-Ruben, 7.5 Swiss, carbine , is my favorite if you consider it a bolt action.
If not- the 303 British No 4 MKII , I have a Brimgham Small Arms , 1943, that is in nice condition for cast boolit shooting . Then the 1903-A3 Springfield would come next.
Truth is I like them all.

[Linstrum]

My 3600 atmospheres (52,900 psi c.u.p.) high pressure version Finland rebuild Mosin-Nagant 91/30 7.62x54R. I don't have much information on this version other than selected receivers made in 1936 and later were used in conjunction with special manganese steel Tikkakoski barrels that are a nice plum purple color instead of black. It is the most accurate rifle I own, and with 180 grain Lee cast wheel weight boolits with a full case of WC860 powder it does 1/4-inch groups at 100 yards.

rl1,712

[Lead Fred]

Sharps 45/70

[303carbine]

Sharps 45/70

A bolt action Sharps, I would like to see one of those, got pics??

[Multigunner]

Never heard of a bolt action Sharps but there were several military and sporting bolt action rifles chambered for the .45-70 cartridge.
The Hotchkiss and Keene rifles and the early USN Lee rifle of 1879 are a few. Very interesting rifles and well worth studying.

[303carbine]

I picked up a favorite of mine today...... a 1945 BSA No5Mk1 with a bayonet...yay!!

[robertbank]

I picked up a favorite of mine today...... a 1945 BSA No5Mk1 with a bayonet...yay!!

Sweet.

Take Care

Bob

[Tens]

My favorite is the M96 Swedish Mauser. Love the 29 inch 6.5x55 barrel with slow powder!

[cdet69]

+ one more vote for the Swede M96.

[clownbear69]

out of what I own it would be an M44, one I want is a k31

[nitrohuck]

out of what I own it would be an M44, one I want is a k31

Remedy your situation and get a K31... you won't be sorry you did,

[clownbear69]

Remedy your situation and get a K31... you won't be sorry you did,

If I had money it would be no problem. so far the last two years if I have the money its out of stock and when I don't everything is in stock at best pricing. Story of my life. I was thinking the K31 would be an awesome casting project since from reading (correct if im wrong) needs to be at lower pressures anyways inorder to not destroy the reciever

[alg3205]

Model of 1903A1 in 30-06. Accurate and fun to shoot!

[4570guy]

The Krag. There are rifles with more history (although the Krag has its share). I find the Krag a work of art and highly accurate. For their first smokeless powder magazine rifle, the US Army did a lot of things right. I love the '03 too, but I think the "transition" period between BP and smokeless is more interesting - and they are just plain fun to shoot!

[Hang Fire]

out of what I own it would be an M44, one I want is a k31


out of what I own it would be an M44, one I want is a k31

Stay firm for the K31, you will never regret it.

I scoped mine using the St. Marie clamp on mount. Rifle is more accurate than I could ever hope to be. As per S/N, mine was mfg. in 1941, according to two digit stamp on top of tang it was armory refurbished in 1953. Stamped code symbols on barrel shoulder where it meets receiver, show it was also rebarreled in 1953.

The plasticized paper tag beneath butt plate shows rifle was reissued in 1954 to a 20 year old Cpl. Girald Pasquile.

As someone posted long ago: The K31 is a precision target rifle disguised as a service rifle.

http://hstrial-rchambers.homestead.com/P1010652.JPG

[robertbank]

It was said once
, when a German General told a Swiss General he could provide twice as many men as the Swiss General had if Germany decided to invade Switzerland. Asked for a comment, the Swiss General said, "Well, I suppose we will have to shoot twice".

Take Care

Bob

[FredW]

Man that rifle brings back memories.I,m 68 years old.I was in the Navys drill team.When I went to boot camp those
spring fields were what was issue for marching.Yea they were pluded & what every else they do.But where prefit
balance for drill rifles.But I always wanted a M1 garand instead.Well I got my wish when I Joined the drill team.

As on today I own ether. I have a lot of the rest but price always is my issue.Mmmm Not really it is my wife issue with price.

After looking at yours I think I may now want one of those over the Garand.

Fly

Fly, If you buy a 1903, I hope that you get a good one. Most on the market now are assembled from parts by collectors and shooters or have had most of their original parts replaced during overhall by armorers. Of those, any rifles that have had armorer or armory updates or repairs are still considered collectable and in original military configuration. They are the ones that will maintain and increase in their value. From the lack of them showing up for sale, it seems that a great majority of the rifles as they were Originally Assembled at Springfield Armory or Rock Island Arsenal are owned in private collections now. They used to be common enough and could be found for sale up to 25 or 30 years ago, but not anymore. I was able to find mine on Gun Broker over a five year period. Each one was the only original rifle at the time among all the rest that were no longer in as original condition. They showed up infrequently, but because nobody seemed to notice them, I was able to get each one for considerably less than the Flayderman's Price Guide value, which only applies to unaltered and original as made collectables. The rifles assembled from parts and rifles with major alterations have no real collectors value and are just considered shooters and should be priced accordingly. However most of these are often grabbed up for too high a price by guys who are eager to obtain a collectable rifle. What they wind up with is a 1903 that is worth less than they have in it. These can sometimes be sold again to another person who has little experience in the subject of 1903's if the owner is wanting to get his money back out of the rifle, but the rifle will never command the top dollar collector price that the buyer is after. If you want to get a rifle that is a shooter as well as a collectable that will increase in value, they're out there but you have to do a lot of research and studying up on the subject before you buy one or more. If you happen to see one and are wondering about it, go ahead and contact me and I'll try to give you as much information on it as to its collectability and originality as I'm able. Good luck in your search!

[graphic914]

love the look of my sons Enfield, but shooting K31 all the time

[seaboltm]

My favorites are mostly my Mauser M98s followed very closely by my M1903s. Never owned a SMLE though I've been tempted. Have a Ross M10 that I shoot often.

Larry Gibson

Agree. But of course the 1903 is basically a Mauser 98, so does that count as one or two favorites?

[Larry Gibson]

M1903A1 in M1903A3 National Match II configuration.

The M1903A1 is a lot of fun as a "shooter".

Larry Gibson

8980189802

[Dschuttig]

I would have to say that I really love my Steyr M.95's. I have a long rifle that I found while visiting a friend for $75 about 8 years ago. Perfect stock (dark walnut), bluing and barrel shows only a hint of hazing. Barrel comes in at .3285 so it shoots the Lee cast bullet very very well. Not to mention the straight pull, en-bloc clip, sleek look and cool WWI history just add to the "mystique".

Back when century had the m.95 at 3 for $210 I bought 6, one had a perfect carbine stock and a no - date brand new unfired barrel, love it.

Other one I bought from a fella on gunboards, serbian rebuild of a budapest m.95. Has a brand new barrel in 8x50r, which may be the only m.95 I've seen in 8x50r with at least a half-way decent barrel, although I'm sure more exist.

[Thundermaker]

#4 Enfield. Smooth as glass, accurate, little recoil.

[giericd]

The M200 CheyTac Intervention not many around, but then again they don't need to be close! {The CheyTac Intervention is an American bolt action sniper rifle manufactured by CheyTac LLC. It is fed by a 7-round detachable single stack magazine. It fires .408 Chey Tac or .375 Chey Tac ammunition. CheyTac LLC states that the system is capable of delivering sub-MOA accuracy at ranges of up to 2,500 yards (2,300 m), one of the longest ranges of all modern-day sniper rifles. It is based on the EDM Arms Windrunner.}92197
(Wiki)

[relicshunter]

92681
Definitely a K31. After my husband bought an M44 and we started looking for a rifle for me. I instantly was sold on the straight pull and accuracy. Here I am with my first hog five years ago. Its great at the range and in the woods.

[nodda duma]

I really like my 1896 Krag.

[upnorthwis]

My 1901 M96 Swede. Needed a rifle to shoot in the local Vintage Military match. Saw this one on the rack that was all original and told the salesman to get his bore scope out. While I'm looking in the bore he's telling me all about this disc on the stock and these other numbers and all I hear is Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah. Have owned it for two years now and it was only because of the Cast Boolit site that I now know what he was talking about. Matching numbers and a like new bore.

[pworley1]

1896 Krag

[bmortell]

gotta say mosin, seen video where casefull of mixed pistol powder failed to rupture the gun, plus they cost less than the tin of surp ammo to feed it

[Huffmanite]

Have a number of surplus rifles and a fair number of sporterized surplus rifles too. Hard for me to pick a particular one. For being a somewhat rare surplus rifle, guess it'd be the M47 Madsen 30-06 built for Columbia I bought back around 1967 for deer hunting, that was new, never issued. Still in pretty darn good condition. Seldom take it to range to shoot, but when I do, there is always someone who'll ask me what it is.

Then about 4 years ago, on an internet surplus rifle auction of the Darnell firearms collection (jeezzz, must have been over 5,000 surplus rifles) that were sold in 5 or so auctions held about 6 weeks apart, I bid on and won a pretty darn nice Model 1936 Mexican Mauser in 7x57. The rifle was listed as a mystery mauser. Only thing wrong with the rifle was the Mexican Crest had been carefully removed....one of reasons rifle couldn't be identified. I was lucky to already own just the action of a Model 36 Mexican I'd bought from a long time gunsmith who'd had it in his private stock of mauser actions to build on. Has a Springfield like knob on rear of bolt. From a picture of the rifle, knob allowed me to I.D. the one in the Darnell collection. Evidently, I was only one who knew it was a 36 Mexican and quickly won the rifle with a $220 bid. Rifle turned out to be quite a shooter with one really really good military trigger. I would later post some pics of my Mexican on a couple of surplus rifle websites and have comments made such as: I've been trying to find a 36 Mexican for over 7 years to complete my Mexican mauser collection or that's the best looking Mexican mauser rifle I've seen.

[OKSaddletramp]

I've owned and shot a few milsurp bolt actions over the years. While the Mosins have been a lot of fun, by far my favorite is was and probably shall be the 1917 Eddystone. The fit, balance, accuracy, and quality is exceptional. I only wish I could afford one. The last time one was offered at a price I could live with, i passed on it in favor of a Garand.

Still think I made the right call, but...

Saddle[smilie=2:

[Kevinakaq]

upnorthwise, we are in agreement! 1901 M96 Swede

Very actively looking for one now.

[nitrohuck]

upnorthwise, we are in agreement! 1901 M96 Swede

Very actively looking for one now.

PM sent to ya Kevinakaq!

I am selling a 1901 M38 Swede that is absolutely perfect for vintage matches,

[Gunnut 45/454]

Mine is the battlefield pickup G98/40 which saved my Dad's life in a battle in Italy, when he was wounded and his Garrand was distroyed! Period end of discussion. It will forever hold a place in my heart,God rest his soul.:mrgreen:

[Kevinakaq]

Thanks Huck for the heads up and sale! Look forward to receiving it...now I can play with a m96-38 up close and personal...

"PM sent to ya Kevinakaq!

I am selling a 1901 M38 Swede that is absolutely perfect for vintage matches, "

[nitrohuck]

Thanks Huck for the heads up and sale! Look forward to receiving it...now I can play with a m96-38 up close and personal...

"PM sent to ya Kevinakaq!

I am selling a 1901 M38 Swede that is absolutely perfect for vintage matches, "


Enjoy Kevin!!! I already put down a good word for the Swedes on this thread, but I'll say it again, Swedes are the best!!!

I got my 1903a3 not long ago and have been loving that too, I must say, and with lazy handloads it will hold the Ten ring no problem on the SR1 target at 100yrds

[303carbine]

My latest is an all matching 1955 No4Mk2 Fulton Regulated target rifle equipped with an
AJ Parker TZ 4/47 target sight.
It took only two shots to zero it, after that, the two hundred yard gongs were easy to hit.
I am going to take it out to find some longer ranges to shoot at. Out here there are a few canyons I can get to in a short distance drive that has all the distance I need to test the potential of this rifle.
From what I can tell, this rifle has a new barrel, has been bedded, probably with wooden blocking to keep the mating surfaces tight. I took off the front band to check it out, the top handguard had been worked and the barrel band was bedded with a cloth type material that was glued on.
I didn't want to take it all apart as I didn't want to mess with the bedding, I probably wouldn't be able to put it all back exactly.
So, I thought best to leave it be and enjoy shooting it.

[Blanket]

1903 Springfield, grew up shooting them, sporterizing them, and competing with them. All the family and men I knew had them. Had all the ammo, brass, and surplus powder I could use. Shot everything from squirrels to Elk and have not been without at least a couple since I was in short pants Russ

[woodbutcher]

:grin:Great thread.I guess the most heavy duty military bolt gun that I ever owned was a 45/70 built on a Siamese Mauser action.The most fun was the 03 Springfield that my Father brought home from overseas after WW1.It was his issue rifle,and saw combat.Don`t know what happened to either of them.They just disappeared never to be seen again.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[UBER7MM]

My avatar is a dead give away.....

[AlaskanGuy]

Well, mine is my K31 Swiss... I just love it... Refinishing mine as we speak...

AG

[Garyshome]

The only one I own Mosin!

[Bullshop]

I once read that the Germans made the best hunting rifle, the Americans made the best target rifle, and the British made the best battle rifle.
I concur.

[Nicholas]

For accuracy, I would have to go with my Finnish Sky rifle. Never will like the safety on a Mosin action, though. For quality and elan, my 100 year old, all matching, non threaded Swede is the choice. For utility and fun and shot the most, my WWII vintage Enfield wins. An old Moisin given to me by a friend has some cool factor in that it was cleaned from the muzzle so much that a pulled bullet drops an inch into the bbl. Have to wonder how many enemy were gunned down with this old war horse and in which major battle(s). I just clean old military rifles because a lot of the character are the marks and dings picked up over the years in battles and armories.

[tdoyka]

i had a '98 mauser action that i built up. bent the bolt handle, timiney trigger, 20" douglas barrel and put a swift 3-9x. it was done in 7x57 and boy did it shoot!!! 1/2" at 100 yards was the norm. i took for deer season for 5-7 years and then i gave it to my oldest boy.
i just got the 1898 springfield armory in 30-40 krag last summer. it was sporterized and it killed quite a few deer(pap, dad, and uncle). i got it and cleaned it up for shooting cast boolits. this year i really wish to take the krag out and blood it with cast.

[dg31872]

This is like trying to choose a favorite child, they all have their good and bad.

[aspangler]

Two. 98 Mauser and 96 Swede. Most reliable and accurate milsurps out there.

[ukrifleman]

131569 131570

For me, it has to be this M96 Swedish Mauser that I recently found.

It is a 1915 Gustafs that was re-furbed at the Swedish army workshops in Stockholm prior to 1945.

The rifle is all matching, in mint condition and as far as I can tell un-fired, (until last Sunday.)

ukrifleman.

[Eddie2002]

Been shooting the 7.7 Jap since the 70's and still love them, would like to track down a 8x57 Mauser and a 303 Brit but money is a little short so I'm staying with my Arasika's.

[ascast]

Austrian Werndl 11mm

[Remiel]

Right now, my Mosins, but i am building a mauser in 8x57

[leebuilder]

I like them all. 303s and Swedish mausers top of the list. Mosins are alot of fun too. If it has history and goes bang after the bolt is closed i will have a place for it in my house.
I realy like 22 trainers too, something about a full sized battle rifle in 22lr, and some will take a bayonet!!!, to much fun.

[bob208]

short or tall as long as they are original and matching I like them all.

[wch]

M1903 Springfield.

[43PU]

Mine is a toss up between Mosin M39 or my Swiss K31 I have 2 M39s and 2 K31s. The ammo is cheaper I n the 7.62x54r

[Bill*B]

Any well preserved military Mauser is a fine piece, indeed. They are second only to the post-'64 Model 70 Winchester G-series push feed, which is the finest bolt gun, period.

[craig61a]

Right now it's an 1894 Krag... but over the years it changes. :roll:

[avogunner]

Don't even have to think about it......1903 Springfield! Low number-high number, RIA-Springfield, A1-A2-A4, no matter.... I love them all!

[Huffmanite]

Tough for me to decide which of my military rifles I prefer more. Have each of a nice condition: 1903 Springfield, 1903A03 Smith-Corona, M1936 Mexican, 1928? Czech/Persian Long Rifle. All shoot quite well. Prefer the rear sights on the 1903 Springfield, but of the rifles listed, this Springfield has the worst bore. Other rifles mentioned, have mint bores, but the 1923 dated barrel on the Springfield does shoot well for accuracy, dispite its worn and frosted bore. Of these rifles, the excellent condition the M1936 Mexican has the best trigger. First time I pulled its trigger, immediately took the barrel action out of the stock to examine and was surprised to find the trigger had not been worked on. Recently had this rifle at range and couple of gents I compete against in our range's military rifle 200 yard competition were there. Both use 1903A03 Springfields in the competition, often finishing 1st or 2nd place in it. Had them try the trigger and both were surprised when I told them, the trigger was still military and that I'd done nothing to it other than clean and lub it. Dispite my ramblings about the above rifles, guess the Danish Madsen M58 Columbian 30-06 I found new/never issued in a department store back around 1967 for $45 should be mentioned. Unusual design and somewhat rare military rifle as only maybe 6,000 were made for Columbian navy. But rifles never delivered and ended up being sold in U.S. market back in the late 60s. Crossed paths at a local gunshow with a guy I used to hunted with a very long time ago, but had not seen for maybe 35 years. During out conversation, he'll ask me if I still had the Madsen. Yep, I replied, its a safe queen for me.

[GabbyM]

98 Mauser is still in production last I looked. That is telling.
My last two Bolt gun purchases were an FN-M70 Winchester and CZ 527. Both derived from the 98 Mauser. So I can not deny.

[Grendl]

03-A4 , I don't think my other milsurps will ever come close in the accuracy dept. And it's the only one I don't want to turn into something else.

[Brett Ross]

Wow just can’t pick one but I can list some favorites.
A303- Its just so red white and blue to me. I still remember my grandfather telling me how he and his pals back in WW2 complained when they first got their Garand’s, as they were less accurate than his trusty 1903. He did go on to say how much his assessment changed once he got in combat and the advantage of fire-power over 900 yd accuracy became apparent.
K31- just make’s you think “craftsmanship”. This rifle also has the best trigger of any gun I own mil-surp or otherwise
M95-34 – Super fun to shoot and the only one I hunt with. 230 GR of soft point lead, Just works.
1905 Ross – Well because it’s a Ross and I’m a Ross
MN 91-30- How can you not love something that is so crude and ugly but works every time.
96 Swedish mauser- What can I say, It just looks right.
Tony

[Motor]

So far my favorite is my Finn M39. It's very accurate and very likely has the best trigger of any battle bolt action rifle. I have 3 of them and this goes for all 3. :)

Motor

[458mag]

My 303 Ross and then my other 303 Ross.

[DGNY]

My favorite is a Lee-Enfield No.5 Mk1. You know - a "Jungle Carbine". I was there when it was bought by my college roommate around 1960 for about $25. By the way, we even then called it a Jungle Carbine; ditto when I bought one for myself in 1964, again for $25. About 10 years ago, my pal was moving with his wife to FL and I bought it from him.

Last fall, I shot it in tribute to my old friend, who thanks to USAF service in Vietnam, now must reside in a care facility, as he has an ideopathic lower body Parkinson's. It put a smile on his face recently when I told him about shooting his rifle. Which, incidentally still puts them right where you aim them. No wandering zero that we could detect. This rifle is not perfect with its added leather sling from 50-odd years ago - but it is my favorite milsurp.

Regards,

Dyson

[30calflash]

So far my favorite is my Finn M39. It's very accurate and very likely has the best trigger of any battle bolt action rifle.

Motor
Same here, probably the best open sights on a military rifle also.

[BruceB]

[QUOTE=DGNY;3159045]My favorite is a Lee-Enfield No.5 Mk1. You know - a "Jungle Carbine".

This rifle is not perfect with its added leather sling from 50-odd years ago - but it is my favorite milsurp.QUOTE]

To this day, I believe I saved myself from death or serious injury with a #5 Mk1. I killed an oncoming black bear at muzzle-flash range, firing four rounds so quickly that I'm willing to SWEAR that there were at least three empties in the air before any hit the ground.

As the beneficiary of extensive Canadian Army training with the #4 Rifle, the identical action of the #5 was an easy transition indeed. In this situation, the rapid-fire capability was very useful.

The bear was a large male just out of hibernation, who was sufficiently-irritated by my husky dog to chase her into camp.... where he met Mr. Lee Enfield. He died about four feet from my toes.

I tried to buy that #5 from my employer... no dice. Anyway, the #4 is MY favorite military rifle, but I'd be mighty pleased to find a nice #5 to keep the #4s company.

[Mauser48]

I recently got a 1943 03-A3 thats all remington that im really liking. I figured out exactly where my sights hit and have no problem hitting at 600 yards.

[tdoyka]

about 20 years ago i bought a mauser 98 action for $75. i had the bolt handle bent, a timmeny trigger installed, a douglas premium for the barrel and then i had it drilled and tapped for a scope mount. since this was going to be my boy's i decided a synthic stock(looks like wood) put on. oh, the barrel was chambered for the 7x57 mauser. boy could it shoot!!! 139gr hornady flat point with a charge of imr3031 would do 1/4" groups at 100 yards. my son only has about 150 of the hornady's left. then i have to go to the 140gr ballistic tips.
this november i got a 1898 springfield armory in 30-40 krag(bubbaized) and from what i can tell it shoots a 165gr ranch dog with a chagre of h4198 around 1 - 1 1/2"" at 50 yards(open sights). i'll try it this spring, but it shows some promise.
my dad also has a ww2 30 carbine and two french guns that i really have to look at. they both bolt actions, one is a carbine(7.5mm) and the other is a full sized military gun also it is 7.5mm. i really got to take a look at them.

[tdoyka]

i got the french guns, the first one is a carbine and is classified as mle 1907-15 m 34 mas and it is a 7.5 french
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h273/tdoyka/1425324834198.1_zpswxvzpzn8.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/tdoyka/media/1425324834198.1_zpswxvzpzn8.jpg.html)


the other is a chatellerault mle 1907-15 and i'm guessing it is also a 7.5 french or 8mm lebel(no markings)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h273/tdoyka/1425325400120.1_zps9amypj5m.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/tdoyka/media/1425325400120.1_zps9amypj5m.jpg.html)

[Silfield]

My favourite at the moment is a M1886 Steyr Kropatschek in 8x60R. I only got it last year but it has been an education casting and reloading for it but it is a fine accurate rifle with an action that is butter smooth.
Next on the list of favorites is an 1887 Martini Henry (sorry, no bolt!) then a JP SauerCE44 k98.
For long range shooting I have a Winchester M70 Stealth that has been modified a bit by myself and is now very accurate out to 1000 yards.

[DGNY]

Thanks, BruceB for that recounting of your personal "close encounter". Glad the carbine did what it was born to do. Hope I never am in such a spot!

Regards,

Dyson

[muzzleblastm38]

M48 shoot grenat with any load

[Klaus]

i feel that there exist a lot of good military bolt actions
personally i favor a for a US Krag - Joergensen but this is a very expensiv behavior here in German because they are very rare.
anyway my stuff are

Commision Rifle 1888 Amberg 1891 / Turkis Contract 8x57 IS
Gewehr 98 / Turkish Contract 1939 / bubbarized to a sporter 8x57 IS
Carl Gustav M96 / 1916 6,5x55 SE

For Mauser Actions the best for myselfe is the Sweden Mauser , best Craftmanship, best Steel, best Finish at all.
and with distance the best shooter with commercial and reloaded Rounds.

Klaus :drinks:

[jrap]

I love my lee enfields but my k31 is sweet

[mrrch]

+1 on the K31 but my Mosins are also fun to shoot so is the Enfield and waiting to try the Carcano.
Just realized they are all favorites

[longbow]

I used to really like Mausers but since I got a Lee Enfield #5 then another, then a sporterized #4, then a stock and very nice #4 I think Lee Enfields are taking over as favourites. Still like the Mauser but I do like my Lee Enfields!

Longbow

[fa38]

1895 Chileno 7 mm Mauser.
Just because its at least 115 years old, looks like new, is very accurate with cast bullets.

[kawasakifreak77]

Mine was a 1903 Springfield. It was my deer rifle by 14, with a steel tube Weaver 3x9 on top. Helped put meat on the table with that one. Dad gave it to me awhile back & now I'm wondering if I could have someone put sights back on it.

Then it was the Swedes. Oh me oh my. Light recoil, flat shooting, amazing accurate rifles. But you lose the versatility of 30 caliber. Still, I'm building an old world period correct sporter on a 1919 action. It will hang on my wall.

Then I got a K31. Craftsmanship & heretidge of the Swedes & versatility of 30 caliber. This just might be it!

Honorable mention: the 1917. Another round in the magazine & 2" more barrel. If I could pick between a perfect 1917 & a1903, I'd probably go with the 1917.

[nagantguy]

Mosin nagants; all country, numbers and flavors. Have examples of most of the rifles listed and I do.really lobe my 03a3 but the crude cheap and ugly nagant rings my bell. Guess the ugly crude and cheap would help.explain. my first marriage.

[koger]

I love the Swede 96's and 38"s in 6.5 x55, most accurate out of the box WW 1 and2 era rifles I have ever handled, shot, and I have had them all numerous times over!

[jrap]

I also love mosin's even though they're definitely not the best lol

[CHeatermk3]

My new to me Mauser--134658134659Don't know what marking this is; looks like a star-in-crescent under a triangle? Kinda frosty bore but real strong rifling..haven't shot it yet waiting for tools!

[TNsailorman]

No contest, either a 1903 or 1903A3 followed very closely by the US 1917 Enfield. From there it would be 96/38 swede, 98 mauser. I don't really have anything against the British .303 except it is butt ugly. As far as shooting is concerned, in excellent condition it is great. I never owned or wanted a 91 nagant so I can't really say anything about it. I have been a military rifle man since my first one at age 12 in the mid 50's. I think I paid something like $8.00 for one in excellent condition. It made meat on more than one occasion. Now a days I don't buy military, they have gone up to the point that they are not a bargain and I don't throw money around, I'm cheap. james

[texaswoodworker]

No. 4 Mk I* Enfield made in the US by Savage. I'm wanting to pick up a Swiss 1911 rifle, and I have a feeling it would be one of my favorites too.

[GabbyM]

My new to me Mauser--134658134659Don't know what marking this is; looks like a star-in-crescent under a triangle? Kinda frosty bore but real strong rifling..haven't shot it yet waiting for tools!

I found the 660 numeric code.


Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG, Steyr, Austria (superseded by 'bnz'). Found on small arms

[CHeatermk3]

Thanks Gabby==any info on the star-in-crescent mark? Some arab or maybe Iraq property mark?

[texaswoodworker]

Thanks Gabby==any info on the star-in-crescent mark? Some arab or maybe Iraq property mark?

It could be a Turkish Mauser. Turkey was importing their Mausers up until the end of 1939. After that, they started making/assembling their own (K.Kale) since they did not want to get caught between Hitler and Stalin. They remained neutral until the end of the war when they joined the allies. I have a 1942 K.Kale Mauser.

BEAUTIFUL rifle BTW. Mine looks like it's seen a lot of use.

http://www.turkmauser.com/1938/

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Flag_of_Turkey.svg/1024px-Flag_of_Turkey.svg.png

[Mgderf]

That's like asking which child is your favorite!
I only have a handful, of military bolt guns, not kids...but I digress.

I will not say which is my favorite because my house is too small, my safes too nearby, and I could be overheard.
I'm not going to hurt any feelings today.

Several years ago I "fell into" a deal on some vintage firearms, among them a couple of old war-horses.

I have a Lithgow No.3 Mk1 SMLE from 1945. I'm not sure, but it looks as if it had not been issued, or newly factory refurbished.
It shoots at least as good as I do.
I also ran into a type 99 Arisaka in 7.7x58 with an INTACT mum! It has a bright and shiny bore and has NOT been counter-bored, but this poor thing looks like it's been through 3 or 4 world wars! It has taken a lickin', but keeps on tickin'.
I also have a 91/30 Mosin, and a T53 (Chinese clone of the M44 Mosin).

I will NOT pick a favorite, but still, I've wanted to try the British "Mad-Minute" drill since reading about it.
Sounds like it would be fun, but also expensive since I don't (yet) reload .303 British...

[Ballistics in Scotland]

I have never believed straight-pull actions had much of an advantage, and few can be cycled in silence. But if the Lee-Enfield had been the salvation of somebody else's country, three of them would head my list.

One is the Austro-Hungarian M95 Mannlicher, which unlike the lovely little Mannlicher-Schoenauer actually does include major innovation of Ferdinand von Mannlicher's own. It is very strong and compact, and easier than most for a gunsmith to adapt to left-hand use. It stood an amazingly long torture test with no lubrication before adoption. I think the Hungarian round is the better of the two, if you can get the brass and bullets, but I have the NEI .330 247gr. mould, also excellent for the Kropatschek, although I bought mine for the falling-block Guedes.

Another favourite is the 6mm. Navy Lee, although mine, one of the even rarer sporters, is only a wall-hanger. Arguably it isn't a bolt-action at all, since the thing is square in section and lifts out of engagement, a system later to be much used in automatic weapons. But the best thing about it is the cartridge, which with improved powders and primers which weren't long in coming, could have duplicated the .243 Winchester before WW1.


My third, especially if I could be permitted a non-destructive modification, is Swiss, but nothing as modern as even the 1911. Mine is the 1889, with an almost ludicrously long action, but a mechanical gem which about equals the ballistic performance of the Krag. I bought a spare bolt plug from Numrich, and to it silver soldered a small Marble-Goss receiver sight. No original part has been even drilled, and it is far more rigid and more precisely adjustable than a cocking-piece sight. It really needs a cast or swaged bullet with paper patch, since the neck and throat demand considerably larger than groove diameter. The factory bullet had a slight heel (to prevent "finning" at the rear I think), but I believe as much could be achieved with a discarding aluminium disc inside the patch. I don't believe any modern military rifle has exceeded the rapid-fire accuracy of experts like Captain Otter.

Back to Lee-Enfields, my choice would be an early Long Lee Enfield, without the charger guide, especially if I could have one of the Parker or Parker-Hale micrometer peepsights, designed for use in target disciplines which didn't permit drilling and tapping. There is a single-stage trigger (abandoned in later Lee-Enfields), bore and chamber dimensions are usually true to specification, and the action has cleaner and more elegant lines. I don't believe the Krag could beat it for smoothness and silence. It was used, I think, in the only war in which the rifle has ever been the dominant weapon.

The P14 and M1917 Enfields are also excellent rifles, and were the first to bring really good, well protected aperture sights to the military rifle. All oher ideas of a favourite would be off if I could get one of the P13 trials rifles, for a .276 round much resembling a slightly shorter and fatter 7mm. Remington Magnum, all ready to win another Boer War with. Again primers and powders presented difficulties, but these were about ready to be beaten if some idiot hadn't started a war.

The Werndl is an interesting nomination, since you would feel a bit silly if you let it in by defining a bolt as a rotating cylindrical thing which doesn't move up and down. I have a disembodied late Werndl lock, the version with the hammer inside the back-action sidelock plate. Maybe someday I will make my own 8 bore single.

[badbob454]

yugo 24/47 mauser in 8mm

[gew98]

136588Had I to pick a "type"...yeah it would be the gew98 in general....wou'd a thunk it !.

[dps3006]

My Swedes, model 96 and 38. More accurate than I am and easy on the shoulder.