What surplus bolt action for a shooter?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What surplus bolt action for a shooter?

Posted: 1/21/2006 7:49:32 PM EDT

I've got a hankering to get a surplus bolt action military rifle. Can't say exactly why but they appeal to me. I'm looking for something I can shoot at the range (100-200 yards). I want something that handles well and shoots halfway decent. I'd like something that stands the test of time and is still a viable firearm today. I'm particularly concerned about the sights. Generally, I prefer peep sights. I've looked at the sights on a few old Mausers and I can see there's going be some mental adjustment needed.

I've just sort of assumed I wanted a Mauser and probably a M98 but I see so much discussion about others that I'm beginning to wonder. I used to own an FR8 (should never have sold it) and it had everything I would probably want (common caliber, decent sights, good handling) but I think I want something a bit more traditional/historic. What else should I be looking for?

What do you folks like to shoot? If Mauser, what configuration? What other rifles should I be looking at. Is there an affordable surplus arm that's a sweet shooter?

Posted: 1/21/2006 7:59:21 PM EDT

[#1]

Mauser
nuf said

Posted: 1/21/2006 8:00:15 PM EDT

[#2]

The sites on the K98 Mauser are indeed trickey to figure out. Here is my 2 cents. Nobody is known for their craftsmanship more than the Swiss (think watches and chocolate). If you are dealing with a weapon that is 50+ years old, and you want it to last for 50 more. Think of the Swiss. I would highly recommend a Swiss K31. It is a VERY tight shooter. The sites are easier as well. Plus- right now is the time to get them. They are relatively inexpensive. The only draw back to the K31 I can think of is--- The ammo is not cheap.

Just my opinion,
Bill

Posted: 1/21/2006 8:13:39 PM EDT

[#3]

Swiss K31
Partisan is making ammo for it now.

Posted: 1/21/2006 8:23:21 PM EDT

[#4]

+1 on the swiss.

but....

a good yugo mauser makes a good cheap accurate plinker. surplus 8mm is insanely cheap.

Posted: 1/21/2006 8:32:36 PM EDT

[#5]

Wow- a guy named MAUSERmark giving a plus one to the K-31. Defense rests.

Posted: 1/21/2006 8:51:22 PM EDT

[#6]

Install a Williams or Mojo rear sight on your Mauser. My M48 has a Mojo installed and it's just the ticket for the ranges you want to shoot at. It installs in about five minutes (after the 1/2 hour learning curve

) and can be removed and original sights installed again just as fast.

Posted: 1/21/2006 9:48:21 PM EDT

[#7]

A good military surplus bolt gun with peep sights? How about an 03A3? It is a Mauser-type action.

Posted: 1/22/2006 5:01:35 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
If you are dealing with a weapon that is 50+ years old, and you want it to last for 50 more. Think of the Swiss. I would highly recommend a Swiss K31. It is a VERY tight shooter. The sites are easier as well. Plus- right now is the time to get them. They are relatively inexpensive . . .

It does seem like an opportune time to pick up a Swiss. Based on the little online reading I've done it seems like the K31 is the current bargain. Maybe I should get one of those now and keep looking for the perfect Mauser.

A couple of specifics:

What is the K31 (7.5x55?) round like? How's the recoil compared to the 8mm Mauser?

Also, are there common 98 Mausers in 7x57?

What's the story on the Russian rifles I see?

Posted: 1/22/2006 5:04:05 AM EDT

[#9]

O3A3
One of the later version that's parkerized, although all A3 models of the 1903 rifle may be park'd IIRC.

Posted: 1/22/2006 5:12:00 AM EDT

[#10]

I have a couple of 7mm mausers a Mexican 98 and as Spanish 93. The 98 is in excelent condition and shoots great. Ammo is not the cheapest and surplus is hard to find so reloading or commercial ammo is best. The K31 is my newest toy and describing the recoul is summed up by my niece who shot it once and said I wont one of thies and she is a small lady.

Posted: 1/22/2006 5:14:58 AM EDT

[#11]

M48 Yugo Mauser

Posted: 1/22/2006 5:33:52 AM EDT

[#12]

.

Posted: 1/22/2006 10:15:50 AM EDT

[#13]

Realy good '98 at reasonable prices are a thing of the past. I've recently purcased a Yugo 48BO and a 24/47, I have a Turk 38 on order( who knows what it will be like ). I much prefer the Mauser action to the M-N.......I Think the nicest mil-surps are the K-31's. I have three at the moment and if I have a couple shots of good single-malt I'll probably have four....Essex

Posted: 1/22/2006 10:20:23 AM EDT

[#14]

A Spanish FR-8 is a large ring 98 Mauser with aperture sights and it shoots 7.62 NATO.

Posted: 1/22/2006 11:24:36 AM EDT

[#15]

I like owning Mausers. But the stock is too short for me. Get an M48 or 24/47 while they are cheap.

However, the K31 is a very well made, really exquisitely made rifle.

Also, the No.4 Enfields are fun to shoot.

Posted: 1/22/2006 2:37:15 PM EDT

[#16]

I picked up my K31 and a Yugo 59/66A1 yesterday:

Posted: 1/22/2006 3:14:53 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
I picked up my K31 and a Yugo 59/66A1 yesterday:
img73.imageshack.us/img73/954/img00204gb.jpg

Those look great...where did you get them?

Posted: 1/22/2006 3:46:45 PM EDT

[#18]

+1 They both look really nice, the K31 stock is one of the nicest I've ever seen. Beautiful markings!

Posted: 1/22/2006 3:47:56 PM EDT

[#19]

Get a CMP Garand. Sure it's more than a Mauser, but the sights are excellent and the rifle is a joy to shoot.

Another great rifle is the M1 carbine.

Posted: 1/22/2006 3:51:21 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
I picked up my K31 and a Yugo 59/66A1 yesterday:
img73.imageshack.us/img73/954/img00204gb.jpg

wow!

AIMsurplus?

Posted: 1/22/2006 5:48:06 PM EDT

[#21]

+1 on the K31 for a great shooter.

M48 Yugos are very nice, ammo is dirt cheap. Mine aren't the most accurate YMMV.

M-39 Finn is K31 accurate and ammo is cheaper. Ammo is way cheap for 7.62X54.

1903A3 is an excellent choice too.

Enfield No #4 are a great bolt action. Mils-surp ammo is an iffy supply, but Wolf makes it now.

Posted: 1/22/2006 6:15:36 PM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:
Quoted:
I picked up my K31 and a Yugo 59/66A1 yesterday:
img73.imageshack.us/img73/954/img00204gb.jpg

Those look great...where did you get them?

They both came from Samco Global Arms....
The K31 was ordered as excellent condition, walnut stock. According to the serial number it was made in 1943.
The Yugo SKS was ordered as a new condition model. According to the serial number it was made in 1987.Check your serial number here!

Posted: 1/23/2006 7:39:41 AM EDT

[#23]

My range fun choices are M48a with mojosights.com, and M39.

I get along with the M39 irons fine, and trust the long-term supply of cheap 54r more than 8mm.

Posted: 1/23/2006 2:14:25 PM EDT

[#24]

Geeesh, where to start.... There are a lot of good choices already posted. Pick one.

Posted: 1/23/2006 3:03:15 PM EDT

[#25]

For the cheapest, Mosin nagant M44 (cheap rifle, cheap ammo)
For quality, the Swiss K31 (cheap rifle, so so priced match ammo).

Posted: 1/23/2006 9:02:30 PM EDT

[#26]

M-48 and M48-A Yugo Mauser is the sleeper bargain out there. Go for it!

Posted: 1/23/2006 9:42:36 PM EDT

[#27]

I've got a nice M48 about six years ago and its gotten more compliments than any of my other rilfes. The MAS 49/56 gets a lot of what the hell is that also though.<G>

Dennis Jenkins

Quoted:
M-48 and M48-A Yugo Mauser is the sleeper bargain out there. Go for it!

Posted: 1/26/2006 11:49:58 PM EDT

[#28]

Yea those Swiss thingies are alright. I picked up a few
1943, 1958, 1944, 1957, and 1957. The 1948 wasn't in that picture.

They shoot alright too with the surplus ammo iron sights at 100 yards.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What surplus bolt action for a shooter?

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