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Posted: 12/6/2002 12:30:20 PM EDT
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Eventually, next year, I will be buying an M1 Garand through CMP. Until then I have been looking at other old military rifles. (It's kind of a genetic defect). If you could only pick one rifle from these 3, which would make the best shooter and hold it's value best. 1) .303 Lee Enfield 2) '03 Springfield 3) M48 Yugo Mauser I am leaning to the Mauser. It is described as unissued in new condition, based on the '98 Mauser action, with a complete accessory kit (bayonet, cleaning kit, etc.) It is the one advertised in the gun mags, but this is cheaper than the price in the mags. These are all similar in price. I understand the Mauser may be easier to sporterize if I desire later on. Does it have the best inherent accuracy of these 3 bolt action rifles? Thanks, Jim |
The cheap Turkish stuff is HOT and corrosive. You can buy later Romanian, or even commercial stuff that is non-corossive but it will also be more expensive. It is up to you which way you go. I have some of both. I shoot mostly the Corrosive Turkish ammo since I can then run some windex with ammonia through it when I get home. But for a SHTF scenario or when I'm going to be in the woods awhile and might not get to clean it, I use the commercial stuff. Remember now, these guns were used for DECADES with corrosive ammunition. Quite a few wars were fought that way and the guns continued to function. Just keep things in perspective and all will go just fine. |
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SS109, I just missed buying an Enfield in .303. The guy sold it the day before I went in to buy it. It was nice too, with a correct bayonet and scabbard. One in .308 sounds good. I really want one of all of them, but the idea of a "new" unissued Mauser appeals to me for shooting- no need to re-barrel or worry about throat erosion. Jim |
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I will be getting my C&R as soon as the BATF can process the app. I have decided to order a k98k and a 48a from CDNN. I will keep my eye open for an '03. Want to hear something that will make you cry? I was talking to my dad last week and we started talking old rifles. He remember going into Montgomery Wards and buying an '03 for $40.00. When the guy brought it out front dad opened the box. It was what looked like a new, unissued Springfield '03. The salesman said huh! and went back into the back. he came out and said they all looked like that. Jim |
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Comments above are right on the money. A couple of extra considerations.... (1) You said that all three options were about the same in money. Not really. 03's or 03A3's will be $400 and up depending on deal and condition. A very good No. 4 Enfield (later model with nice peep sight) can be had for $100 - 150, maybe a bit more if excellent. The Mauser can be bought from distributors for about the same. (2) Comments about sights were valid. I'm over 50 and need a peep sight. 03A3's have a good one, as do the No. 4 Enfields. (3) I have Mausers and a couple of 03's and find myself shooting one of the Enfields or a Pattern 14 (or Model 1917) most often. The contoured wrist in the stock is more ergonomic for me. (4) The M48's are a great bargain for a shooter if you get a good price. The converted K98's are not as nice but do provide you with a legitimate WWII Mauser for the same money. (5) If you want a US WWI infantry rifle that will be a great shooter, look for a model 1917. They were actually used in greater numbers than the 03's. Good exmples are still less expensive than the 03's, but are getting pricey. FWIW |
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