My M1 Garand and K98 Mauser.

Fun to try them side by side and see the difference in firepower (hint - M1 kicks butt)

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Where did you get the sling for the Garand?
What you say!!

Oh, there's a suprise. [;)]

My M1 is one of my favorite rifles. I also own an 03A3 and and Enfield #4mk1.

The Enfield is a close second with the Springfield being one of my least favorite rifles. Even though it has a peep sight they are not in the same league as the M1 or Enfield's (or AR's for that matter). And I suppose that's why I ignore the darned thing.[:(]

Sling came from a Gun Show.  My new stock kit didn't have a complete cloth sling, so I figured what the heck.

[SIZE=3]SOMEBODY SET US UP THE BOMB[/SIZE=3]

[url]www.turnersling.com[/url] makes real good model 1907 military slings like that.

Edited because the board code for URLs is not as good as it was on the old BB, and I haven't got the time to figure out how to do hypertext here 'cause the server is SO SLOOOOOOW. /rant

Isn't the fair test the standard issue weapons?

Else we could include the BAR or the Thompson.

Heres a couple of my dads bring backs, along with a couple I bought.

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[img]albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1572951&a=11955276&p=43036298[/img]

[img]albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1572951&a=11955276&p=43036303[/img]

I think it was in '40 when the USMC tested the Garand, Johnson, and 1903 side by side. The Garand demonstrated the most firepower, but the 1903 proved more rugged and reliable, and actually turned in more hits per shots fired than the semi autos.

1938 DOD test M1 vs. 03, Ten recriuts, result 66% hit rate with 03 and 87% for M1. Next test firing 1 min 20 sec at 2-3-500 yds  4 minutes total time,results, 03 364 rds fired 246 hits 67%, M1 689 rds with 576 hits 83% hit rate. Results in a hands down win for the M1 and gas trap M1's at that !!!! Info from sep-oct 1938 INFANTRY JOURNAL.

Smoky city, I find myself strangely aroused by your Mauser collection! Mauser vs. Garand? Apples and oranges. Dont get me wrong, the Garand has my respect but it lacks the charm and legacy of the Mauser, in my humble opinion.

germans held to the theory that a RELIABLE design, in the hands of a well trained user, was more effective than a jam prone self loader. some of thier thinking (also still shared by some in us mil) was probably influenced by the fact that they had millions already to be issued (shades of ak47) just one example of wrong thinking by the riech. early days of "spray and pray theory?" smoky city, some beauties!!!

WW-II Rifles are one of my passions (along with ARs).  I own an M-1, #4 Enfield, 03A3, K-98, 1936 MAS, and 1938 Mosin.  In my experince, the Enfield has been the most reliable and maintenance free.  However, the M-1 is a very close second and I like the .30-06 better as a cartridge.  The MAS is clunky and the 7.5mm yuck.  The K-98 may not be the ultimate battle rifle, but that bolt (at least on both of mine) is sooooo slick.  The Mosin--yikes.  Those Russians must have been some tough bastards,  The recoil is the worst of any of the WW-II rifles I have fired.

Your missing a few..
Where are the Russin M44's and the Italian & Japanese POS rifles?

Might have to get an M-44 when the checkbook I use for toys gets a little heathier (I know they are dirt cheap, but only so many dollars and so many priorities--like a wife that may like guns and likes to shoot, but can't understand why I need so many).  As for Japanese specimens, a lot tougher to find.  Haven't seen too many Italians in years.  Worked in a gun store during college (1968-69) and we had Carcanos stacked like cord wood in the back--selling for ~$15 to $20.  Wish I could go back sometimes, but then again, I was only making about $1.50 per hour or so.  

I also fell in love with the WWI and WWII rifles.  Mostly because that is all I can afford without my wife getting too upset.  She is still not happy about the AR-15.  

My collection consists of 1 Indian No.1Mk3 2A1, British No.4 Mk1, British No.1 Mk 3, U.S. P-17 Enfield, U.S. 03A3, Swedish M38, German K98, German Commission 88, Russian M44, Russian M91,Russian 45 SKS,  Japanese Type99, and French Mas36/51.  My father has started collecting the ones I can't afford-M-1's, M-1carbine, Japanese T14 Nambu.  

My favorite to shoot is the Springfield, it shoots 1" groups at 100yds with my handloads, followed closely by the U.S. Enfield.  I have even hunted Antelope with the No.1Mk3 2A1.  With the new movie "Enemy At the Gates" I'm gonna have to add a 91/30 to my collection.  I too have not found a Carcano yet.

If I had been a German soldier in WWII, and gotten to shoot even a Springfield 03A3, let alone the Garand, I would have been pissed having to stick with the K98.  As for the Russian 44, Those poor Russians must have thick shoulders, cause it rivels the kick and pain of my .338WM.   ....jim g

The Garand would be my first choice, but I think the Enfield is a great second choice and at least right now it is a great collectible.
All these nice WWII bolts are dirt cheap right now. I would advise anyone with interest to stock up now.
They are one of the least likely weapons to be banned.
I am thinking about getting $500 and buying three different guns.
a Mauser, a Mosin and another Enfield.