new to military surplus--need some help

[mattmillerrx]

I am fairly new to the military surplus stuff.  I have a mosin m38 with a good bore, good blue, and one of the laminate stocks that is in good shape too.  My range holds a military bolt action bench rest competition that I would like to shoot in. 
1. I would like to know what you guys recommend that would be pretty accurate?
    - would like to spend 200 over what the mosin is worth
    - am not a great shooter but have manged 1in groups with a friends m1 garand but am more of a 2 in group shooter with open sites ( what I can do with my marlin 1894)
2. What is my mosin worth?
   - I know the 91/30 and 44's go for about 100-130 around here but was told the m38 is worth more
   - some more details about my mosin:Izhevsk M38 made 1944
   -bought this off a guy at the range since I wanted to get into the surplus stuff but have not really liked the feel of the gun since and cannot     manage to shoot the group size I would like to to compete.  (I know I won't win but would like a gun that can shoot better than I can)
3. know little about but like the looks of the k31 swiss, the various mausers (please specify which ones are good), Steyr m95,and the lee enfields
4.  They also have a military revolver match--they have to be between wwI and WWII era.  If I cannot find a good bolt action I might trade for one of these and get the bolt later. 
Thanks for any help you guys can provide

[TribReady]

k31's are known for their accuracy. Can really get some good results if you handload.
As far as Mausers, all the Yugo M48's I've had shot MOA.  The M24/47's are said to be even better shooters.  Again, handloading and possibly a new trigger will really help.
I have a German k98 that has outshot any milsurp I've had.

I'd lean towards a Yugo, but the k31 may be your best shooter for the $$ except ammo is expensive unless you reload.

Prices: Online and around here, the m38, m44, and m91/30 are all priced about the same--atleast within $25-50. The fact that youor m38 is from 1944 makes it a little rarer I believe.  Mosins typically aren't an investment per se, but are meant to be enjoyed

[JBMauser]

If you want to stay with the same cal. 7.62X54R I would tell you to look for a Finnish model 39.  SOG has some nice ones for about $300 or so You have to have a dealer quote the price.  Any Finned Mosin is more accurate than a Russian Mosin of the same make and they are accurate as a rule themselves.  Generaly a long barreled rifle will be more accurate than a M38 or M44 carbine.  A 91 or a 91/30 should shoot better all things being equal.  My Finned M91 (NEW) shoots much better than my M91/59.  My M39 is right in there.  I also found the Prvi Partizan ammo to be very accurate.  Hope this helps.  JB

http://www.7.62x54r.net/
This web sight has them all and lots of Mosin info and data.  enjoy.

http://www.southernohiogun.com/surrifle.htm

[schnarrgj]

I would have to agree with the K31 or one of the Yugos. As for price, your M38 is somewhat less common than most Mosins. That being said, your rifle is probably in the 100-150 range if you are lucky.  I like the K31 the best for accuracy, it has a free float barrel and a nice crisp trigger let off. However if you do not reload, the cost of the ammunition will be a consideration. My M48 is also accurate, but the trigger needs some work to be a accurate as possible. Both of are well within your price range. The Finnish M39s are also generally very accurate with good triggers but are a bit more expensive. 

[Illhunter]

I have also heard that the swedish mausers the 96's are very accurate not sure what they go for though saw them online but didn't call to check on them.

[Mikey]

mattmillerrx:  get any of the rifles that have been recommended and you can add the M96/M38 6.5mm Swede to the mix - they may cost you a bit more but they are quality rifles.  I would also think about the British No4 Mk1 Lee Enfield in 303 - especially if you can find one made in America or Canada - they never saw action as I understand. 

The revolvers are a different story - there are but a few and most are American made.  The Smith and Wesson Model 17 or Colt model 1917, both in 45 acp unless you can find one in 45 Colt caliber or even 455 Webley.  There is also the Smith and Wesson Model 10 in either 38 Special or 38 Smith and Wesson - I think the ones in 38 S&W are called the Victory Model. 

You can always try the Webley in 455 but they are hardly a target revolver.  I think I would go for a S&W Model 10.  HTH.  Mikey.

[mrbgt]

k31 hands down , the Swiss only used non corrosive ammo , so ,even if the stock looks beat , all the bores look shiny as new . they have a great factory trigger and shoot .308 dia. bullets . if you don't reload, the surplus Swiss ammo is match grade. i really like shooting the lee enfield also, but they use up brass way too fast to shoot that much . Any mauser would work but finding a good selection of .323 diameter bullets ( or .311 dia. for enfield )in my area isn't easy. 

[mattmillerrx]

Thanks for the info guys.  I have located a k31 Swiss for 230 bucks and am going to go look it over tomorrow.  I did find a lee enfield no4 in like new condition for 400 bucks but the guy that owned the store was a jerk to me so I left.  Would have bought the gun even though more than wanted to spend.  I have looked at the k31 once but passed it by not knowing anything about them till now.  As i remember it was it great mechanical shape but the stock was beat up which did not bother me but the finish almost seemed to be worn off from what I can remember so I may have to refinish it.  Hopefully, they still have it.

[mrbgt]

those stock are tough buggers, i think i finished sanded with 200 grit !! you'll probably want to add some stain , the standard stock's are very light . i used dark walnut.                                       

[mattmillerrx]

that stock looks great.  I just got back from the gun shop.  The k31 had a bad bore, from what I hear of the Swiss this must have been done by previous owner.  I spent double what I intended to and got a 1903a3 Springfield made by Remington in 1944 that they had just gotten in.  It appears to be unissued but has been fired by a previous owner.  I have always waned one but have not wanted to spend the money until I had one in my hands.  I figured I may not find one this nice ever again.  They gave me 135 for my trade in mosin.

[philb1732]

Great choice on the 03A3...you will love it...the sights are great and ammo is plentiful...!!!

[Timmer]

I lucked out on my K31. It had a red strip around the forestock. I found out after I had refinished the stock that the red strip ment that the rifle had been used for target shooting. My current reloads group into a nice 1 - 1 1/8" group at 100 yards from the bench. I believe that is the best I can do without a scope.   

[mrbgt]

great choice on the 1903 ! 30-06 will give a great selection of ammo also!