Author Topic: my first buy..whatr to get???? (Read 549 times)

jamieb · « **on:** May 07, 2006, 03:51:48 AM »

hey guys , if i list some of things i expect out of a surplus rifle could you help me mak a choice on what to buy?
here we go...
1 a dependable shooter
2 not realy over 9 or so pounds
3 something i can get some aftermarket stuff for it
4 something that isnt going to break the bank on bulk ammo
5 something to take deer/bear size game

could i find these atributes in a mosin nagant, or a k31 , or a k98?
this is what ive been looking at.
i keep leaning twords the k31 but that ring on the back just bothers me for some odd reason . :roll:

Cement Man · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2006, 05:09:01 AM »

Welcome to GBO.

Since you mention wanting to keep the weight under 9# and hunting, I think something in the "K" or carbine mode might be a starting point. I have a few 38 and 96/38 Swedes. They are shorter and handier than the full length model 96's. I have two of them that I have outfitted with B -square and S & K mounts and rings, and scout scopes. They are extremely accurate, very suitable for hunting, and not too much to tote around. There are a fair amount of aftermarket sights, triggers, and mounts available that do not require gunsmithing alterations - so you can do some things to your own taste, but keep the original parts and return to stock condition should you ever want to. The 6.5 Swede cartridge has cleanly taken all manner of North American game (wouldn't be my first choice for the BIG bears, but I don't hunt them anyway), and is more and more commonly available in a variety of commercial loadings. I reload, so I really don't keep up with the availability of Mil-surp Swede ammo. Also, the Swedish Mausers are getting harder to find and the values continue to go up - but I think they are still obtainable for reasonable prices if you look around a bit, and you won't lose any money on one. I have a K31 on order, haven't received it yet, but I hear only good things about them. Actually, I'm kind of fascinated with the ring. Enjoy your quest and good shooting!

qajaq59 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2006, 07:50:38 AM »

I think a Swiss K31 would match your description. You can buy civilian ammo or re-load it, and mine at least is accurate to the extreme. I would check them out, along with a few others, before you make up your mind.

rockbilly · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2006, 02:51:28 PM »

There is a never ending supply of firearms that will fit your requirement. The Sweds are an excellent choice, the k-31 is reasonable and there are still a few M38 and 96 available at a fair price. Surplus weapons from just about every country you can think of are available now, but don't overlook the Russian M-44, a very good condition, serial number matching gun can still be found for about $90.00. They are excellent shooters, there are plenty of aftermarket sporterizer stocks, scope mounts, etc at reasonable prices, and there is plenty of 7.62x54 ammo available, both hardball military surp, and hunting quality. For somewhere around 150-175 dollars you can have an excellent shooter/hunter that will take any game in North America. :wink:

good luck in your search.......... :wink: :wink:

Blammer · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2006, 07:52:16 PM »

I know nothing of the K31. So cannot comment either way on it.

I can comment on the Yugo M48's and the Mosins.

Either of those will suit your needs.

The mosins may be a bit more difficult to find aftermarket parts for so along those lines I would go with the Yugo M48.

The 8mm Mauser round is very cheap in surplus bulk and easy to load for and a few commercial hunting rounds are available.

Here is a pic of mine that i pieced together.

james · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2006, 04:16:42 AM »

I agree with all the posts above. I'm patriotic and like the Garand just because it was one of ours, but they are getting pricey and not the most accurate. Next I would choose a Swede 38 or the Swiss K31. Accuracy is about the same but I like the Swede 6.5 x 55 cartridge the best. I have loaded bullets for it from 95 grain ballistic tips to 160 grain round noses. My next most accurate Milsurp is a Czech VZ24 in 8mm. The ammo is cheapest for it but it is corrosive and requires prompt cleaning. I hope you find a good one of your choice.
james

Hawkster318 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 08, 2006, 06:13:25 AM »

I'd say the K-31 fits your bill as well. Hornady makes a hunting round if you don't reload and Grafs carries a lot of accesories for it.

http://www.grafs.com/vendor/735

Weight is 8.85 lbs empty, towards the top of your range.

HTH

glshop20 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2006, 02:50:33 PM »

I have some experience with most of the rifles mentioned by others and all are great choices. I have a Yugo M-48, 8mm. It is not overly heavy or long. It is fairly easy to find one that looks almost new and they shoot well.( with a good bore) If you are including bear in the game bag the heavier 8mm bullet may be an advantage. Reloads are best for top accuracy but there is lots of cheap surplus out there. Most is corrosive so clean right away with an amonia based cleaner(windex) then clean normally. Lots of after-market stuff is available, might want to look at a slip on recoil pad for extended shoots.

jack19512 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2006, 04:44:26 PM »

I have all of the rifles you mentioned and without a doubt I like the 8mm Mausers the best. My K98 is even more accurate than either of my K31's and the 8mm mil-surplus ammo is a lot cheaper than the 7.5X55 Swiss also.

The K31 is a good choice though. If you want a MN I would suggest the M38 over the M44 unless you think you would need the bayonet for some reason.

I have two Yugoslavian 24/47's that I like real well. They are accurate and very reasonably priced. Here is a pic of a group from my K98 and reloads.

Here is a pic of a group from one of my K31's and reloads.

Cement Man · « **Reply #9 on:** May 15, 2006, 06:43:13 PM »

Jack,
Those are some fine groups. Nice job!

jack19512 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 16, 2006, 01:12:12 AM »

Thanks, I got into reloading recently and now I'm hooked. I have improved the accuracy of every rifle that I reload for. For some like my mosins the improvement has been pretty dramatic.

Even using the mil-surplus ammo my K98 is more accurate than either of my K31's. But in fairness to the K31's I haven't reloaded for them as much as I have for my Mauser's and maybe I can shrink my groups for them some more.

When I bought my K98 from Centerfire Systems here in Ky. I bought one for my oldest son also and it shoots as good as mine does. Had I known they were going to shoot this good I would have bought several before they sold out of them.

I have been wanting a Swede Mauser and have been looking. Anyone know where I might find one reasonably priced?

Cement Man · « **Reply #11 on:** May 19, 2006, 05:59:36 AM »

Jack,
I believe Samco indicates that they have some Swedes on their website. I don't know who else might have some. I acquired mine in the 80's/90's from Paragon Sales & Century Intl. I would add, however, that my local gunshop ordered a K31 for me from Samco in late March - his credit card was charged for the purchase at that time, and after a lot of e-mails & phone calls he has made to Samco, all he has gotten is assurances, and brush-offs. The K31 still has not arrived. "I'll check if it shipped yet", "if not shipped today, it will be tomorrow" etc. My dealer is very upset with them and has no faith in anything they say anymore. I feel bad for him because he has his money hanging out there and for the fee he will charge me for the purchase/transfer, it isn't worth the aggravation. :?