Author Topic: Which mil surp for deer hunting? Got one!! (Read 3392 times)

Spanky · « **on:** March 27, 2012, 03:43:45 PM »

Which mil surp do you guys recommend for deer hunting? I've got a Mosin 91/30 in like new condition and it shoots great but it's a little lengthy for a woods rifle. I'm not wanting to make a sporter either... it'll be used in it's original configuration.
What do you guys think??

Spanky

Casull · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2012, 04:06:21 PM »

If you want shorter and don't mind fireballs, you could try one of the carbine length Mosin's. I have three, but I'm more partial to the Mausers. The Yugo 24/47's are a pretty good buy (at least they were the last time I picked one up). Smoother actions and good cartridge in the 8mm (but the 7.62 x 54r is no slouch either), but the sights take some getting use to.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2012, 05:13:57 PM »

I would shop the racks and find a Mauser, or Enfield (No1 or No4) in any of the mauser calibers 6.5X55, 7X57, 8x57 or 7.65 or
I don't think the rifles are too long for the woods. My 96, 93, or 98 Gew ballance well.
The enfields and Short Mauser I own or have owned are good rifles and work well. About the same lenght as most of my hunting rifles and are more than up to the task of taking a der down.
I would look for a soft point bullet and try out a few before hunting.

Mikey · « **Reply #3 on:** March 28, 2012, 12:17:59 AM »

Just for the ease of not having to deal with a rimmed cartridge I would opt for one of the Mauser rounds, either the 6.5x55, 7x57 or 8x57. I also prefer the Mauser for sporterizing, more aftermarket parts available.

shot1 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 28, 2012, 02:45:18 AM »

A K-31 Schmidt Rubin 7.5X55 Swiss caliber is really great also. You can put a clamp on scope mount that is really solid and works great if you what to scope it with no harm to the rifle. I hand load for mine using Prvi Partizan cases. Prvi makes some good ammo if you don't hand load that will not break you up. Hornady and Norma also make ammo for this caliber but are much more costly. It will do anything that a 308 Win will do and do it with glint edged accuracy.

If you run into a good old 03 or 03A3 Springfield I would not hesitate choosing it either. I would lean toward the 03A3 because the peep sight is better for hunting. Then if you run into a M1 Garand it will work just fine. Had an uncle that was an old Marine that used one all the time. We were hunting in VA on a farm and were running deer with dogs. In the space of about 2 minutes we heard 8 shots come from where his stand was. His stand was on an old logging road that was bordered by a page wire fence. A whole herd of deer was pushed by the dogs to this spot. Each time a deer jumped that fence he plugged it. It was either sex season but we all had to tag a deer or two for him. He said that he would have gotten some more but only had that one clip of ammo with him. Once a Marine always a Marine.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 28, 2012, 02:53:53 AM »

Quote from: Spanky on March 27, 2012, 03:43:45 PM

Which mil surp do you guys recommend for deer hunting? I've got a Mosin 91/30 in like new condition and it shoots great....

Well, you're set. I've got a sweet M91/30, too - love it. But I didn't take it hunting this year; I'm attached to my Marlin during deer season.

Quote

...but it's a little lengthy for a woods rifle.

well, there is that. As i like Mosins, I'd say... get an M44. I've killed three deer (incl. nice 7-pointer pictured) with an M44, which meets the shortness requirement. But now, having had both... I much prefer shooting the M91/30. It's more pleasant to shoot, and I hit a little better with it. I'm going to take it next year.

Quote

I'm not wanting to make a sporter either... it'll be used in it's original configuration. What do you guys think??

I'd say, make allowance for the length - think of those guys who used to hunt with black powder rifles, 200 years ago - and go kill some venison with yer Mosin. 203gr Wolf SP worked for me, did the job on this buck...

GH1 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2012, 07:29:10 AM »

I wouldn't rule out an SKS. The 7.62x39 is about the same as the .30-30 ballistically, whch is more than adequate for woods ranges.
Then again, if you're not wanting to buy a new rifle (and who isn't?), get box of 203 SP's and have a ball.
GH1

Larry Gibson · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2012, 09:17:53 AM »

Any K98 size/style M98 would be excellent for hunting. If you can use the issue sights the only mod will probably be taller front sight (available from Brownells of you can weld up the original and file to shape and heigth) to zero the rifle for a better hunting zero. The M48 Yugo's are readily available as are the 24/47s but the M48 is a bit lighter and handier. TheM48 has all milled parts and the M48A has some stamped parts. The 8x57 is an excellent hunting cartridge, especially if you reload. However, some K98 style 7.62s are around that were Isreali converted. They can be very good also.

Larry Gibson

spruce · « **Reply #8 on:** March 28, 2012, 12:13:50 PM »

I'd vote for the Enfield #4. Has a rear aperture sight, no-drill scope mounts are available for it also if you wanted to put a scope on it and still be able to return it to original unaltered condition. Good medium game cartridge too.
Any of the K98 length Mausers are good (8mm, 7mm, 6.5x55) if you can live with the open sights on them. Again, there are scout mounts that secure to the rear sight base for most of them.

Springfields and Garands are also good, but quite a jump in price.

swissfan · « **Reply #9 on:** March 29, 2012, 04:26:16 AM »

I have pieced together a K31 that I use for hunting. I have yet to shoot anything with it because I always let my son shoot first. I plan on someday putting a Boyd's stock on it.

Casull · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2012, 05:31:57 AM »

I'll concur with shot1 and swissfan. The K31's are very sweet shooters. I surprised myself at the range with mine. Standing, offhand, with the factory iron sights, I was going 3 out of 4 on clay pigeons at 100 yards. I am definitely impressed with these rifles.

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #11 on:** March 29, 2012, 06:34:34 AM »

Quote from: Spanky on March 27, 2012, 03:43:45 PM

Which mil surp do you guys recommend for deer hunting? I've got a Mosin 91/30 in like new condition and it shoots great but it's a little lengthy for a woods rifle. I'm not wanting to make a sporter either... it'll be used in it's original configuration.
What do you guys think??

Ballisticaly your Mosin will be very close to a .30-06...should be a great deer rifle.

Reverend Recoil · « **Reply #12 on:** March 29, 2012, 08:06:31 AM »

My Swiss K31 has been good for three wild hogs. It shoots very well. It was used it to win a silver medal at Camp Perry last year.

351 power · « **Reply #13 on:** March 30, 2012, 01:10:09 AM »

i like my p-14. the stock was hacked up and broke but the barrel was original. i don't find the length a problem in the woods. the model 1917 with 30-06 is the same basic rifle. both good choices

wvjoetc · « **Reply #14 on:** March 30, 2012, 02:33:58 PM »

The 6.5x55 would be my pick of the litter, and a 7x57 a close second. Killed a coyote with my 6.5 a tad over 400 yards.

Joe

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #15 on:** March 30, 2012, 03:27:11 PM »

Even though I'm primarily a Black Powder enthusiast, I've taken several surplus weapons into the deer woods. I've taken deer using a .303 British, an 8mm Mauser and a 7.62 X 39 Russian (AK-47 & SKS)...dang fine time with all them.

supertodd · « **Reply #16 on:** March 31, 2012, 09:38:01 AM »

I took my first buck with a 6.5 carcano carbine, and a deer in college with an sks. Deer are not hard to drop compared to elk, so if I was just deer hunting and wanted a miltary rifle I would look for a 6.5x55 or 7x57

S.S. · « **Reply #17 on:** April 02, 2012, 09:43:24 AM »

You sound like you are already set with what you have.
Accurate, inexpensive to shoot, reliable...
why bother to change. That is if you was able to get
the cosmoline smell off of it.

gstewart44 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 04, 2012, 02:41:13 PM »

Numerous hogs and a couple of deer have fallen to the 303 British round out of my LeeEnfield Mk 4 no1 or P-14..... it is a hard hitting round.

When I want to ambush a whole herd of small pigs at the feeder I use a well placed Claymore!

just kidding!

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #19 on:** April 05, 2012, 12:43:17 PM »

Quote from: gstewart44 on April 04, 2012, 02:41:13 PM

Numerous hogs and a couple of deer have fallen to the 303 British round out of my LeeEnfield Mk 4 no1 or P-14..... it is a hard hitting round.

When I want to ambush a whole herd of small pigs at the feeder I use a well placed Claymore! just kidding!

Claymore still qualifies as Military Surplus.

Spanky · « **Reply #20 on:** April 06, 2012, 03:45:58 PM »

I picked up a very cool Mauser K98 today.

It's chambered in 30-06... yup... 30-06 and it's a beauty. I'll get some pics of it ASAP.
I'll let you guys look at the pics and then I'll tell you what I paid for it... you ain't gonna believe it.

Spanky

Mikey · « **Reply #21 on:** April 07, 2012, 03:28:25 AM »

Spanky: are ya gonna make us drewl, er drool, er what??

mannyrock · « **Reply #22 on:** April 07, 2012, 06:18:28 AM »

Guys,
In my opinion, if you are talking about getting a military rifle and making NO alterations to it, there are only a few rifles that make great, deer-ready, hunting rifles:
1. U.S. Model 1917, in .30-06 with its great peep sight, or its British twin, Pattern 14 in .303 British, with its great peep sight. A little heavy, but if you are a large man, they would be no problem.
2. U.S. 03-A3, in .30-06, with its great peep sight. And British Enfield Mk4 No.1, in .303 British, with its great peep sight. Both are a little lighter than the two listed above and can easily be handled by a medium sized guy.
3. Enfield Jungle carbine, in .303 British, with its great peepsight. Hopefully, finding one without a wandering zero. (Of course, Gibbs rifle co. made alot of regular MK 4 rifles into these carbines, with no wandering zero, but I guess that would be considered an altered rifle.)
I am constantly surprised at how many people call out for a K98 or other military mauser. I have shot these for 45 years, and the sights are so fine, and so shallow, that they are just plain crp in the woods, or in any field with dim light. Yes, a wonderfully built rifle, but you have to alter it by installing a peep sight or scope to have an all around hunting rifle. Same, or worse, can be said for all of the Moisan Nagents. Hell, the original issue front sights on some of the mausers shoot a foot high at 100 yards, which means you have to alter or replace them to get them in the black.
Yes, I know that some of you have killed deer using the crummy open sights of the Mauser and Nagent, but that does not mean that they are the best for an all around hunting rifle. Take a person who is an expert with an 03-A3, and a person who is an expert with a K98, and a person who is an expert with a Nagent, put them all through close up and long range shooting courses, and see who comes out on top, each and every time.
Just my 45 years of experience. Feel free to disagree. :-)
Best, Mannyrock

tacklebury · « **Reply #23 on:** April 07, 2012, 06:46:32 AM »

Nothing wrong with the 30-40 Krag. Super accurate and slick bolt. Took my first deer with it.

rockbilly · « **Reply #24 on:** April 07, 2012, 09:07:02 AM »

I consider myself luck because I can choose from a large variety of guns for hunting but long time favorite has been a 6.5x55 Swed. I leave Sakos, Brownings, Winchesters, Remingtons an Savage guns hnging in the rack and most always take the 6.5 for deer.

Don't under estimate the power of the round, I have taken 25-30 deer (mostly whitetail) and 3 elk with it.

yellowtail3 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 10, 2012, 03:09:16 AM »

Quote from: mannyrock on April 07, 2012, 06:18:28 AM

I am constantly surprised at how many people call out for a K98 or other military mauser. I have shot these for 45 years, and the sights are so fine, and so shallow, that they are just plain crp in the woods, or in any field with dim light. Yes, a wonderfully built rifle, but you have to alter it by installing a peep sight or scope to have an all around hunting rifle. Same, or worse, can be said for all of the Moisan Nagents.

Yep. I've got pristine M91/30 that I got last summer for 80 bucks, I was jazzed, it's fun to shoot, but I never did take it hunting this last deer season. I prob will next year, maybe.

Quote

Yes, I know that some of you have killed deer using the crummy open sights of the Mauser and Nagent, but that does not mean that they are the best for an all around hunting rifle.

Full disclosure - when I shot a very nice 7pt with Mosin M44, that rifle was wearing MoJo peeps, and that was hard to pull off at dusk. I'm much more comfortable with a scoped rifle at dawn & dusk.

BCarp · « **Reply #26 on:** May 14, 2012, 11:03:31 AM »

Quote from: tacklebury on April 07, 2012, 06:46:32 AM

Nothing wrong with the 30-40 Krag. Super accurate and slick bolt. Took my first deer with it.

Hear! Hear! One of the great all-time deer cartridges. The Krag carbines, or sporters with 22-24" bbls are super hunting rifles. Here's mine:

1911crazy · « **Reply #27 on:** May 26, 2012, 09:39:00 AM »

Next to the 30-30 lever action being the most popular hunting round i think the 303 britt is a close second along with the 30-06 for hunting. Every old timer i come across has a 30-30 and a 303 britt too. (facts for the record)
1. 7,62x54r either 170gr or 203gr soft point
2. 8mm mauser either 170gr 0r 196gr soft point
3. 303 britt 180gr soft point
4. 30-06 150gr or 180gr soft point with the 200gr and 220gr for options.
5. 6.5mm x 55mm swede 139gr soft point
6. 7mm x57mm mauser 140gr or 173 or 175gr soft point. This is one of the flatest shooting rounds there is.
I think anyone will serve any hunter well. BB
BTW; As far as the 29'' barrels these never bothered me while on the ground hunting. I think the shorter barrel length makes it much easier to throw around in the tree stands.

celt1314 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 03, 2012, 04:18:03 AM »

Your 91/30 will be a deer slayer. If you want something shorter without breaking the bank my vote goes to the k kale Turkish mauser in 8mm. Got mine for 135.99. Very nice entry mauser.

jumbeaux · « **Reply #29 on:** July 09, 2012, 12:46:48 PM »

I remember as a teenager in the late '60s we had an Otasco Store that sold mil-surplus of all makes for $29.95 to 69.95 Mostly Mausers or Mosins. My dad killed more whitetails with an Enfield Mk.4 No.1 than most people kill in a life time. His wore the open peep and he limited his shots to 100 yards or less. He loaned it to a brother in law that later sold it....I would love to have it now. To answer your question I think just about any mil-surplus bolt in 6mm up make a fine deer cartridge.....

rick