Mine is the Swiss K31 chambered in 7.5x55. I really like the straight-pull action. I like the feel of the rifle and you can tell it's built to a very high standard of workmanship with quality materials.
The two that I have are equally as accurate. Just great shooting rifles.
I also like the Swiss GP11 milsurp ammo. It's beautiful stuff and considered by some to be match grade. Unbelievable for ammo that is ~35 years old.
ETA: I forgot to mention the trigger on the K31. Outstanding. It's a two stage that breaks like a glass rod at ~3.5 lbs.
Excellent choice on the M14/M1A. That's a really close second to my K31. I do own an M1A and that is a really sweet rifle. I think you need to get one.
I guarantee you would not be disappointed. :supergrin:
For me I'd have to say the Model 1917 Enfield rifle. It's a tad awkward and it isn't light but I've always shot them very well and I'm far from a "good shot." Gone are the days of finding good ones at low prices unfortunately. A close second is the No 1 Mk III SMLE.
That's great! I didn't think the 1917 would be on anyone else's list. My brother and i were each given one as our first deer rifle, it is still my only deer gun and is so much fun to shoot
Finnish M39. Got one of these several years ago when the Finns surplussed them out. Mine is this clean, as it was an"as new" Armory rebuild. Cam w/ the Armory tag illustrating that. The sucker does shoot! Belgium barrel, SA model. I even have an original sling and the correct Finn cleaning kit. Has an Octagonal receiver on it and dated 1904 w/ the seal of Russian Czar Nicholas II. Matching bolt and floorplate, as well. My rifle is a Beauty! Now they are starting to get hard to find again, and if you do, get ready to pay for it. I paid $250 for mine roughly 10 years ago. She is my Sweetheart!
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Finnish M39. Got one of these several years ago when the Finns surplussed them out. Mine is this clean, as it was an"as new" Armory rebuild. Cam w/ the Armory tag illustrating that. The sucker does shoot! Belgium barrel, SA model. I even have an original sling and the correct Finn cleaning kit. Has an Octagonal receiver on it and dated 1904 w/ the seal of Russian Czar Nicholas II. Matching bolt and floorplate, as well. My rifle is a Beauty! Now they are starting to get hard to find again, and if you do, get ready to pay for it. I paid $250 for mine roughly 10 years ago. She is my Sweetheart!
I love a good Garand. But so many have been slapped together w/ ill fitting or sub standard parts that a person need to really educate himself on them and then get the gauge set to check for a badly worn rifle. CMP is out of really clean one's unless you want to pay thru the nose for it. I had a 50's armory NM upgrade that was a beauty, and gosh it shot really well. Alas, I went broke and was forced to sell it, and I have not been able to find another. The Garand is one of my dream rifles. atriot:
Would you believe I bought it, about 1966, from The First National Bank in Mineral Wells, Texas.
No ATF crap in those days. Pay your money and walk away.
I did get some funny looks as I walked through the bank carrying the M1.
If you count rifles built from parts it would be my Imbel FAL. Next would be my Mosin M38, it took me along while to find one in good condition without being counter-bored.
UPS pulled up just as I was taking the picture with a box full of $6 mags, they cleaned up and worked great. As you can see I decided not to refinish the rifle, I like the authentic look.
My M38 at the bottom with closely matched 91/30.
I shoot my Mosins more than anything else, but will give my pick as a 1895 Mauser chambered in 7x57mm. That one puts a smile on my face every time it goes to the range. Zeroed at 100 yards has about 2" of drop out to 300, flattest shooting caliber I own.
The ammo cost however, is why I really need to get into reloading.
Dudel, I too love the M1 Carbine, and really miss the cherry one I had 20 years ago. Sold it during a stupid time, and have regretted it ever since. In a search for another, I got really frustrated w/ the over the moon pricing on surplus M1's and looked at the newer remakes. And they were just as bad, price wise. Because I just love the size of a Carbine for carry, I went and found a good price on a new Ruger Mini 14 Tatical rifle and bought that. They handle about the same, and ammo wise, easier and cheaper to shoot. If I use XM855 62 grain ammo in the rrifle, groups are pretty good, as in Ruger's upgrades to accurize the Mini. So, the Mini is my M1 Carbine surrogate and I will still long for a true Carbine.
The Carbine was my Wife's favorite rifle.
About 1960 I bought my first one from the Government for $20. The first time my (future) Wife shot the little rifle she claimed it as Her own.
I have three genuine military surplus rifles, and they're all American: 2-CMP Garands and 1-CMP M1917.
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