First Gun Selection?

[WagnerXD]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if you guys could give me your input of what could possibly fit my criteria for a first gun. I currently am looking for a bolt action rifle with a bit of history, ammo for about a buck a bullet, with mechanisms that can match modern day rifles and preferably under $450. A friend told me to check out some contracted Mausers and some Schmidt-Rubens but I'd like to know if more rifles fit this category. Thanks in advance

[Still alive]

Your buddy is right. Mausers esp. sporterized ones can be had for that price.
The ones with a bit of history are the Israeli converted Mausers to 7.62x51. .308 ammo is close to $1/shot unless you use surplus. These run between $400-$650 usually.
You can, of course, find the usual Mosin Nagants 91/30 for way less and the ammo is a lot cheaper too. If you want a small bit of exclusivity, find a Mosin 44 or 38. The flames and recoil is more than worth the admission!
Good, unsporterized Enfields will be more and .303 ammo is getting scarce.

[WagnerXD]

Your buddy is right. Mausers esp. sporterized ones can be had for that price.
The ones with a bit of history are the Israeli converted Mausers to 7.62x51. .308 ammo is close to $1/shot unless you use surplus. These run between $400-$650 usually.
You can, of course, find the usual Mosin Nagants 91/30 for way less and the ammo is a lot cheaper too. If you want a small bit of exclusivity, find a Mosin 44 or 38. The flames and recoil is more than worth the admission!
Good, unsporterized Enfields will be more and .303 ammo is getting scarce.

Thanks for your input, I was initially debating on getting a 91/30 Hex Mosin, however, my buddy told me that since they aren't as cheap as what they used to be, it is much more worth it to pay an extra 50-100 bucks to get something of better quality like an M96 Mauser.

[Still alive]

Take a look at the Swiss K31 also. I'm not a Mosin fan myself. I've had bad luck with all the ones I've seen or shot. Accuracy issues, front sight falling off, failure to chamber, stiff bolt...
A well maintained Mauser is a sweet rifle! Quite accurate too! Better trigger than the Mosin. My Israeli one can group 1" at 50yds with open sights, although not by me!!

[WagnerXD]

Yes, the K31! That's what my buddy bought from Canadian Tire just a few weeks ago, for a good price too (329$). Hopefully, they'll still be around by the time I choose to buy it, if I make that my first rifle at least. From what I've heard, supplies for those beauties are running out.

[Still alive]

The K31 is very accurate for a surplus rifle too! Enjoy whatever choice you make. Welcome to the shooting sports fraternity!