Unpopular milsurp opinions.
- Thread starter Trunnion
- Start date
Seems you've given the usual suspects coronaries, otherwise you'd already have hundreds of angry replies. 
I'll agree about the K98/Mauser assessment, they're neat in their own way but I'm not a great fan of the design.
I've heard enough about Mosins to know they've got their faults.
Lee-Enfield actions are fast, and the #### on close design is a delight to operate. The idea that they are jam-o-matics due to rimmed ammunition is perpetuated by folks who don't understand how to properly load a charger, or operate a rifle in a "military" manner.
The Garand is a neat rifle indeed, but vastly overpriced - sort of like the K98...
I've often wondered why the receiver cut was considered a good method of simplifying production for the No.4, when the spring bolt head release isn't particularly complicated - and you leave the cutout in the receiver for it...
I've never handled a K31 or any other Swiss rifle, but I've heard very good things about them. Too bad the price rocketed up recently, that and I don't really want to add another calibre to the collection for a single rifle.
I'll agree about the K98/Mauser assessment, they're neat in their own way but I'm not a great fan of the design.
I've heard enough about Mosins to know they've got their faults.
Lee-Enfield actions are fast, and the #### on close design is a delight to operate. The idea that they are jam-o-matics due to rimmed ammunition is perpetuated by folks who don't understand how to properly load a charger, or operate a rifle in a "military" manner.
The Garand is a neat rifle indeed, but vastly overpriced - sort of like the K98...
I've often wondered why the receiver cut was considered a good method of simplifying production for the No.4, when the spring bolt head release isn't particularly complicated - and you leave the cutout in the receiver for it...
I've never handled a K31 or any other Swiss rifle, but I've heard very good things about them. Too bad the price rocketed up recently, that and I don't really want to add another calibre to the collection for a single rifle.
Here are my unpopular milsurp opinions.
K98's are overrated and have poor sights.
Mosin's have great sights and are easy to use.
Enfield's are the best milsurp, even better than the Garand.
LongBranch and Savage No4Mk1 star's are crap (Receiver cuts are stupid).
Swiss milsurps are second only to the Enfield.
You started well, then went bad.
K98s are awful (that why people sporterise them by replacing everything)
Ross' are a poor rip off of M93s and M95s
LEs are clunky and cheap
P14/17s are awesome, and have great bolts
Mosins are clunky/junky, but more fun than LEs
Schmidts are boring
M1 Carbs are awesome
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
Some unpopular milsurp opinions of my own:
M98 actions are dull and not as good as the earlier Mauser works.
Mannlicher designs are superior to Mauser designs.
Lee Enfields are finicky, chambered in a poor cartridge choice which sometimes results in rimlock (not a jam-o-matic, but it does happen), utilize crappy chargers, and there is tons that can go wrong on those rifles.
Mosin Nagants are unreliable, have worse chargers than the Lee Enfield, and their interrupter doesn't work particularly well. They are very accurate though.
The Type 38/99 Arisaka action is what the M98 action should have been, #### on closing, strong, reliable, easy to maintain and disassemble, and your safety doesn't wear out like the Mauser flag safety does.
Carcanos can actually be quite a fair bit of fun.
The 1903 Springfield kinda sucks and is definitely not worth what people are asking for them.
The most expensive milsurp semi-autos tend to be worse than the cheaper milsurp semi-autos.
M98 actions are dull and not as good as the earlier Mauser works.
Mannlicher designs are superior to Mauser designs.
Lee Enfields are finicky, chambered in a poor cartridge choice which sometimes results in rimlock (not a jam-o-matic, but it does happen), utilize crappy chargers, and there is tons that can go wrong on those rifles.
Mosin Nagants are unreliable, have worse chargers than the Lee Enfield, and their interrupter doesn't work particularly well. They are very accurate though.
The Type 38/99 Arisaka action is what the M98 action should have been, #### on closing, strong, reliable, easy to maintain and disassemble, and your safety doesn't wear out like the Mauser flag safety does.
Carcanos can actually be quite a fair bit of fun.
The 1903 Springfield kinda sucks and is definitely not worth what people are asking for them.
The most expensive milsurp semi-autos tend to be worse than the cheaper milsurp semi-autos.
Everything I said was in relation to their use in a combat role. I have had to scrap x2 No4 Mk1 stars because I chipped the receiver rail. Imagine that happening while in battle.
Coyote Ugly
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Opinions are like A-Holes, everybodys got one!
Here are my unpopular milsurp opinions.
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
Doesn't he have Trudeau?
I love SMLE No1Mk3*'s because they have caracter. Personality. Look and feel. Almost every No4 I shot (be it all original, or those I rebuilt) shot better than No1Mk3's, but I still prefer the older design. But British engineering being British, making an old Lee Enfield shoot well involves incantations, black magic, sacrifices and all sorts of weird things. (ok, proper forend bedding and trigger pull tweaks. Same thing).
Agree with P14 and M1917 being amazing. Maybe I should shift my collection focus and add to the two I have. (only 2? Yeah, I know. wimp.)
I only have one Mosin I really, really like. Real, all-original sniper. Scope still clear(ish), still works. I hit clay pigeons at 200 yards with some relative ease with surplus ammo. (probably a 50% success rate - which is more than super thrilling for me).
Tried a M1 Carbine a couple of times. Giggled like a school girl each time. Finally got a modern repro, unrestricted. Still giggling.
Never tried French milsurps. Maybe I should follow Ian McCullum's madness and see if there's something in there I would like.
I would like to get a Spanish Destroyer Carbine. Pretty sure I would like that.
Had a Spanish Mauser in 7mm once. Still thinking I shouldn't have sold it, and I should find one again. I believe that caliber is the best thing that ever was mated to a Mauser action. Except maybe 6.5x55... Have you ever met a Swedish Mauser which didn't shoot like a dream?
SKS. What's not to like about them?
Ok I think that's enough opinions for me
Agree with P14 and M1917 being amazing. Maybe I should shift my collection focus and add to the two I have. (only 2? Yeah, I know. wimp.)
I only have one Mosin I really, really like. Real, all-original sniper. Scope still clear(ish), still works. I hit clay pigeons at 200 yards with some relative ease with surplus ammo. (probably a 50% success rate - which is more than super thrilling for me).
Tried a M1 Carbine a couple of times. Giggled like a school girl each time. Finally got a modern repro, unrestricted. Still giggling.
Never tried French milsurps. Maybe I should follow Ian McCullum's madness and see if there's something in there I would like.
I would like to get a Spanish Destroyer Carbine. Pretty sure I would like that.
Had a Spanish Mauser in 7mm once. Still thinking I shouldn't have sold it, and I should find one again. I believe that caliber is the best thing that ever was mated to a Mauser action. Except maybe 6.5x55... Have you ever met a Swedish Mauser which didn't shoot like a dream?
SKS. What's not to like about them?
Ok I think that's enough opinions for me
I agree with lou. Routinely grab the no1 mk3 over the 4 even though I like the peep far more for 100yards plus.
Lately...p14. They really are that good and seems like they can be had for a reasonable amount.
I do feel like mosins are over rated. I mean..reliable rifle...but I dunno. Feels like driving a lada...even as far as an old battle rifle goes.
Lately...p14. They really are that good and seems like they can be had for a reasonable amount.
I do feel like mosins are over rated. I mean..reliable rifle...but I dunno. Feels like driving a lada...even as far as an old battle rifle goes.
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M39's are awesome. IMO they have the handling characteristics of a fencepost. I've a 1954 Mexican Mauser the handles way better ( still surprised at how nice it is actually ).
AG42's will remove your thumb. People who believe this shouldn't be allowed near a Ross M10...God indeed does occasionally vacuum the terminally stupid from the bottom of the gene pool
LE No. 5's and wandering zero...love this one. Usually involves someone claiming their's is good for sub MOA.
People who denigrate South American mausers, beautiful pieces if they were taken care of. The crests are usually quite ornate...something to do with Spanish mindset?
No opinion on the Swiss iron never handled it...but the Swiss were not wearing a white dress at their wedding. Or Superhuman fighting machines.
My short list anyhow.
AG42's will remove your thumb. People who believe this shouldn't be allowed near a Ross M10...God indeed does occasionally vacuum the terminally stupid from the bottom of the gene pool
LE No. 5's and wandering zero...love this one. Usually involves someone claiming their's is good for sub MOA.
People who denigrate South American mausers, beautiful pieces if they were taken care of. The crests are usually quite ornate...something to do with Spanish mindset?
No opinion on the Swiss iron never handled it...but the Swiss were not wearing a white dress at their wedding. Or Superhuman fighting machines.
My short list anyhow.
I agree with you.
Mad Cow Rebel
New member
- Location
- GTA Ontario
G43s as guns are utter garbage.
The ONLY reason they have any value is their historical significance in the small arms race of the second world war and they are "NaZi gUNs".
I'm sure that will ruffle some tail feathers
The ONLY reason they have any value is their historical significance in the small arms race of the second world war and they are "NaZi gUNs".
I'm sure that will ruffle some tail feathers
Webley No.5
CGN Regular
- Location
- Rural Alberta/Calgary
Mauser built a great sporting action
Lee Enfield built a good battle rifle
Mosin-nagant was an effective weapon that was relatively simple to produce
The Finns then polished a cheap effective weapon to a target rifle
The SVT-40 was to light of rifle firing to heavy of cartridge causing issues
As to sights I don’t mind the Mauser for target shooting in good light but you can loose that small point. The aperture sights on No.4s, Ross’s, P14, 1903 and Garands are good for quick shoots but I find for target I’d prefer a diopter but for a chest size target to 200m they are faster. I think in most light conditions the u-notch and wide square post of the k31 is my favourite. Also In my opinion a p14 and p17 are just British and America Mausers.
Lee Enfield built a good battle rifle
Mosin-nagant was an effective weapon that was relatively simple to produce
The Finns then polished a cheap effective weapon to a target rifle
The SVT-40 was to light of rifle firing to heavy of cartridge causing issues
As to sights I don’t mind the Mauser for target shooting in good light but you can loose that small point. The aperture sights on No.4s, Ross’s, P14, 1903 and Garands are good for quick shoots but I find for target I’d prefer a diopter but for a chest size target to 200m they are faster. I think in most light conditions the u-notch and wide square post of the k31 is my favourite. Also In my opinion a p14 and p17 are just British and America Mausers.
