Nicest shooting, with criteria

mag627

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I know the arguments for the Lee Enfield bolt smooth action and design of the mauser etc. but I was wondering, just for shooting (recoil mainly, but weight too, unweildyness etc), what would make the nicest daily surplus rifle to shoot.
No restocking or sporterizing allowed (fwiw, my SMLE with synth. stock is a soft shooting dream now - but I want to know about original woods)
I have a No. 5, original wood etc but it is a b**ch to fire

For example I had an m44 but like the No. 5 was brutal, would the extra weight and length of the 91/30 be the right combo to make an all day shooter?
 
Try the Swedish Mauser M96 or M38. They are chambered in 6.5x55 Swed and they don't kick like horses. They are also very accurate.

:cheers: Kazimier
 
I know many people who can shoot the M91/30 Mosin all day. If recoil is uncomfortable there are companies that make slip on recoil pads that just slide on the end of the butt. This is also a temp fix and wont alter your rifle.
 
Anything in six point five is going to be good , swede, jap (except for the trigger pull) , my vote would be for a swede mauser.
 
My Uncle has a few Swedish Mausers and loves them all especially the caliber, 6.5x55. Manageable recoil from a round that performs very well out of a strong and sturdy action. I was impressed with these rifles when I had the chance to fire them.
 
Would a schmidt rubin k31 be a choice to consider? Not that I know anything about them, but they seemed to be much appreciated by owners...

Now for a long day at the range, if trigger pull and accuracy don't have to be top-rated, a good old SKS?
 
Try the Swedish Mauser M96 or M38. They are chambered in 6.5x55 Swed and they don't kick like horses. They are also very accurate.

:cheers: Kazimier

+1 on an M38, they are a super handy, light rifle that doesn't beat you up like many of the heavier calibers and usually shoot nice, small groups. If someone came up with a good source of cheap surplus ammo, an M38 would be perfect.:D

My second choice would be my M48 Yugo Mauser in 8mm, but it is a fairly distant second place.

Mark
 
I have a No. 5, original wood etc but it is a b**ch to fire

For example I had an m44 but like the No. 5 was brutal,

I seriously don't understand when people say the No.5's recoil is brutal. I shoot milsurps almost exclusively. Mosins, Enfields, K98's etc. etc. and I find that the No.5 has one of the milder recoils.
 
I find my 1903/a3 has a pretty good kick compared to my No.4 & SMLE or P14...but the 03 is a very accurate rifle..my Garand is very pleasant to shoot.

I would think Mauser 98's recoil,.. would be about the same as a O3 Springfield
 
I seriously don't understand when people say the No.5's recoil is brutal. I shoot milsurps almost exclusively. Mosins, Enfields, K98's etc. etc. and I find that the No.5 has one of the milder recoils.

I have two safes full of all kinds of sporting and military rifles in a plethora of calibers, big bore magnums under 8 pounds scoped etc. etc. Make no mistake that IMHO my two #5's exhibit the WORST felt recoil of my collection. Offhand shooting is uncomfortable but manageable. Shooting twenty rounds through a #5 off the bench is downright BRUTAL!.
Mag627 you are not alone in your opinion of the #5. I am going to purchase a slip on pad for mine very soon.
Whenever you post about recoil you always get members opinions usaully ranging from "I shoot 12G slugs all day with a pistol grip and I love it" to flat out calling the poster a "p*ssy".
I liken it somewhat to two 12 year old boys charlie-horsing each other in the shoulders shot for shot. Neither will flinch or complain, both out for bragging rights and a boost of machismo. :rolleyes:
It's my belief that excessive felt-recoil is detrimental to a shooter in the long run.
 
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I seriously don't understand when people say the No.5's recoil is brutal. I shoot milsurps almost exclusively. Mosins, Enfields, K98's etc. etc. and I find that the No.5 has one of the milder recoils.

I, too, have found the No.5's reputation as a fierce kicker to be a myth. Just like the "wandering zero". Then again, shooting ANY military rifle from the American benchrest position can be painful! :eek: For a gentle, all day shooter, you can't beat the Swiss Gew. 1911 long rifle. They are extremely pleasant to shoot, have good sights, and are extremely accurate.
 
I have considered Swede Mausers, but of the rifles I have shot, I have to say that the Finnish Mosins are some of the nicest rifles I have ever had the pleasure to shoot, the weight is just enough to absorb the blunt recoil of the 54R cartridge, not to mention excellent machining and accuracy. Personally I love recoil (don't ask) and my No.5 Mk.I Enfield is my go-to gun when I shoot at the range.

Yours,
Drachenblut
 
Thanks for the input

Don't get me wrong, I love my No. 5 but (without pad) 5-8 shots is enough.

With your info, I am leaning towards either the Finnish Mosin or the K31 (there is a beauty on the EE right now) and will give them both great thought.

I am assuming the Finnish is the version like the 91/30 as I found the M44 too much of a kicker also. Do you have the ID for the Finnish? M38 or such?
 
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