full stock rifles pros & cons

They can be as accurate as any other rifle... but like anything, it depends mostly on either quality inletting (i.e., "Oh my god! it looks like the wood GREW around the metal!") or a bang-up beding job ;) - coupled with a decent barrel and load, of course.
 
Full stocks ( mannlicher)

I have a 1903 Mannlicher in 6.5x54ms(not 55!!) .It not only has history it kills far outside its so called parameters. I've dropped moose in their tracks,deer also and a variety of critters on the farm here. It is a joy to shoot and behold and I haven't had anyone yet who has held it comment unfavourably! Its a classic rifle and if you think its FUGLY you think Big Macs are gourmet fare and need a real life!! JITC:D
 
Theoretically, they won't be as accurate. However, the difference is going to be negligable on a sporter gun. Comparing sporter to sporter, I'd be surprised if the full stock added even 1/4" to your groups.
 
I have not heard any reputable claims that shorter stocks improve accuracy, especially on new rifles with free floating barrels. Changing stocks will only help an older rifle is its existing stock is damaged, etc.

I love full-stocked Lee Enfields, Mauers & Mannlichers & dislike "sporterized" rifles without a good reason - trail rifle, making it easier to point. Carbine versions of regular rifles are cleaner & work better than butchered regular rifles (i.e. No. 5 carbine vs. cut-down Mk IV).

Changing stocks won't improve accuracy. If the barrel is free-floating then the stock is irrelevant. If not, then a barrel change will only improve accuracy if the existing stock is improperly bedded, warped, etc. Replacing the old stock with the same one, bedded properly, would solve that. Proper stock bedding is necessary whether a stock is short or full-length.

What you are considering buying will likely have a free floated barrel. I don't believe stock length will matter in your case (except to protect the barrel). If buying a stainless barrel, then stock length doesn't matter at all.

You're down to personal preference - don't believe the accuracy hype.
 
There's actually evidence that, with sporter barrels, free-floating hurts accuracy.

Although I would think that full stocks and free-floating are mutually exclusive.
 
Since jiminthecorner hasn't posted pictures of his yet........

Man I would love to find one of these with a good bore.

How can anyone say that this carbine isn't BEAUTIFUL?

Makes me want to have a frozen daquiri without sugar (read Islands in the Stream, this was Hemingways's "boat" rifle)


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1903 Mannlicher to Geologist

Actually its pretty well identical except Mine has a Jaeger detachable side mount and a Kahles helia 2x7 scope with tapered cross hairs. The finish is "greying" but its for hunting not show and ,Oh yes,the bore is pristine!! It has a cleaning kit in the rear buttplate and 2 extra rds. I'm sorry I don't have pics, and YES its NOT for sale!! JITC:D :D :rolleyes:
 
geologist said:
How can anyone say that this carbine isn't BEAUTIFUL?



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I can easy....That is one FUGLY gun. Butterknife bolt handle, nowhere near the triggerguard, buttstock that looks liek it was designed to maim,full wood stock, muzzlecap at the end of the barrel...If there was a VOMIT gremlin I woudl be using it right now.;)

Now, I understand how some people find these attractive, becasue I have seen people find beauty in lots of things that make me want to hurl. Like glossy scopes, white spacers, hideously finished shiny wood stocks...

I think these things are FUGLY, but it's perfectly fine with me if others find them attractive, and I am perfectly fine when others find my selections unattractive, too.

That is why we have chocolate and vanilla;)
 
[QUOTE='Boo]Maybe in your eyes! LoL I find them beautiful!

Hell you are the guy that likes the look of synthetic-stocked stainless rifles which goes to show the only taste you have is in your mouth! ;)[/QUOTE]
Im the person who thinks all work on a gun not done by bubba is beautiful.
ttyal
Riley
 
I've had four, three Mannlicher Schoenauers (M1903 in 6.5x54 and two M1908s in 8x56MS) and a Ruger RSI. I really like the Mannlicher Schoenauers, the Ruger was like a block of wood under a chunk of metal in comparison.

Gatehouse: You have probably not handled an M1903. The smoothness of the action and the jewel like finish of the rotary magazine are something to behold. You couldn't throw enough money at a Remington or a Winchester to make them comparable. One standing and one folding rear leaf, plus the fact that the barrel and rear sight base are made out of one piece of metal are features you simply do not get these days.

How about a steel butt-plate with inletting that is worthy of a high end custom rifle? Additionally the butt-plate has a trap door that conceals storage for extra ammo and a cleaning kit. Did I mention the fit and finish are amazing? And the balance....something that must be experienced to be appreciated! Remember too that these rifles weigh in at under 6lbs.

You critisized the butt, saying that it looks like it was designed to maim...have you ever fired one? The M1903 (the one in the picture) has very mild recoil....similar to a .243 or .250 Savage, yet can efficiently dispatch big game animals.
 
long wood

I have several rifles full stocked they are ###y as hell, only downfall is that its not going to be your mountain gun. For example I have an old BSA in ought six, rose wood forend and all the jazz empty weight is just a little over nine pounds without scope, yup there pretty but heavy. The only down fall to a full length stock would be to live in BC or Alaska I am sure that moisture would play hell with the wood.
 
1899 said:
Gatehouse: You have probably not handled an M1903. The smoothness of the action and the jewel like finish of the rotary magazine are something to behold. You couldn't throw enough money at a Remington or a Winchester to make them comparable. One standing and one folding rear leaf, plus the fact that the barrel and rear sight base are made out of one piece of metal are features you simply do not get these days.
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I have indeed handled them, and I agree that the actions were smooth. The folding leaf sights don't interest me. I had the same style (one piece) on my 375 H&H and I rarely used them. I rarely if ever use iron sights on a hunting rifle. The placemnt of the bolt handle as well as the style of it makes me want to gag.

How about a steel butt-plate with inletting that is worthy of a high end custom rifle? Additionally the butt-plate has a trap door that conceals storage for extra ammo and a cleaning kit. Did I mention the fit and finish are amazing? And the balance....something that must be experienced to be appreciated! Remember too that these rifles weigh in at under 6lbs.
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I prefer a nice squishy Decelerator pad to any steel butt plate. Rifles with trap doors for cleaning kits spare ammo etc are somewhat handy, but often rattle. In any case, I have a pack, so no need to stick that crap in my rifle butt.

You critisized the butt, saying that it looks like it was designed to maim...have you ever fired one? The M1903 (the one in the picture) has very mild recoil....similar to a .243 or .250 Savage, yet can efficiently dispatch big game animals.
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Sure, it doesn't have much recoil, since it is a small cartridge. Power that up a bit and see how that stock feels. Even a 30-06/.303 can give someone a bruise with a pointy steel butt plate, especially if it's a beginner.

Besides- My point is that *I* find those rifles ugly, unnatractive, gross. They don't work for my purposes,and I woudl never have a rifle like that because I woudl want to hurl every time I touched it. Everyone else is free to disagree with me.;)
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