General Milsurp Buying Information

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K.s.47

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What kind of accuracy can I expect out of a surplus rifle for under $400? I don't expect anything insane but I would like to hit some steel at 100 yards. My sks is accurate enough, can I expect the same or better from a cheap mosin or enfeild?


Also what should I look for when buying a surplus rifle? Anything that will help get me more bang for my buck is appreciated, thanks.
 
A Swedish Mauser would do you the best if you can find someone selling one at a fair price. I've seen them for sale at Ellwood Epps for around $375
 
K.s.47 said:
What kind of accuracy can I expect out of a surplus rifle for under $400? I don't expect anything insane but I would like to hit some steel at 100 yards. My sks is accurate enough, can I expect the same or better from a cheap mosin or enfeild?


Also what should I look for when buying a surplus rifle? Anything that will help get me more bang for my buck is appreciated, thanks.
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Surplus rifles can be extremely accurate. It all depends on CONDITION OF THE BORE. Matching numbered bolt to receiver usually helps as well.

A $400 Swede Mauser might be accurate if you find one with a decent bore.

You mention steel at 100 yards. That isn't much to go on. How big is the steel target???? Are you going to handload or use factory ammo???

IMHO, you should look at some of the Soviet M91/30 Mosin Nagants. They can easily be found in excellent condition for less than the price you suggest and you can purchase ammo with the rest. By the way, AMMO IS EXPENSIVE. The days of 10 cents per round are long gone. Non corrosive, factory fodder from North American makers will run you $1.50 per round or more. Lever Arms has a decent price on 7.62x54R in the crate of 1000 rounds right now for just over $400.
 
My first military rifle was a M38 Swede. That was 40 years ago. I still have it and it is one of the most accurate of the 50 or so I've owned since then. At that time with much younger eyes it would shoot 1 1/2 inch groups at 100yds with it's military sights. That was with well worked up handloads. In my opinion Swedish Mausers are the best value if you are looking for a milsurp rifle as a shooter. Downside is handloading is a requirement for many of us to get the accuracy and affordability to shoot them regularly. Same statement can be applied to many milsurp calibers these days.
 
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With a good bore, and handloads, a $100 surplus rifle will shoot better than 99% of the people who hold them.

If you can find a deal on a Swiss K31, you can shoot surplus GP11 ammo and have a match grade rifle out of the box.
 
Old Ranger said:
My first military rifle was a M38 Swede. That was 40 years ago. I still have it and it is one of the most accurate of the 50 or so I've owned since then. At that time with much younger eyes it would shoot 1 1/2 inch groups at 100yds with it's military sights. That was with well worked up handloads. In my opinion Swedish Mausers are the best value if you are looking for a milsurp rifle as a shooter. Downside is handloading is a requirement for many of us to get the accuracy and affordability to shoot them regularly. Same statement can be applied to many milsurp calibers these days.
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X 2 on the Swede.

Some of the best and most accurate service rifles ever made, the perfect combination of a quality rifle matched with an outstanding cartridge.
 
What kind of accuracy can I expect out of a surplus rifle for under $400?
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I would say 3 to 10 MOA. Chances are good you will be able to hit a full size IDPA steel target at 100 yards.
 
Excellent condition Mosin with a bit of tweaking (trigger job, maybe a better front sight) is capable of 1-1.5 MOA at 100 meters with the good ammo and if the shooter will do his part. By bedding or shimming such rifle, you may be potentially able to push it even farther.
 
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