Milsurp for hunting

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Profire62

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Langley BC
So I'm new to firearms and to hunting, and I'm really drawn to old milsurps. I would like to find something that's already been sporterized (I wouldn't want to alter anything original) just to use as a deer rifle. Is there any particular rifle that would be better than others for this purpose? i realize something modern would be more accurate, but I like the character an older rifle has, especially if it's got some historical significance. And I'm definitely not advocating any further 'chopping up' of a classic, but I wouldn't want to risk damaging a pristine SMLE chasing deer through the bush!
 
The old traditional Canadian standby would be a sporterized Enfield. Cheap to buy, reliable and ammo is everywhere though it is getting expensive. A No.4 sporter would be my choice.
 
A Sported #4 has an excellent peep sight that is fast and accurate. One zeroed, it is a very effective hunting rifle.

I have a sported Swedish Mauser with a scope on it. It is very accurate.
 
I have a tweaked No.4, a sportered Swede mauser, and a tricked out SKS. I've worked up good accurate deer loads for all of them and they are loads of fun to hunt with. The mauser has yet to take a deer, but the other two have done excellent work at knocking down game. Even with the upgrades, they were much less than commercial sporting rifles and perform every bit as well. Good luck to you, whichever rifle you choose.
 
I have used an Enfield #4 in full military configuration, as well as a M44, M39, SKS, K98 and Garand, M305 and Jungle Carbine. Always in original mil spec configuration to hunt deer over the last 30 years. They were all accurate but heavy for the task.
 
I bought a Savage 2 groove No4 Mk1 at an MNR auction a long time ago and cut it down to a 19inch barrel. I still have it and love it
 
As mentioned the sporter Enfield's are great. As are the sporter mausers. For a good versatile hunting rifle I would be looking at .303, 7x57, 8 Mauser or 6.5 Swede.
 
Used a No5Mk1 for deer before. A buddy of mine has been using an SKS for 10 years now and he always came back sucessful from his hunt
 
A good sporterized SMLE or No. 4 Lee Enfield won't let you down. If you find one you like without a scope mount, have it drilled and tapped for one (the rifle is already sporterized--no harm in further modification to refine it), and you'll be right up there with most sub-$1000 hunting rifles you can buy today.
 
Sporterized milsurps usually go for cheap. I picked up all these beauties off the EE for less than the cost of a Rem SPS. Not all are created equal though. Some are wonderfully sporterized and some are junk. Be choosey. And most are very accurate with a scope. Converting them today would cost much more than you can buy them for as there are very few craftsman taking this stuff on. Hope you enjoy the pics.

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P14 303 British
Steyr model 1912 30-06 Springfield
1903 Springfield 30-06 Springfield
M1917 30-06 Springfield
 
BirdCity said:
A good sporterized SMLE or No. 4 Lee Enfield won't let you down. If you find one you like without a scope mount, have it drilled and tapped for one (the rifle is already sporterized--no harm in further modification to refine it), and you'll be right up there with most sub-$1000 hunting rifles you can buy today.
Click to expand...

Addley Prescision makes a no drill scope mount for the no.4 enfield that's rock solid, I have one on my sportered LB no.4 that is my deer rifle.

http://addleyprecision.com
 
fraserdw said:
I have used an Enfield #4 in full military configuration, as well as a M44, M39, SKS, K98 and Garand, M305 and Jungle Carbine. Always in original mil spec configuration to hunt deer over the last 30 years. They were all accurate but heavy for the task.
Click to expand...

I nailed my first deer with a No.4 Lee Enfield and basically hunted with full size military rifles for most of my early hunting. With the right handloads, and sometimes just finding the right factory ammo, they are very good game getters. Alas, the years have taken their toll and I don't have the muscle mass I used to so I installed recoil pads on my Swede mauser and sporterized No.4 (the SKS don't need one) and they continue to do sterling service. At my age, both weight and recoil are a factor if I wish to spend a day at the range working up loads or just shooting for fun.
 
What"s not to like about a sported Lee Enfield?

- iron sights
- detachable magazine
- smooth slick action with half #### safety
- lots of spares, should you need parts
- knocks deer right off their feet
 
Got a couple NO 5's that were bubba'ed and are turning them into my hunting rifles. Bought ATI synthetic stocks, slip on recoil pad, Addley Precision scope mount, and currently having front sight removed and threaded for a muzzle break.
Setting a couple of swedes 96 that were bubba'ed as well. Two new 17" barrels and scope mounts from tradeex, 2 mil sporter stocks on EE and getting the bolt handles bent.

Will still need to bed the rifles and get scopes, but I would trust these rifles in the Bush over modern-day rifles.
 
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