What is the most accurate milsurp bolt action

[tokguy]

I'm getting an ever expanding collection of Milsurps, but I never seem to get them out to a range to test them on paper. Take them for 'Walks in the tree's' on a rotating basis ( this morning my newest gets an outing; Peruvian 1891 rifle in 7.65 x 53), but never punch holes in paper.
But here's food for thought.
In 'Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World' Stuart C. Mowbray states"The ultimate expression of the Finnish Mosin-Nagant rifle was the Model 1939. In this case,the weapon was adopted for both the Army and the Civil Guard. Incorporating the best features of all it's predecessors, the result was a sturdy rifle that proved to be one of the most accurate military bolt actions ever issued"
It's a rather breathtaking tome if you are not familiar with it, the ultimate coffee table book for us Bolt Action Milsurp'ers. The pictures are awesome and cover a wide variety.
Thought I had a better picture of it, but it's above the Raggedy Old Krag ( Excellent bore, low S.N. 19** BTW; just a rough stock,lol New one never gets fitted)

The M39 quote will get me flamed but Mowbray is a voice of some renown in the field of Bolt 'Surp's

 

[camster]

In RR? Is it heresy to not go Red?

The Ross has a reputation, and history suggesting it's place here. My best luck has been through Swedes.

 

[tokguy]

In RR? Is it heresy to not go Red?

The Ross has a reputation, and history suggesting it's place here. My best luck has been through Swedes.

Actually I was championing the M-39, friend. I was saying it was spoken of favorably in the book above the Krag; it's a most buy for a hard-core milsurp bolt action afficando.

 

[camster]

Actually I was championing the M-39, friend. I was saying it was spoken of favorably in the book above the Krag; it's a most buy for a hard-core milsurp bolt action afficando.

Dunno what in my post is quote worthy, but you certainly did share your fav like the rest of us (only twice now lol) in your post.

 

[gewehr76]

91/30

 

[Phat Eagle]

Every K31 I've seen is incredibly accurate... usually capable of more than the shooter can get from it. M96 and M39s are pretty sharp too.

 

[RRCo.]

I am no expert but a lot of older shooters have said the Lee Enfield SMLE was a very accurate rifle. Any body else heard this.

They could be when properly made and set up. After the Ross was pushed out, they dominated at Bisley and all over the Empire for 30 or so years.

 

[tokguy]

Dunno what in my post is quote worthy, but you certainly did share your fav like the rest of us (only twice now lol) in your post.

I don't think it's my fav, actually...they are all pretty freaking cool. Mosins, Mausers, Rosses, Krags; I'm not a real LE fan, good rifles. Just no panache.
It's just cool to have so many options to sling over my shoulder and go for a walk. Missed an easy shot ( twice ) on a coyote with that Peruvian '91 yesterday. Had never shot it til then; shot high I'd imagine, as the Lange sight starts at 400 m.
I'm just somewhat amazed by the M-39's repuation; those Finn's must have known how to turn a Sow's ear into a Silk purse...

 

[kennymo]

I don't think it's my fav, actually...they are all pretty freaking cool. Mosins, Mausers, Rosses, Krags; I'm not a real LE fan, good rifles. Just no panache.
It's just cool to have so many options to sling over my shoulder and go for a walk. Missed an easy shot ( twice ) on a coyote with that Peruvian '91 yesterday. Had never shot it til then; shot high I'd imagine, as the Lange sight starts at 400 m.
I'm just somewhat amazed by the M-39's repuation; those Finn's must have known how to turn a Sow's ear into a Silk purse...

No panache? I have a 1916 Lithgow Lee with a mint shiny bore that would have to disagree....
Haven't gotten around to the 'damn crack' repair on it to get it out for a test drive yet though. The K31 is noticeably more accurate than my other Milsurps, though I do have one Mosin Nagant 91/30 that isn't all that far behind. I'd have to say Swede Mauser and Ross (damn I need a Ross) for the rest of my top three. Though most of the major nations put out a good rifle, and highly accurate examples exist of most of them, the Swiss, the Swedes and the Canucks just had it down to a bit more of a consistent art form.

 

[tokguy]

From a 'like a Swiss watch' perspective; the Springfield Krag wins hands down, smoothest too.
I'd imagine my 6.5 Swede is the most accurate, my MKII Ross has the enlarged chamber so it's not going to shine.
Everyone wants one, but the M-39 is like a fence post to carry, really. Likely get a pm or two offering to help me with that problem, lol.

 

[lavoltiges]

.Everyone wants one, but the M-39 is like a fence post to carry, really.

 

[buffdog]

I am no expert but a lot of older shooters have said the Lee
Enfield SMLE was a very accurate rifle. Any body else heard this.

The SMLE could be VERY accurate at longer ranges. Most of the more serious shooters on the Canadian ranges who use both, shot the Number 4 rifle out to 600 yards. At 800 yards, the SMLE rifles started coming out of the cases, and at 1000 yards, there were very few Number 4 rifles on the firing line. The SMLE "compensated" better at the longer ranges. That is, it gave more consistent groups. In major Matches, EVERYONE was issued and shot the same ammunition from the same lot number.

Once again, I also see the old tale of the Ross's supposed failure in the trenches due to mud, etc. The real failure was caused by crappy British out of specification ammunition. Canadian .303 ammo was made to close tolerances and specifications and the Government of Canada specified tighter chambers for the Ross. These tighter chambers worked very well and contributed to the Ross accuracy.

Unfortunately, when this ammunition arrived in England, most of it was taken by the British for use in machine guns, and the Canadians received British .303 for use in the trenches. The most famous was Lots B14 and B15 from Birmingham Iron and Metals, ammunition that was CONDEMNED by British Inspectors because a large percentage of it was oversized and out of specifications. It would even jam in the SMLE, which had even larger chambers than the Ross.

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