Which bolt action milsurp rifle should I buy?

One thing to keep in mind when getting into surplus rifles, especially Lee Enfields - there is a very real condition known as 'Creeping Enfielditis' (it also happens with Mosins, Mausers etc.). You start with one, and you think to yourself - 'nice rifle - solid, reliable, accurate and enough power to do pretty much anything'. For a while, you're good - you shoot, you reload have fun at the range; but then at some point, for no apparent reason you walk into a gunshop. You're not looking for anything, maybe some primers, or bullets and you see that rack with old Milsurps on it, before you know it you own #2, then #3 and then you actually start looking for gun shops with Milsurp racks. At this point, you're pretty much done - it's a long steady down hill from there, with no hope for recovery.
 
Over the years, I have been bitten in this manner by Lee-Enfields, Rosses, Mannlichers, Mausers, Schmitts, Sniders, Martinis and a raft of others. Recently, I was attacked by yet another Mouser (Kar. '71) and his big brother (Bubba'd '71/'84) at the same time. I have even been assaulted by an Armaguerra; that's how bad it has gotten.

DEFINITELY no hope for recovery....... but it's sure an awesome fun ride!

Get one of each, then go for Number 2..... and Number 2.... and Number 2..... and when you get all those slots filled up you can start on Number 3.... and Number 3.....

Welcome to the club!
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My M1917 is my favorite, 30'06 loaded down a bit so it's nice to shoot, great target sights for a battle rifle, well balanced, with a decent 2 stage trigger, and super accurate.
 
smellie said:
Of course, from my personal standpoint, you really should get a near-mint Ross .280 Military Match and play with that: they REALLY shoot. (Of course, you might pick up 40 Moisin-Nagants instead.... and you would still have money for ammo!)

But buy the one that INTERESTS you..... and you WILL be happy.

See you at the range.
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Great advice as always, and best Mosin slag ever. :D but I can't stop!
 
That was no slag, believe me!

Have you checked the price of a 1910 Ross .280 Military Match lately? They make unfired Number 4 Mk 1(T)s, pristine M1Cs and autographed unfired Johnsons look positively bargain-basement material.

Fellow should be happy with a decent Number 4; it's a good point to start from and they are a fine rifle, especially if one knows how to treat it (information again!) and how to keep it working right.

But it all boils down to what feels good to HIM. (Or HER, as the case may be: I'm really terrified of letting my lady-friend get too close to my Canadian-marked pre-Victory Smith.)
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AWWWWWW Crap. I guess I have just been diagnosed with "Creeping Enfieldits". sounds like I have had it for years.

Any good milsurp will fill the void, but I have been partial to Lee Enfields. ( Although I keep getting sly stares from those mosins, might have to invest in one.
 
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