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Surplus Rifle Discussion

NozeMan

NozeMan

Are you threatening me?
pilot
Super Moderator
All,

I've been thinking about getting a surplus rifle to keep my M1 Carbine some company. I've looked into Mosin Nagants before and for the price you really can't go wrong. Can't argue with a $80 rifle! I've also noticed some Yugo and a few Czech Mausers out there starting at ~$140 on up. The availability of surplus ammo for both seems to be pretty good, the major online shops seem to have plenty of Eastern Bloc in both calibers. Any recommendations on which to go with?

I know a few of you on here have plenty of experience with Mosin Nagants. I've put five rounds through an M44 and that thing kicks like a mule! The Mauser would probably have the better bolt, better accuracy then? I'm a noob when it comes to bolt action rifles, and rifle shooting in general.

Feel free to throw out other suggestions. An M1 Garand from CMP is also high on the list. It seems like they are really backed up right now. The wait times for all the rifles has gone way up. If you use their E-Store function you can see how long the wait time is for ammo.....we're talking 100+ days from ordering for all calibers!

Noze
 
Reconjoe

Reconjoe

Active Member
Couldn't recommend the Mauser enough, just an amazing rifle, and theres a ton of surplus ammo out there for it, and it's such a well understood design you wouldn't have a problem finding anyone to do work on it if you need it down the road. Just be careful if you buy one from a store that you check the safety on the bolt, those tend to give out first and people try to sell them off without fixing them because they don't want to go through the trouble.
 
NozeMan

NozeMan

Are you threatening me?
pilot
Super Moderator
Reconjoe said:
Couldn't recommend the Mauser enough, just an amazing rifle, and theres a ton of surplus ammo out there for it, and it's such a well understood design you wouldn't have a problem finding anyone to do work on it if you need it down the road. Just be careful if you buy one from a store that you check the safety on the bolt, those tend to give out first and people try to sell them off without fixing them because they don't want to go through the trouble.
Click to expand...

I figured I'd get this kind of response about the Mauser. I've seen mostly Yugo 24/47 Mausers out there (8mm). I did find one site (AIM Surplus) that had a Czech Mauser that was about twice the price. Are Czechs better made? When I hear Czech, I think CZ which I know is high quality.

It appears that most Eastern Block surplus ammo (7,62x54R and 8mm) is corrosive. Is it that much of a hassle to guard against this? Is it the Berdan primers that make it corrosive?
 
M

MasterBates

Well-Known Member
It's the primer material that makes it corrosive. Mercuric primers vs Lead IIRC>

Wash the bore with hot soapy water, then clean/oil as normal. Gets the salts formed by the primers out.
 
sickboy

sickboy

Well-Known Member
pilot
Take a look at the Enfield SMLEs. They are great rifles, and can be found fairly cheaply. I bought my no. 4 mk I for 150 dollars plus a 25 dollar transfer fee.
 
R

RyanF

unimportant
If you want to stick with the cheap mosin nagant 7.62x54R ammo, but want something a little better built/more accurate than the russian rifles, I suggest checking out Finnish M39.

Also, to dampen Mosin recoil check out this butt pad:
http://www.tickbitesupply.com/mos.html#mosstock

It's suppose to work well and you can't beat the price of only $15.
 
insanebikerboy

insanebikerboy

Internet killed the television star
pilot
None
Contributor
Corrosive ammo isn't that big of a hassle as long as you clean the gun as soon as you get done firing. Like MB said, it's the salts that attract water, which in turn makes the barrel rust.

I have a Mosin that only likes clean, unlaqured/unpainted brass. Some surplus brass has a thick coating on it and it gets stuck. My roommate's Mosin has no problem with it. Just something to keep in mind.
 
NozeMan

NozeMan

Are you threatening me?
pilot
Super Moderator
Anyone up on the differences between a Hex and round reciever on the Mosin Nagant?
 
BlkPny

BlkPny

Registered User
pilot
For the Mausers, look for the following:

1. NEVER buy a Mauser built between 1943 and the end of the war.
2. Czech Brno Mausers are excellent. If you come across one with "VZ-24" stamped on the side rail, its a top quality action. If you find one that has "VZ-33" stamped on the side rail, immediately buy it and send it to me.;)
3. If you want a good Yugo rifle, check to see which factory made it, and when. some are very good, especially the small ring, slightly shorter action.
 
A4sForever

A4sForever

BTDT OLD GUY
pilot
Contributor
Buy USGI ....

Dance w/ the one that 'brung ya ....

The rest lost the War ...

Just my $20 worth ... :)
 
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