Military Rifle Choice

[ukrifleman]

If you are looking for something a bit `different` then you could do worse than consider a French MAS 36.

They are well designed with just about the easiest bolt disassembly of any military rifle, similar to the the Japanese Arisaka's.

The 7.5x54 cartridge compares well to the 7.62x51 NATO round and they are as accurate as any Enfield or German Mauser.

If accuracy is your main goal, then I would agree with previous suggestions and go for either a Swiss K31 or a Swedish M96 Mauser.

ukrifleman

[PeterN]

The Brazilian model 1908 in 7x57mm is a lovely accurate rifle if you can find one in good condition. Also the Chilean Mauser comes in 7x57mm. Ammunition is available and lots of 7mm bullets for reloading. The Argentine and Peruvian Mausers are also excellent rifles but as they come in 7.65x53mm they are a reloading only option. Prvi makes the ammunition and cases but Henry Krank choose not to import them. I got 200 cases from Hunting-Sport in Luxembourg before Brexit but now they will not sell to the UK, too much paperwork I presume.
Regards
Peter.

[MetalMagus]

Quite like the look of the MAS 36. Also like the look of the FR F1, but watching videos the light weight barrel causes the POA to shift after a relatively low shot count. Would probably not be an issue, but would have been ideal with a heavier barrel.

Still got loads of research to do though and sift through info and videos on all the suggestions that have been made. In know hurry to make up my mind, just going to whittle the list down to 2 or 3 potentials and watch to see what comes along.

[dromia]

The best way of making a decision is to get down to the ranges and see and shoot as many different types as possible as that is the only way of knowing what you will prefer.

Most historic gun owners are more than happy to let tyros try a few rounds through their pride and joys.

[GeeRam]

No one has mentioned a straight pull Garand yet.

Ping.......

[Mauserbill]

No one has mentioned a straight pull Garand yet.

Ping.......

Hello
Dont you mean Ker-ching

[bradaz11]

best thing IMO is go find a shop or event that is likely to have a good selection and have a look at what you like the look of. most military bolt actions of the ww1-2 period will be all trying to do the same sort of ranges, and acheive the same sort of accuracy but coming from different directions and philosophies. except for France... and Italy....
so go see what the options are, the other upshot of this is you see what is actually availiable, and not trawl google, fall in love with a Berthier m16 or something, and find you just can't buy them.

[waterford103]

My choices if it were possible -- L1A1 , M14(M1a) or Swedish Mauser.

[dave_303]

Also consider what your budget it. As Dromia said, ammunition supply means that reloading is a must now for all intents and purposes. So accessible reloading consumables are important.

Anything in 7.62NATO would be a good call, such as a FR8 (if you can find one) or a LE 2A1 or a converted Mauser. All tend to be around £600 or below.

6.5 Swedish Mausers are lovely, still reasonably available and not unaffordable (yet) and come with a wide range of bullet choices for handloading.

Mosins are now as expensive as anything else and surplus ammo is not as cheap or available as it used to be, but few things are as fun as the fireball from a M44 or M38 carbine, and handloading is on the cards.

A few steyr M95/30 carbine are on the market and have remained reasonably priced, but handloading for them, specifically obtaining consumable such as projectiles can be a chore.

[GeeRam]

No one has mentioned a straight pull Garand yet.

Ping.......

Hello
Dont you mean Ker-ching

Well, given that a decent M1903 Springfield is 1.5k+, and most decent Smelly or No.4 Lee's and K98k's are a grand or more now, so a new build SP Garand is starting to look good value at just under 2k.