versitle long gun

[johntheplinker]

Heck there's nothing wrong with most of the originals...I have two 1895's, had my sporterized one to the range about two weeks ago. Guns don't go bad because of the years on them.

True, just saying I wouldn't want to use a load developed for a Rem 700 at 55-60,000 psi in a M93 or 96 Mauser "rated" for 45,000. My favorite Swede is a M96 dated 1900, I reload for it but only to original load specs. A more extreme example would be 45-70, a Ruger #1 load vs. a Trapdoor load.

 

[bstewrat3]

Here comes my shameless single shot endorsement. Buy a T/C Encore or one of it's variants. You can then have multiple barrels that are tailored to your specific needs so you never have to be under or overgunned.

 

[IndyDave1776]

True, just saying I wouldn't want to use a load developed for a Rem 700 at 55-60,000 psi in a M93 or 96 Mauser "rated" for 45,000. My favorite Swede is a M96 dated 1900, I reload for it but only to original load specs. A more extreme example would be 45-70, a Ruger #1 load vs. a Trapdoor load.

One of my bigger concerns here is that the M93 has no provision whatsoever for deflecting propellant gasses in the event of a pierced primer, the M96 does have such provision, and the M98 has significantly improved provision in this regard.

I would also point out that the 1898 Mauser rechambered for the .323 1905S 7.92x57 round rolled out of the factory chambered for a more powerful round than our own .30-06, fact notwithstanding that the 06 is physically longer (7.62x63) and has been frequently used as the foundation for significantly hotter custom builds, and is plentiful. Of course, you are also left with the fact that any of the Mauser rounds are perfectly adequate for most game you will likely hunt.

About 20 years ago, with broadly similar requirements, I had started out with a yen for 6.5x55 and also took a look at .264 Winchester magnum. Given that I didn't feel strongly inclined toward reloading, I went with a Remington 700 Varmint Synthetic in .308 on account of Federal's lovely 168 grain Sierra Match bullet load being readily available. Sometimes I regret that I didn't wait about 6 months which would have allowed me to see the introduction of the .260 Remington before sinking the budget into the .308. In the end, however, it hasn't really made a huge difference.

 

[natdscott]

Sir, you need a .243 Winchester, .260 Remington or 7mm-08 Winchester in a sporter rifle with a 20-22" barrel, and it needs to say "Remington 700" on the side of it.

There's a whole world more to get into later, but for where you are right now, you need to get a decent rifle, and get shooting it a box a week and 5x that much dryfire, but you need to also spend money that you can get back later (hence the Remington), or use as a basis of later upgrades once you know more (hence the Remington).

Stay away from oddball stuff (ie: any cartridges that cannot be had, in some form, at Walmart), stay away from milsurp rifles, stay away from used rifles unless you REALLY know the person, and find somebody to mentor you on both the shooting of your new platform, and the maintenance of it BEFORE you even chamber the first round.

-Nate

 

[bulletsmith]

Lots of good advice and opinions so far. I would also like to throw this link up there. I've posted it in similar threads because I like the approach. Hope you find it useful.

 

[whiteoak]

I have 14 (high power) rifles from 22-250 to 338win. The old Re, 700 ADL in 30-06 is the one that I would pick if all others had to go. Its not pretty or super accurate probably a 1.5 to 1.75moa gun from the lead-sled, But out to 300 yards it kills well is not effected by humidity or temperature. (fiberglass stock bedded with acraglass) Because its considered a beater rifle for me it gets used over the safe queens, and that has built confidence in it due to familiarity. And kind of like that loyal mutt at my feet I just love it.

 

[451_Detonics]

I have 14 (high power) rifles from 22-250 to 338win. The old Re, 700 ADL in 30-06 is the one that I would pick if all others had to go. Its not pretty or super accurate probably a 1.5 to 1.75moa gun from the lead-sled, But out to 300 yards it kills well is not effected by humidity or temperature. (fiberglass stock bedded with acraglass) Because its considered a beater rifle for me it gets used over the safe queens, and that has built confidence in it due to familiarity. And kind of like that loyal mutt at my feet I just love it.

That is one of the things I do like about my Mauser...it is not a gun I would be worried about in the woods. The laminated stock is as stable as fiberglass tho a bit heavier, with a 3 round Gibbs detachable mag loading/unloading is easy, and add a 20 round trench magazine and it is ready to play rifle games at some shoot competitions...

 

[Gary119]

Though not for the hunting, I'm more into the military surplus, you know, history and all that. Try a scoped Swiss K31, you'll be glad you did. For non scoped try a Mauser M48 or 24/47 (7.92x57). Swiss K31/ k11 (7.5x55). Enfield No4 MK1 or MK2 (303 British). Not only fun to shoot but also interesting history's. Some of these rifles have been through a lot and keep on kicking like the day they were new. For $1200-1500 you could buy 3 if not 4. Or maybe a semi auto SKS, plus a bolt action, Now the fun begins!!

 

[SmileDocHill]

I wouldn't hesitate to look at a 8mm Mauser rifle either, surplus ammo is available for plinking and range shooting and premium ammo for large game is easily available as well. Sporter Mausers often sell at an excellent price with all the work to make one into a good hunting rifle already done.

If you go with this option you should look here. Yugoslavian Model M48/M48A 8mm Mauser Rifles


Some of these look to be in great shape.

 

[SmileDocHill]

That is one of the things I do like about my Mauser...it is not a gun I would be worried about in the woods. The laminated stock is as stable as fiberglass tho a bit heavier, with a 3 round Gibbs detachable mag loading/unloading is easy, and add a 20 round trench magazine and it is ready to play rifle games at some shoot competitions...

WOW, did you start with a mil surp mauser or is that one of the mauser hunting rifles?

 

[Thor]

Just a guess but that's Mil-Surplus. The bolt is a bolt on replacement that clears the optics. I've seen those extended mag before and I wish they fit my rifles...

 

[451_Detonics]

WOW, did you start with a mil surp mauser or is that one of the mauser hunting rifles?

that's a mil-surp rifle

 

[451_Detonics]

Just a guess but that's Mil-Surplus. The bolt is a bolt on replacement that clears the optics. I've seen those extended mag before and I wish they fit my rifles...

That is a replica 20 round trench magazine I got via Numrich, the follower and spring it came with absolutely sucked so I replaced them with a MG 13 follower and spring, works perfectly now