Milsurp rifles

[Ralph]

Does anyone have or collect military surplus rifles? I've been thinking of purchasing a Swedish Mauser M-38 and/or a Swiss K-31. I want them for several reasons. They are accurate, well made firearms that would be fun to shoot and hunt with and I believe they will be collectors items one day. What opinions do y'all have of these rifles? Are there any other models that you favor? If so, why?

[SCW]

I have 3 swedes, two in original military condition and one sporterized. The sporterized rifle is my most accurate rifle, in fact it's the most accurate I've ever owned.
Best 3-shot groups @ 100yds are as follows-
Sporter- 5/16"
1911- 1" even
1914- 2.25"

Workmanship is impeccable on the swedes also, the only other milsurp that's even close is the Argentine mauser, and it's a damn fine rifle. I've also shot the Yugo Mauser, Russian M-44 and several others. I like the Swede best by a LONG shot (no pun intended). It's pretty cool to shoot a rifle that has been through two world wars also, I also hunt with the sporter.

I have a C & R FFL license, lets me buy old milsurps directly instead of going though a dealer, saves a few bucks on each purchase, only cost (I think) $30 for 3 years.

[ECKSJAY]

I've got an 1873 Springfield trapdoor .45-70 carbine and an Arisaka Type 97 (6.5mm Jap.) sniper rifle. Both have direct family history. ;)

[Ralph]

I have 3 swedes, two in original military condition and one sporterized. The sporterized rifle is my most accurate rifle, in fact it's the most accurate I've ever owned.
Best 3-shot groups @ 100yds are as follows-
Sporter- 5/16"
1911- 1" even
1914- 2.25"

Workmanship is impeccable on the swedes also, the only other milsurp that's even close is the Argentine mauser, and it's a damn fine rifle. I've also shot the Yugo Mauser, Russian M-44 and several others. I like the Swede best by a LONG shot (no pun intended). It's pretty cool to shoot a rifle that has been through two world wars also, I also hunt with the sporter.

I have a C & R FFL license, lets me buy old milsurps directly instead of going though a dealer, saves a few bucks on each purchase, only cost (I think) $30 for 3 years.
Are your military condition Swedish Mauser's M-96's or M-38's?

[RichP]

Geeze, I remember back in 66, I was 15, you could buy a M98 in good conditon for $11.95, an Enfield for $14, springfield for $19 at almost any gunshop, gas station or hardware store prior to the GCA. P38's were $50 and Lugers were $75.... Never saw any of the jap rifles, only an occasional nambu... then when GCA hit things changed...

[SCW]

Are your military condition Swedish Mauser's M-96's or M-38's?

All 3 are 96's. If you have a choice when you order, get either a Huskavarna or Gustavsen (sp?). 96's are all XXXX-on-close which takes a little getting used to if you are accustomed to modern rifle actions and Mauser 98's, but they are still fast to XXXX (maybe faster than 98's when you learn them).

[Ralph]

All 3 are 96's. If you have a choice when you order, get either a Huskavarna or Gustavsen (sp?). 96's are all XXXX-on-close which takes a little getting used to if you are accustomed to modern rifle actions and Mauser 98's, but they are still fast to XXXX (maybe faster than 98's when you learn them).
Yes, I am aware of the way the action works on the Swedes. I'm going to buy a Swiss K-31 Tuesday. I'll let y'all know how it works.

[SCW]

Yes, I am aware of the way the action works on the Swedes. I'm going to buy a Swiss K-31 Tuesday. I'll let y'all know how it works.

Cool. Take a few pics too, I've heard the K-31's are quite accurate also, but I don't know much about them.