Looking into my first surplus rifle.. What should I get?

[HigsB]

I looked through the threads and didn't see much on this topic yet. Im looking into getting my first surplus rifle and right now I have a 9mm and 4 more days till I get my first 22lr pistol. Im poppin my caliber cherries left and right!! I havent even got my 2nd gun yet and looking into my next buy! Last time I had gun fever so im trying to take it a notch down to doing more research this time.

As for surplus rifles I have started to do some research but also wanted to ask for some advice in what to look for. I like the history of surplus rifles and that they are dependable, reliable and proven. Im looking to get this rifle as a fun plinker. Im not overly concerned with historical accuracy, like caliber of a specific model. It can be a replica but I just want the manufacturer to have a good track history. Ive heard a few things already like certain ammo's will be difficult to find, corrosion from ammo on a older gun. Also from what i've read its possible to find one for under $500.

Here are a couple that Ive been looking into, Im also open to other rifles.
M1 Garand
Mauser 98
Lee Enfield
Swiss K31
Moss 49/56
SKS

What would you suggest? Whats been your experience with these? What kind of price range should I look for? What manufacturers should i avoid?

[mikenewgun87]

I dont have one yet, but when i have more money, im getting a SKS.
Already have 7.62, has a bayonet on it, not a scary black assault rifle. Cheap enough that im not going to cry too much if it gets stolen as my truck gun....

[milotrain]

M1 Garand (from the CMP)
Swiss K31 (with a diopter sight)
Mauser 98 (with a redfield palma sight)

In that order.

[The Jack]

My SKS was inexpensive to buy and is inexpensive to feed (relatively). I really enjoy shooting it and it's more accurate that I was led to believe before I bought it. Can't go wrong with an SKS.

[highpower790]

Since this a manual operated forum,I say a 03-A3.

[TruEdge]

M1 Garand (from the CMP)
Swiss K31 (with a diopter sight)
Mauser 98 (with a redfield palma sight)

In that order.

Does CMP still have garands?

[Jjwisled]

I'd say go for a Mauser of some sort I have 3, a Turk, an Argentine that my grandfather sporterized in the 50s, and a brno. Each one has its own distinct history but all share the same lineage. Lots of history with the Mauser action.

[highpower790]

Does CMP still have garands?

yes!

[Pupulepeter]

M1 Carbine. I'm not sure there is a rifle that is more fun to shoot. It's a pistol caliber, so allowed at most indoor ranges, commercial ammo is ok to shoot out of it and not hard to find. They are easy to care for and make for a pretty darn good ranch or HD rifle. Did I mention they are fun to shoot?

[Pupulepeter]

If you go with the m1 carbine, get a USGI reciever. The commercial ones are crap. You can get an import stamped mix master for under a grand.

[LynnJr]

You should be able to find a nice sporterized Mauser 98 for a very decent price.

[TMB 1]

These are good https://www.samcoglobal.com/1-M24-47.html

[SJ Mosin]

Absolutely love my K-31. Great trigger, smooth action (and just cool), box mag is great, and very accurate.

[NapalmCheese]

Firstly, the C&R forum is this way.

Secondly, Mosin.

You want a fun plinker right? A mosin is generally fun to shoot and has ammo that costs double what a .22 costs, but less than nearly any other centerfire cartridge costs (at least for mil-surp).

If you decide that you want something other than a plinking/informal shooting rifle other questions will be asked, other advice will be given, etc.

Mosins are not my favorite rifle, they aren't particularly comfortable, the sights aren't great, most actions aren't all that smooth (though some are slicker than snot), and most of the mil-surp ammo is corrosive. That being said, they are cheap, easy to get, and fun to shoot (at least for a little bit). The standard 91/30 is heavy enough to soak up a bit of recoil.

[FishnHunt]

I don't care for my mossin.
Have you thought about a cheap 223 bolt Rifle and decent scope. you'll be able to shoot long way and accurately pretty cheap.