Which would you rather have.

[HskrVern]

I am stuck between a VTK M39 on an 1895 tula receiver or an average beech K-31 with sling and matching bayonet. I am looking to add a C&R that will be taken out for occasional range use but mostly I want to take it deer and elk hunting. Where I am planning on going the normal distance for shooting is about 125 to 175 yards. Any help is appreciated.

[The Original Godfather]

I just like the look and feel and history of the M39. but i know people will say the K 31 is more accurate... but i vote for the M39

[HskrVern]

I just like the look and feel and history of the M39. but i know people will say the K 31 is more accurate... but i vote for the M39

That's what I was thinking too. Plus there is a wider variety of hunting type ammo in 7.62x54r.

[jms]

I'd go for M39, cheaper to shoot and antique at that. Only thing going about the average beech K31 is the matching bayonet which would be cool. But if you plan to shoot it often it would wind up being too costly.

[jigenax]

I have both and just love 'em for different reasons. But if I were to use one of hunting, I'd go with the M39. I wouldn't cry too much if the M39 gets dinged up from field use. My K31 on the other hand....

[Interloper]

Better/cheaper hunting ammo selection for the M39 and it's a handier rifle in the field. Plus, that Swiss has only ever punched paper in it's lifetime while it's a fair bet that the M39 has been shot "for keeps".

[mosinnagantm9130]

M39.

[rojocorsa]

My next C&R if I do decide on getting another one would be a Finnish Mosin anyway, so no contest from me.


Besides, it's cheaper to shoot and since it's Finnish, it can stand up to a Schmidt-Rubin.

[Flintlock Tom]

I have both, and like both.
For hunting, the M39, being shorter, would probably be more convenient.
I voted for the M39 because, I find, they do not come up for sale as often as the K-31, so you'll want to grab one if it becomes available. K-31s are always available, though more expensive.
If you get the M39, I would recommend getting a bent-bolt body as well. It really makes a difference in cycling.
If you shoot, you'll enjoy either one.

[knucklehead0202]

damn this is a hard one. i have a k-31, i don't yet have an m39 but they're SOOOOO beautiful. those arctic birch stocks just look incredible and i know they're good rifles, and cheap to feed, but on the other hand, a k-31 is like pretty much anything swiss, absolute perfection. don't get me wrong, Finn's are no slouches, but a k-31 is a beautifully intricate machine. i don't know, i may have to think on this a few days before casting my vote. this isn't exactly a choice between, like, Obama and Tom Selleck here...

[7.62x54R]

M39 you can shoot it more than a K31 unless you have extra cash for the 7.5 Swiss ammo then buy both.

[knucklehead0202]

both is probably the best choice here. hunting though, k-31s don't like dirt. guess i'll have to vote m39, although this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. thanks a lot a-hole j/k by the way. good luck with whatever you end up with. whenever i have to choose a certain gun, usually an old rifle, i just buy whichever one i come across first if the price is right.