cool factor vrs practical

[NOTABIKER]

some military rifles are clearly a improvement over the preceding design. nothing to argue about. But that does not mean it is a better design for us to shoot. I have 2 examples in mind.
In my opinion to just take out to the range and shoot my 1903A3 is better than my garand. The Springfield is simpler to maintain and is very accurate.
My other example is the SKS over the AK. for civilian use in simi auto i like the SKS better. yes the AK and the Garand exceed in the historic and cool factor.
what is your opinion.

[rdfact]

As a battle rifle, the semi-auto Garand was certainly an improvement over the bolt action 1903. I have both and love both for different reasons. I like C&R's, especially American C&R's, partly due to the historic factor. The SKS is just good plinkin fun and fairly cheap to feed.

[Capybara]

I know what you mean, but I agree with rdfact, the Garand, for me, is way more fun to shoot.

As far as SKS vs. AK, I agree, the SKS is more practical, especially where few have a featureless AK and 30 rounders. In a free state, AK is more fun, but in California, SKS seems more practical, cheaper and easier to get a good one.

[NOTABIKER]

I am fussy and to clean the Garand properly the operating system needs to be cleaned and properly lubed. the 1903A3 spray the end of the bolt with Remoil and some patches DONE.My 1943 Rrmington has a better chance of being used in combat then my march 1944 Springfield Garand. of course i love both.

[knucklehead0202]

I got a vz-58, so even in neutered California, it has the handiness of the ak, with the stripper-clip loading like an SKS. haven't shot it yet but I know it's quality, the Czechs don't screw around.

[Armistice]

There's just something about operating a bolt handle

[NOTABIKER]

There's just something about operating a bolt handle

like driving a stick shift, hot rods and sports cars should be a stick. I also enjoy shooting a bolt action much more than a simi auto.

[pitfighter]

There's just something about operating a bolt handle

I agree 100% - thank God we're not being shot at, just punching holes in targets .
Definitely prefer the wallop of the old war stuff - have all the modern stuff, for work - kids and actors dribble over it, but it is less fun and less reactive for me.

The AK is the least interesting firearm to shoot at a range for me, and the very one (above all others) I would choose in a SHTF situation - interesting thread you've started OP, got me thinking.

[rdfact]

I am fussy and to clean the Garand properly the operating system needs to be cleaned and properly lubed. the 1903A3 spray the end of the bolt with Remoil and some patches DONE.My 1943 Rrmington has a better chance of being used in combat then my march 1944 Springfield Garand. of course i love both.

I have a 1943 1903A that appears to be all original. No idea if it saw action - it looks too clean to have seen action.
I have an M1 with a 1943 receiver and various mixed parts. The barrel is from 1955. The stock is new from CMP.
Also have an HRA M1 with a receiver from maybe Dec 1954 and an April 1955 barrel. The stock appears from the period - no idea if original to the rifle. The stock has the little round dings from bullet tips where someone smacked a loaded enbloc clip against the stop.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I find shooting my Garands thrilling. But I can see myself going shooting and leaving them behind partly because of pricey ammo but mostly because of the upkeep (clean, oil, grease, lots of little parts). I can clean an SKS in about 10 minutes. Mausers and Mosins a little less. As a relatively new Garand shooter it requires a bit more thought and effort.

[rdfact]

There's just something about operating a bolt handle

Agreed. Also something special about
BANG,BANG,BANG,BANG,BANG,BANG,BANG,BANG,PING.
Makes me grin every time

[NOTABIKER]

I find shooting my Garands thrilling. But I can see myself going shooting and leaving them behind partly because of pricey ammo but mostly because of the upkeep (clean, oil, grease, lots of little parts). I can clean an SKS in about 10 minutes. Mausers and Mosins a little less. As a relatively new Garand shooter it requires a bit more thought and effort.

bobby i know you know SKSs. am i being anal cleaning both the operating rod and piston and their tubes until they are clean every time i shoot my SKS. I am asking because if i clean my SKS to my satisfaction it takes me a while. I even clean the port that feeds gas pressure to the piston because i worry about corrosion eating the metal seal and causing problems. i would enjoy my SKS more if i new that was a waste of time. i mostly shoot non corrosive ammo in it. if i do shoot surplus yugo in it i will clean every thing.

[WASR10]

I was an AK fan until I shot the SKS. I was an SKS fan until I shot the AR. Cool has nothing to do with it. Its what I enjoy shooting, and what I am good with.

I decided to never let popular opinion keep me from what I find to be superior! I do often seek opinion or experience from others, but always make my own decision.

And I must say, the M1 is the best of them all.

[Grendl]

bobby i know you know SKSs. am i being anal cleaning both the operating rod and piston and their tubes until they are clean every time i shoot my SKS. I am asking because if i clean my SKS to my satisfaction it takes me a while. I even clean the port that feeds gas pressure to the piston because i worry about corrosion eating the metal seal and causing problems. i would enjoy my SKS more if i new that was a waste of time. i mostly shoot non corrosive ammo in it. if i do shoot surplus yugo in it i will clean every thing.

"Mostly" is the problem. I know you asked Bobby, but I wouldn't worry about cleaning every little thing if you're shooting non-corrosive. It's a battle rifle.

[NOTABIKER]

My problem is i am anal about taking good care of my babies. I must fight the urge to over clean them.