$300 to spend, K31 or M39 or ?

[offthepaper]

Just came into a small windfall, about $300. I want to buy a new rifle on a bit of a budget. I always wanted a K31, but I also love the history of the Finn M39, and the MN's in general (I have several Russkies). I could add a small bit more if something really caught my eye. Whatever I get it will be a shooter, not a collector. I have also thought about
a nice 22lr. I know I'm all over the place with my mindset. Decisions, decisions, help me nail down a drifting mind. If you had around $300 for a new/used rifle, what would you get?

 

[mnw42]

I don't think that you would get a decedent M39 for $300, but for $400-450 and M39 is a truly superb arm in every respect. For $300 you cant go wrong with a K31.

I'd day buy the K31 and put any remaining funds into a .22 and ammo.

 

[Flash!]

I shot my K31 for the first time today..... BUY ONE! accurate right out of the box.......

 

[MilsurpShooter]

K31. Brick of ammo too then start reading up on reloading lol

 

[Avenger29]

K31. Get thee a Lee hand press and dies to go along with it if you do not reload yet.

Have fun.

 

[Deer Hunter]

I got my M39 for 200. I suggest you get it.

 

[Vaarok]

You could get two M-39s. Do so.

Actually, you can get a M-39, AND a K-31 for $400. And have some left over for ammo.

 

[Squidward]

A K 31 (check Gunbroker) and 120 rounds of ammo is within your price range.

 

[Sunray]

Congratulations. $300 isn't a whole lot any more, but it's still $300. Busted a tie rod on a pot hole last week. $356Cdn. to fix it.
"...I always wanted a K31..." That'd do it for me. Buy the dies and a bunch of brass too though.

 

[Mikee Loxxer]

Get the K31

 

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

Buy a K31 for $200, buy a $70 St. Marie clamp-on scope mount for it, put on a scope you have, and shoot awesome groups.

Or look around on the market for a nice and pretty M39 with history. Mines a 1945 SAKO off of an 1896 receiver.

I did both, but the mount is a work-in-progress for the K31. Already have the scope.

 

[jdc1244]

The K31 is a must own.

 

[elmerfudd]

Both are great rifles, so you really can't go wrong with either. I think the K31 is a better shooter, is finished better and is much easier to scope, but it sure ain't cheap to shoot. The M39 is more rugged, has way more history and lots of affordable surplus ammo available. Cartridgewise, their ballistics are almost identical. M39's cost about $100 more than K31's and should be more carefully inspected since they were shot using corrosive ammo.

They're both rifles produced by countries that believed in marksmanship and it's evident in the rifles. I think the K31 is probably the better rifle of the two, but I rarely bring mine to the range. Ammo is just too pricey to shoot it that much. My M39 on the other hand gets shot a lot.

 

[TexasRifleman]

I paid $299 for this Sako M39 last week from gunsnammo.com

I am very happy with it. I think the wood will clean up a little more, just need some really hot weather but overall I'm very happy.
The ammo is just SO cheap....

 

[Daemon688]

K31 hands down. I can't comment on the barrels of the Finns but my K31 looked brand spanking new. I can't say the same for my 91/30 or M44. The trigger is far superior on the K31 and it feels more solid.

 

[elmerfudd]

The triggers on M39's are much, much better than on a 91/30 or M44. I'd probably rate the K31's trigger slightly higher, but only slightly. As far as which feels more solid, for that the M39 wins hands down. They are built like tanks.

K31's do tend to have very nice bores.

 

[wnycollector]

Get the M39 and spend every cent you have left over on ammo!

 

[hags]

Without a doubt get the K-31. A serious performer and nice shooter. You'll actually want to take it to the range because it's an accurate rifle.
You can't say that for alot of mil-surp stuff, I'm talking group size, sure alot are "combat" accurate but most K-31s are match grade accurate.
The triggers are exceptional and the craftsmanship can't be beat.

 

[taliv]

today would be a good day to buy $300 worth of gold


edit: sorry, my bad... markets are closed for good friday today. try monday

 

[GD]

You wouldnt be wrong to buy either one. Both are noted for their accuracy. Right now the K31s are rising in price but you should be able to get one with a 60 round battle pack for under $300. You should be able to get a M39 for just under $300 also. The last gun show I was at, you could have gotten both for $300. There are still deals out there.

 

[Soybomb]

The k31 is the only surplus rifle I've taken apart so far that really wows me when I take it apart.

 

[MudPuppy]

today would be a good day to buy $300 worth of gold

Off topic, but look close at that--6 months ago is a good time to buy gold. Today's a good day to buy 5.45 and I think I will order some!

I only have a K31, but it is nice. I want a M39 but I'm holding off for a bit yet, as I think we'll still be able to buy those after november and I'm spending my extra on surplus ammo and AR lowers.

 

[Mr White]

Both are excellent guns to own. Both are very accurate and have great triggers. The K31 has a better trigger IMO. But buying either one is a tradeoff. The M39 costs more to purchase but the ammo is dirt cheap (relatively speaking). The K31 is dirt cheap to purchase, but feeding it will send you to the poor house.

If you can find a K31 chambered in 7.62x54, I'd jump on that puppy without hesitation. If they happen to have 2, PM me!

 

[goon]

If you can get an M-39 for that I'd go that route.
Ammo is more common and cheaper.
Not really an issue if you handload though.


But I agree with those who say spend your money on ammo, hi-cap mags, and any EBR's that you think you might ever want.
I'd put an extra $300 into that.

But the M-39 isn't a bad second.

 

[Vaarok]

C'mon, you know you need another Mosin...