American Finn
Member
I'm sure this subject has been discussed before on THR, but it is a subject that many of us enjoy. Below is a snapshot of my budding mil-surp collection:
Out of the six rifles that I have pictured (my Japanese T99 is at Miltech being refurbished), the two rifles tied for first are the M1 Garand and the No. 4 Lee-Enfield Mk.2. Fast shooting, accurate, easy to reload, and reliable, both rifles are a joy to shoot. The M1 averages 4" groups at 100 yards (I bought it from the CMP and the stock is a little loose) and the No. 4 around 1 1/2" at 100 yards. Owning them and shooting them has taught me why both rifles are considered to be the best infantry rifles of WW2.
The German K98 is in second place. Although I have not fired the rifle (I haven't had the time lately, college homework has been overwhelming), it is in excellent shape. I might change my opinion once I fire it.
A close third is the French MAS 36. In my experience, the MAS is lightweight, easy to carry and load, and accurate enough to do the job (2" groups at 100 yards). It is an arsenal rebuild from the early 1960's, and the rifle saw no use until I purchased it (I can't buy a rifle and not shoot it). The only complaint about the design I have is the lack of a safety.
In fourth place is the M1 Carbine. I have shot this rifle a few times, and the accuracy is decent for a little carbine (3 1/2" at 100 yards). It wouldn't have been my first pick for a battle rifle during the war, but it is fun to shoot!!!
In last place is the Mosin-Nagant M44. Accuracy is just fair (5" at 100 yards with surplus ball, probably the reason why) and the recoil can be brutal. Still, the Mosin-Nagant served the Russians well. In fact, the Finns used the Mosin-Nagant to arm their troops during WW2, and the design is very rugged and durable. Finnish Mosin-Nagants are extremely accurate.
There you have it. I am sure that there are many of you who may disagree with me, and that's okay. In the end, I know that we all agree on a couple of key issues, mainly: collecting rifles is fun, shooting them is even more fun, and these words "the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed".
Out of the six rifles that I have pictured (my Japanese T99 is at Miltech being refurbished), the two rifles tied for first are the M1 Garand and the No. 4 Lee-Enfield Mk.2. Fast shooting, accurate, easy to reload, and reliable, both rifles are a joy to shoot. The M1 averages 4" groups at 100 yards (I bought it from the CMP and the stock is a little loose) and the No. 4 around 1 1/2" at 100 yards. Owning them and shooting them has taught me why both rifles are considered to be the best infantry rifles of WW2.
The German K98 is in second place. Although I have not fired the rifle (I haven't had the time lately, college homework has been overwhelming), it is in excellent shape. I might change my opinion once I fire it.
A close third is the French MAS 36. In my experience, the MAS is lightweight, easy to carry and load, and accurate enough to do the job (2" groups at 100 yards). It is an arsenal rebuild from the early 1960's, and the rifle saw no use until I purchased it (I can't buy a rifle and not shoot it). The only complaint about the design I have is the lack of a safety.
In fourth place is the M1 Carbine. I have shot this rifle a few times, and the accuracy is decent for a little carbine (3 1/2" at 100 yards). It wouldn't have been my first pick for a battle rifle during the war, but it is fun to shoot!!!
In last place is the Mosin-Nagant M44. Accuracy is just fair (5" at 100 yards with surplus ball, probably the reason why) and the recoil can be brutal. Still, the Mosin-Nagant served the Russians well. In fact, the Finns used the Mosin-Nagant to arm their troops during WW2, and the design is very rugged and durable. Finnish Mosin-Nagants are extremely accurate.
There you have it. I am sure that there are many of you who may disagree with me, and that's okay. In the end, I know that we all agree on a couple of key issues, mainly: collecting rifles is fun, shooting them is even more fun, and these words "the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed".
