Which service rifle do you prefer?

[JWF III]

Love my 1917 and my 1896 Swede. Both of which are 102 years old this year. Both of which can still out shoot me.

But if you want to add something unique to your collection, how about a 1903 Mark 1, with an accompanying Pedersen Device.

Wyman

 

[BobABQ]

I really enjoy my Swedish Mauser.

 

[imashooter]

M16 / M4

Oops. Too late. Should have included "this era" in title.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

My favorites are the M1 and the M1903A3 Springfield.

 

[Ignition Override]

M1917.

Very cool gun--it just wasn't chic like the Springfield--but has the nice aperture sight (as with some Springfields) and was used by about 1/3rd or about 1/2 of US troops in WW1?
I have read that either its odd, Non-Mauser looks, possibly the fact that it was not US-made, limited its popularity among private owners after WW1, unlike that Other main battle rifle.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

M1917.

Very cool gun--it just wasn't chic like the Springfield--but has the nice aperture sight (as with some Springfields) and was used by about 1/3rd or about 1/2 of US troops in WW1?
I have read that either its odd, Non-Mauser looks, possibly the fact that it was not US-made, limited its popularity among private owners after WW1, unlike that Other main battle rifle.

The M1917 was made in the US.

 

[mustanger98]

The Brits designed the Pattern 14 Enfield which became the U.S. Pattern 17. So while the M1917 was U.S. made, it was heavily British designed. Alvin C. York stated he did not like the M1917... didn't like the sights on "that English rifle"... and traded it for an '03 first chance he got.

 

[lysanderxiii]

M1917.

Very cool gun--it just wasn't chic like the Springfield--but has the nice aperture sight (as with some Springfields) and was used by about 1/3rd or about 1/2 of US troops in WW1?
I have read that either its odd, Non-Mauser looks, possibly the fact that it was not US-made, limited its popularity among private owners after WW1, unlike that Other main battle rifle.

The only complaints I have ever heard about the M1917 was that it was heavier and longer than the M1903.

 

[Ignition Override]

GunnuUSMC: yes, and I quickly forget which rifle came first.

 

[greg_r]

I have heard it said that the Americans had the best target rifle in the Springfield, the Germans the best hunting rifle in the Mauser, and the British had the best battle rifle in the SMLE. I guess I would agree.

personally, my two favorites though are the US M1917 Enfield and the US M1917 45acp Revolver, S&W please.

 

[mavracer]

The SMLE is probably the best all around battle rifle, but I love my 1917 it's 30/06 has great sights and mine has a great barrel and besides it's 'Merican.

 

[lionking]

I have heard it said that the Americans had the best target rifle in the Springfield, the Germans the best hunting rifle in the Mauser, and the British had the best battle rifle in the SMLE. I guess I would agree.

personally, my two favorites though are the US M1917 Enfield and the US M1917 45acp Revolver, S&W please.

If it is a 1903 Springfield I disagree on being the best target rifle based on the one I own the multiple sights on it are all hard to use but once we talk M1903A3 then I agree . Otherwise I think the M1917 is better. However the Springfield has a slick action for loading and ejecting compared to the rest.

For overall aimed accuracy of that era I'm going with the Swedish mauser is best or a Mauser overall, but over all to have carry one into battle I would choose the Enfield NO3 or M1917. Fortunately I'll never have to do that.

 

[fpgt72]

To the OP's question....I am going to assume for range play and not to go to war with.

For range play I think the Winchester lever would be a hoot....on my short list....almost bought one in "30 Army" or 34-40 Krag....that would be fun.....but I just think for a fun toy that is accurate enough.

If I am actually doing some kind of match, then I think the Ross....I want to say Mark III*** was the match rifle for the army, but I could have them mixed up....I am so bad with the different revisions of a rifle, I have to stop and look at a source to really pick.

If I am in the mud and the muck with no real time or way to keep it clean past taking a wizz on it then the Mosin.

If I can take care of it, and I am in the mud and muck I think one of the pattern rifles, 303 or 3006 would be fine. Not a real big fan of 3006, really a mini magnum cartridge...but the weight of the gun would offset that a bit.

 

[Hokkmike]

Model 38 Swede...

from your picture I think #3 from the top is the best looker....

I also like my service rifles without and mods and complete with bayonet and other accruements.