Thread: Bolt action rifle recommendation

So... Any bolt action rifle recommendations?

I'd like to get something worth collecting (with a bit history but doesn't require C cat or deep pocket), yet fun and cheap to shoot.

I had mosin nagant m91 and mauser k98 in mind, but have little experience with checking their conditions (what to look out for), access to ammos, or any bayonet plug issues. Would have liked a m1 garand but that out of the question now.

Any suggestions where to start? Ta.

would say mauser .... covers a wide range of classics from k98 thru to brno PH BSA the list goes on a k98 in 8x57 can get expensive to run if you dont reload but the post war mausers come in wallet friendly calibers the have been some real gems come up on here and think there are still a couple up for sale

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....i-222-a-48589/

Swiss k31, lee Enfield, any kind of Mauser.
Look for original condition (I don’t mean new condition I mean not modified/ restored), matching serial numbers , nice bore.
You are allowed bayonets on bolt actions

Mauser for sure. They're so simple and fool-proof. Parts are available in every corner of the world.

Check the bolt face for any pitting. Not a deal breaker, but it's always nice to have a tidy action (can be used further down the line for a custom or sold as parts).

The best millitary '98's were made pre-war. They include the Brazilian 1908, the Argentine 1909, and anything marked 'Orbendorf'.

Some of the commercial Mausers made for hunting purposes still have a tonne of history. Anything made by Mauser, FN, Husqvarna and Brno are worthwhile. Some models are nicer than others. If you can find a Brno model 21 in good condition pounce on it.

Originally Posted by hauraki

So... Any bolt action rifle recommendations?

I'd like to get something worth collecting (with a bit history but doesn't require C cat or deep pocket), yet fun and cheap to shoot.

I had mosin nagant m91 and mauser k98 in mind, but have little experience with checking their conditions (what to look out for), access to ammos, or any bayonet plug issues. Would have liked a m1 garand but that out of the question now.

Any suggestions where to start? Ta.

i'd say you lucked out not buying a mosin or a K98.......swedish mauser in 6.5 is a sweet rifle......new stuff.....just go for a ruger american or even better a Remington 700 bdl. Last thing you want to do is pay out all that money and be dissapointed. so that's my cheap buys. btw: M1 is way too heavy and the sights are bad..and i'm saying that as a American.

Thanks all, a lot to take in.

Read up on triple 2 didn't get any wiser.

Remmy 700 bdl was a beautiful piece.

I guess it's down to what I'm going to do. Not sure if service rifle matches are still a thing.

Originally Posted by hauraki

Thanks all, a lot to take in.

Read up on triple 2 didn't get any wiser.

Remmy 700 bdl was a beautiful piece.

I guess it's down to what I'm going to do. Not sure if service rifle matches are still a thing.

Service rifle shoot will still be a thing - they just wont feature semi-auto service rifles - but there are many antique bolt action service rifles and people who shoot / compete with them.

Originally Posted by ChrisW

Service rifle shoot will still be a thing - they just wont feature semi-auto service rifles - but there are many antique bolt action service rifles and people who shoot / compete with them.

Suddenly all the Fudds who refused to use semis have a big skill/practice time advantage.

Originally Posted by ChrisW

Service rifle shoot will still be a thing - they just wont feature semi-auto service rifles - but there are many antique bolt action service rifles and people who shoot / compete with them.

It will just be a lot smaller

Originally Posted by TheWuce

Suddenly all the Fudds who refused to use semis have a big skill/practice time advantage.

Generally nobody who shoots service rifle, shoots a bolt action, unless it is specifically sanctioned by the event. As a general rule, fudds don't shoot service rifle.

I can see 100m matches with 10 round target model Ruger 10/22s/Kidds becoming the replacement. SR Rules changed accordingly.

Fudds?

Elmer Fudd, hunts Bugs Bunny.
Personification of a hunter who only is interested in protecting own interests.
Doesn’t see that anyone needs a firearm for competitive shooting sports, including semi autos and would gladly throw other people under the bus.

Usually the stupid cunt that gives 45 min safety briefings on a shared range, rages against AR15s, then shoots a hole in the roof. "Fudd" being the noise of the projectile landing in Woodhill forest a short while later