one milsurp for hunting all north america

Out of my collection my 1903 A3 would be my choice. But any of them would work fine. I can hit well with my Yugo 24 47 too.
 
You can find mil-surp in a lot of flavors. 6.5X55, 7X57, and 8X57 Mauser, .303 Brit in a bunch of different Enfields, .30-06 in '03 Springfield, M-17 Enfield, M1 Garand and 1941 Johnson rifles, .30-40 Krag, .308, 7.62X54R, even 7.62X39 though that would be a bit light for the bigger game animals. Pick the chambering yoiu want and get a rifle to shoot it with. The .30-06 has been around for over a century and has taken just about everything in NA and most of the others have as well.
 
Sleeper: FN Model 1949, in any of three calibers: 7x57, 8x57, or .30-06

(1) Not an assault rifle by any definitions anywhere in the USA. It's even California legal AFAIK.

(2) Excellent quality and accuracy.

(3): Predecessor mechanically of the later FN-FAL.


7mm ones are typically FN Manufactured and were South American issue, meaning GORGEOUS wood. The Argentine Army might suck at fighting, but their Italian heritage means that they bought guns that looked great on the parade ground ... ;)

8mm ones are typically NOT made by FN in Belgium, but were made in Egypt under license. More common... functional... <but> 'Made in Egypt'

.30-06 ones are usually either Belgian or Luxembourg army surplus. ABL markings on them = Belgium. Wonderful rifles. All were made by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Herstal, Belgium.


Always a favorite.


Willie

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Any of the WWI/WWII cartridges will do fine. The exception is charging grizzly, that's .45-70 territory.
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Well ................................ I might take exception on carbines like the M1 Carbine as well as the M1 Thompson and and M2 Grease gun submachine guns, but as far as battle rifles go, you're probably right.
 
My $.02 worth

I hunt white tail deer in Ky. I only use milsurp rifles. I have 2 Mosins and an Argentine Mauser 7.65x53. Something nostalgic about firing a bolt action rifle that was carried by people for over 70+ years. I find it enjoyable and seldom finish Deer season hungry!
 
I had to give up hunting a few years ago but, if I could go again and if I could get the ammunition , my Arisaka in 7.7Jap would be an interesting choice. It's about as close to being a "tack driver" as any. The only real problem is if you can find ammo, it cost an arm and a foot.
 
8MM Mauser

European or hand loads of 8MM Mausers.
Still among the cheapest bulk ammo that hits hard. Perhaps the most "bang for the buck" category. (no pun intended).

Like to find a "fast" 100-yard scope, rings, and mount that's either quick detachable or be able to use iron sights under the scope for our Czech V24 Brno....
 
Really, just about any of the 30-ish caliber battle rifle cartridges including .30-06, .308/7.62x51, .303 British, 7.92x57 Mauser, 7.62x54R, .30-40 Krag, 7.5x55 Swiss, 7.5x54 French, 7.7 Japanese, 7.65x53 Argentine Mauser, 8x56R Steyr-Mannlicher, and even 7.35 Carcano and 8x50R Lebel would be sufficient for any North American Game if loaded with the right bullet. Some of the smaller-bore cartridges including 6.5 Carcano, 6.5 Arisaka, 6.5 Swede, and 7mm Mauser would also be fine for most North American game although I'd be a bit hesitant to use them on grizzly due to limitations in bullet weight.
 
I think the 8x57 will be perfect in a K98 as a hunting set-up for anything but brown and polar bears. For those I'd go with a G3 and a full magazine, and hope that I can make up for the lack of single shot stopping power with multiple hits (after all, they used to poach elephants with AK47 in full-auto mode).
 
Just my $0.02:
I'd pick the .30-06(Garand/1903) for one simple reason, if used correctly (i.e. accurate rifle & shooter) the .30-06 can be used to take just about anything. I wouldn't feel too badly under-gunned facing a brown bear with a .30-06, but then again I don't hunt brown bear.

I think Hemingway took one to Africa. Can anyone confirm that?
 
The k31 is a 1,000 yard rifle. Scoped, with load data already developed for the 168, 185, 190 and 200gr projectiles, its not easy for any North American game to walk away from. The scoped k31 is a true moa rifle. Reloading cost is no more than that of a .308.

K31Mount004.jpg


Latigo
 
7.62x54R I bought mine for $84.00 + tax. Yep, it was ugly when I got it. But when I saw how good it shot the ugliness started to fall away. It packs a punch. With 150gr. SBT from Privi Partisan I was grouping under 2" @ 50 yds. with open sights and cataract laden eyes. The cataracts are now history, the stock refinished and I'm waiting on the new scout scope for it. This baby is going deer hunting next year. The 7MM Mag. & the .270 Win are going to sit next season out.:D
 
if I had to pick one milsurp, non .308/.30-06, rifle for hunting, my first choice would be the Jungle Carbine. The .303 may be less powerful than either the 8mm or 7.62x54, but it is also much lighter and handier in the carbine. I don't hunt from a stand so weight is a consideration. Also, I have never hunted anything that could hunt me, so the .303 would fit my needs. Now, if I was to go after the big bears, I'd take a Barret .50 and a change of underwear! :o
 
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