rifle action for the arctic

B

bullfrog99

New member
in consitaint sub zero temperature, what actioned rifle(winchester bolt, ak-47 ect) rifle would you want to carry for survival
 
I would probably go with a Mauser or AK-47. A remington 700 or the new 710 would probably be good also. I would go with an AK most likely since the Russians adopted it, and it is ussauly freezing in north Russia. Just my opinion.:cool:
 
Another to consider: Mosin-Nagants have more than proven themselves in harsh Russian winter conditions, in combat.
 
arctic rifle

A good bolt action rifle with controlled round feed (Ruger 77 MK2, new winchester model 70, mauser, springfield, etc.) and GOOD open sights ( not the crummy ones generally installed on factory rifles). A good synthetic or laminated stock would complete the package
 
I suspect any good bolt or lever action would work fine above -30 f. I don't know about more modern semi-autos, but they might work as well. The biggest problem I've had on mid-winter hunts in AK is freezing myself holding gun metal. The damn steel gets so cold it cuts right through the gloves. I'd prefer a nice wood stock, preferably in the old "musket" style you see on a lot of military rifles from WWI and WWII that covers the top of the barrel, too.

Another problem I've had is maniuplating the weapon with golves on. Ideally, the action, safety and magazine should be easy enough to manipulate without having to take off your protection. When it's below zero that can be a pretty big problem.
 
I second Mosin-Negant. The russians still use them for the Artic regions. The Mauser action is a bit too tight to work in the most extreme and adverse conditions. Try and get a good Finnish rework.
 
I third Mosin-Negant. They are tough as nail. AK will work under extream cold. The Mosin-Negant should be your first choice.
 
The only one I know of that has the solution to this problem in it's name. One of the Accuracy International AW (Arctic Warfare)line.
 
I live in Alaska and the "universal" gun north of the Arctic circle is the Ruger Mini-14.
I know ten people are going to jump in and state what a horrible rifle it is and that the .223 is too small, but it's true nonetheless. Alaska Natives (no, they're not all Inuit!) strap these on the back of their snow machine and cruise around in unbelievably low temps and plug caribou, moose and whatever with complete satisfaction.
Pop in a soft point for meat critters and ventilate the rib cage and then a FMJ for fur critters and you're well on your way to a subsistence lifestyle.
You only need minute-of-wolverine accuracy after all, and these rifles WILL function at these temps - something you can't say about a lot of other rifles.

I think the most important reason for the popularity among the natives is the versatility. These guys are subsistence hunters and they don't care if a moose doesn't drop on the spot. They'll pop a couple rounds through the ribs and then follow him until he drops - no sentimentality involved here. And of course a .223 with an FMJ is good for wolves, fox and other furbearers without tearing up the hide (money!), as well being accurate enough to head-shoot sitting rabbits, ducks and whatever.

I don't think you can argue with success.
 
The 1917 Enfield has it all for well-below-freezing conditions. Huge bolt handle, large easy to manipulate safety, controlled feed, and generous tolerances. Unlike the Mosin, it has good, well protected sights.

I'd think the M14 would be a pretty good choice for a self-loading rifle. Simple action, easy to maintain (more or less), and easy to manipulate in the cold.
 
Puttin' my vote in, of course...

For a Mauser, either a Gewehr 98, or Karabiner 98K. Then again, I'd wonder if a No1MkIII Short Magazine Lee Enfield wouldn't be a good choice, slick, fast, and fairly open tolerances? Don't the Canucks use SMLE's on moose in the colder parts of their provinces?
 
I would recommend wood stocks: less chance of it freezing to your face.
Something with a very sturdy firing pin-The germans had probs. with their Mausers firing pins breaking off in the extreme cold of North Russia especially above the arctic circle.
Keep your weapon and ammo outdoors in extreme temperatures. If you bring it indoors in sub-zero temps and take it outside it will coat with ice and freeze up in short order.
The Russians used and still may use Sunflower seed oil: one of the few lubricants that supposedly does not freeze in their very harsh winters.
I would go with anything Russian or anything that has proven itself in these nasty extremes.
 
I was sort of thinking of the SMLE also. Easy to clean and thaw out, powerful enough for anything up there, and reliable. The Mini-14 or M14 type should be OK, too. I don't think you want something that can get snow driven into the innards where it can thaw and then freeze and keep everything from working (AR-15).

Jim
 
Why does everyone say to use a wood stock? With the right synthetic heat conduction to your cheek will be zero. The plastic will feel almost warm on your skin(it will infact be ~the same as the ambient temp, but no conduction means you can't feel it).
 
mayhaps it is because some plastics have a tendancy toward shattering in sub zero cold

i think i read AR15s were tested & run with CLP in the artic
 
So, how come noone thought the AWP/AWM was a good idea? They were designed the cold. And the plastic is only there to cover the metal stock.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top