MILSURPS

[Faulkner]

I can tell you first hand that a C&R license is of the devil.

 

[6518John]

What’s amazing about this thread is there is probably not a single gun shown that would not do it’s job and function as well or better than any modern firearm built today.

 

[Jackcpat]

Milsurps

Here's my Swedes

 

[BB57]

I have an October, 1918 M1917 Eddystone my son and I de-sporterized and returned to a military stock. My father in law has the 1918 RIA 03 his father bought surplus in the 1930s to shoot in matches. I’ve shot both. The 03 is probably a bit handier but the sights are fine target sights. The M1917’s ghost ring sights are much better as battle sights and, in fact, were of the type used by the US for the Garand up through the M16A2.

The 03 cocks on opening like any good Mauser should. The M1917 cocks on closing like the SMLE. I’m not sure if there is really any advantage to one or the other. You get used to what you have.

The M1917 is a bit longer, but weights about the same as the 03 and is a good serviceable rifle. It required less handwork and was faster to produce. I’d feel well armed with a 1917.

I owned and shot an M1917, 1903A1 and 1903A3 in DCM service rifle competition in the late 1980s. (I also had a P14 Enfield, in addition Mk III, No 4 and No 5 SMLEs.) I wish I still had all of them as you just don't find them in excellent condition anymore.

The M1917 was a superb rifle, better than the '03A1 in most regards although the '03 was a little lighter and handier.

The '03A3's sights were a definite improvement and helped even the gap between it and the M1917.

However, the advantage with a cock on closing bolt action is that it is significantly faster to operate. If you compare the Garand, the SMLE and the K98 in WWII in terms of effectiveness, they end up in that order, with the SMLE having a lot less distance between it and the Garand than it does the K98 as it had a significantly higher rate of fire.

Try the "mad minute" with an SMLE, a M1917 or P14 and a M1903 and you'll see the clear advantage of a cock on closing action. Extraction is easier since you are not also cocking the striker, and the cocking is easier as the momentum of the bolt and hand going forward do much of the work.

The SMLE still wins hands down over the M1917 due to the rear clocking SMLE bolt, with shorter and smoother bolt travel. The M1917 derived from the .303 caliber P14 which was a WWI expedient use of the P13 design which was designed for the more powerful .276 Enfield (165 gr bullet at 2800 fps, compared to 174 gr at 2500 fps for the .303 and 174 gr at 2700 fps for the .30-06.)

Britain planned to adopt the P13 in .276 Enfield on the eve of WWI, but when war broke out wisely elected to stick with .303 to keep the logistics chain simpler. After WWI, with millions of rounds of .303 in storage, and massive cuts in military spending, they stayed with the SMLE in .303.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I'm finally down to just two; a 1921 Swedish Mauser 96, and a Swiss K31. I was looking around with a flashlight yesterday in the Closet of Mystery, and found a replacement stock I had ordered for a Swedish model 38 I owned until a couple of years ago. The 38 had an arsenal repair in the buttstock, and the replacement stock has a crack in the buttstock. It's pretty oily, so it should make good kindling.

I think the K31 picture is one I gave away, and was the only one of the three with a walnut stock. I bought three when they were about $100.00 each, and later gave away two. I'd probably get rid of the last one if I didn't have so much surplus ammo - I don't have an outdoor range, so I guess the kid will have to do something with it when I go to the next phase.

 

[Valmet]

Milsurp threads are always some of the best threads. TONS of eye candy.

 

[Valmet]

double post.

 

[deadin]

I just did a quick count of my Milsurps. I came up with around 31.....
Someday I will need to get a "family" picture them all in one place.
The oldest is a Springfield M1816 and the youngest is either a M1 Garand or a Enfield No.4 Mk1. Not sure of the production dates on either (WW2ish)

 

[dmthomp32]

I just did a quick count of my Milsurps. I came up with around 31.....
Someday I will need to get a "family" picture them all in one place.
The oldest is a Springfield M1816 and the youngest is either a M1 Garand or a Enfield No.4 Mk1. Not sure of the production dates on either (WW2ish)

That's a serious family! Good luck getting that many firearms into a single pic!! [emoji38]

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[GUNMIKE]

45-70 Springfield issue 1873...Model 1917 Eddystone... in 30-06... Remigton 03-a3 in 30-06...Remington Rand 1911A1 1943 issue 45 acp...Springfield Garand 1943 issue in 30-06. Possibly picture later.

 

[Warren Sear]

G.33/40 rifles. 8 x 57 mm caliber.

 

[jdlii]

This 1903 was purchased by my Dad, in the late 60's from Montgomery Ward for $39.95. The local newspaper contained an ad stating that the MW had just received a shipment of 1903 rifles from the arsenal that were "new", unissued and unfired in the original crates.

Dad picked out the one he wanted. It turns out that it has an Elmer Keith inspection stamp during his time at the Ogden, Utah Arsenal. It shoots as good as it looks. It is pictured with my Remington 03A3.

 

[JohnRippert]

Martini-Henry MKIV

SA 1903 MK1

Beretta 1951 from Israel.

Finnish Model 28-76

BSA No5

Winchester Garand I put together from a stripped CMP receiver.

Inland M1 carbine.

Savage No4MKI

Kinda sorta surplus. Ex 2nd Marine Raiders Support Battalion M45A1.

 

[Valmet]

Those are very nice John!

 

[bushmaster1313]

 

[deadin]

I just did a quick count of my Milsurps. I came up with around 31.....

I just did a recount and had to downgrade to 27 Milsurps. (4 weren't actually military issue: 3 commercial Broomhandles and a Springfield M1875 Officers Model...)

Here's the current list. (Still looking for more..)

Austrian Steyr M95
Colt M1911
Colt M1917
Dutch Military M1873 NM
Enfield No 4 Mk1*
Enfield L59A1
Husqvarna Lahti M40
Lebel (Tulle) Mle1886R93
MAS Model 36
Mauser Luger P08 S/42 1937
Remington British Enfield Model1914
Remington M1902
S&W .455 Mk II H.E. 1st Model
S&W Model 1917
S&W .455 Mk II H.E.2nd Model
S&W 38 HE Model of 1902 Navy
SACM Mle 1935A
Schmidt-Rubin K31
Springfield M1 Garand
Springfield M1884Trapdoor Rifle
Springfield M1898 Krag
St.Etienne (MAS) Mle 1873 Navy
Waters M1816 US Musket
Webley Mark VI
Webley Mark VI
Webley & Scott Mark IV
Winchester U.S. Model 1917


Next on want list.. A WW1 SMLE No.1 Mk 3 (or 3*)