Advice needed on two surplus purchases

[gjk5]

I am getting to the point where my purchases are more driven by ammo price and availability than the rifle itself and after looking over the catalogs it seems it would be wise to get something in 7.62X54R and in 8MM.

I am wondering what my choices are on these, looked a couple of M44 carbines tday that were relatively cheap ($82) but he had no Mausers in (said +/-$115). Any specifics to look for on these and what models are most preferable.

I'm also curious as to how the carbine would shoot compared to the 91/30(?), not looking for tack driving accuracy here, just fun and able to keep fairly tight on the paper.


I will also stock up on at least 1000 rds of each when I buy them, any specific ammo or suppliers to steer clear of?

[Ruggles]

I can not answer all but I agree the 8mm is very cheap right now. I just picked up my 1st Mauser and the ammo price was a big consideration. I have 380 rounds of 8mm on the way right now. I might have to pick up some more. I am also stocking up on .303 while it is cheap (not as cheap as the 8mm). I have 900 rds of the .303 right now, maybe 500 rds more would be enough.

Next on the list might be some .30-06 surplus and a M1, 1903 or 1917 to go with it. I am leaning towards the 1917 right now.

Best of luck.

[paccw]

8mm I would go with the M24/47 Mauser

I would also look for a Mosin Nagant in Ex Cond. they are all cheap enough you should spend the few extra $$$.

I would get a Yugo SKS also if you don't have one.

aimsurplus.com will have almost everything you need.All guns and ammo are the best.Other people are good also,I just never got anything bad from Aim.

[Copper_Candy]

Id be very careful when you buy 8mm ammo. I purchased 900 rounds of yugoslavian mil surp, and have had tons of misfires and split cases. Then again that is the chance when your dealing with mil surp ammo. Just be sure to wear glasses. I have had great luck with romanian and czech ammunition.

As far as moisins go you cant go wrong with any model. the 91/30 does seem to kick a little less and is more accurate. IF you get a m44 dont remove the bayonet, or better yet shoot with it extended: those rifles were made to shoot with the bayonet on, and are more accurate with it.( With the huge fireball and freakin huge bayonet why would nt you spend 90 bucks on a rifle like that.)

good luck on your search

[Ruggles]

This is what I purchased:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=217693


I will post when I get it on it's performance.

[paccw]

The cheap priced Yugo 1950's ammo is the bad stuff.

The 1970's 8mm yugo ammo is fine.

[Ruggles]

Good to hear!
:banana:

[kf4zra]

Ruggles-

That romanian stuff is really good stuff. I thought the lacquer on it was gonna mess up my guns, but i was wrong. you will find some lacquer when cleaning but its no big deal. i spray with windex, then hit the guns with hoppes and a brush, and blast em with compressed air. voila, no more lacquer bits.

I went to the range with 3 8mm rifles with the intention of coming back with a black and blue shoulder.

I shot around 50 rds of turk 8mm thru my 1942 k98 bringback mauser, and it was fine. i then put about 15 rds of it thru my hakim and FN-49, but it was blowing out primers, cracking cases, and ripping the backs of cases off, so i switched to the romanian.

needless to say, around 250 more rounds later, i had a nice pile of lacquered steel cases, 3 rifles that would burn your hands if you touched them, and the black and blue shoulder i desired.

I just bought a 1919 in 8mm, so it looks like i will need to start stocking up on some more if the romanian stuff.

[MrMurphy]

Between the 91/30 and the M44, get the 91/30.

More accurate, less kick, you won't ignite your target at 100 yards with the muzzle flash. :)

[Ruggles]

I think I will pick up a some more of the 8mm, I had been trying to stock up on some .303 British surplus but the place I have been buying it is currently out of stock. :sad:

The case of the 8mm I received was in GREAT shape. :banana: Need some more!!!!!

[kf4zra]

Between the 91/30 and the M44, get the 91/30.

i would like to enter my opinion on this. these are cheap enough, you should buy one of each.

be careful with mosins though, they breed like rabbits. up to 13 of the things now.