Enfield M1917 30-06 or Husqvarna FN98 30-06

I am having trouble deciding between buying an Enfield M1917 in 30-06 or a Husqvarna FN98 in 30-06. I really like the M1917 but I've never had a military surplus rifle this old. I'm wary about older guns because I want to shoot them a lot and not just collect them. Safety is the most important thing to me when it comes to shooting guns. I've heard great things about the M1917 but I'm wondering how long it will last and if I can shoot it a lot. Can you use full power modern ammunition in a gun as old as the M1917? I've heard you can even use the action to build rifles in much more powerful calibers than the 30-06 so I figure the M1917 must be pretty solid. Anyway, the M1917 is made by Remington but the bolt is Eddystone. Both rifles are in good to very good condition, cost about the same, have some knicks and handling marks, and the outer steel surfaces and bore are not rusted or pitted. The FN98 is probably in better condition and quite a bit newer than the M1917. I haven't handled the rifles because they aren't local but the two companies are reputable and their descriptions are very accurate and usually conservative. Could you help me make a decision on one of these rifles?

well,
im far from an expert on Mauser rifles, but i dont think Husqvarna made rifles in the M98, 48 or 24 military variant. let alone in cal. 30-06, im stock form,
they did make some commercial FN style rifles in the 50,s 60,s and 70,s that are top shelf quality.
the stats on the M1917..
all 1917,s were made with 3.5% nickle steel, surface hardened, and very strong.
in its original form a great rifle, very safe, and easy to shoot.
the down falls of a 1917.
larger ring receiver, and a bit on the heavy side. cock on close, some like it some dont.
you can convert it to cock on open if you like.
the ejector is a issue with the 17, but can be modified to work very well.
about the Husqvarna actions i know of., cal. 6.5x55 swede, awesome cal, but not much of a bullet choice from US manufactures.
C steel heat treated small ring, nice action, very smooth, not known for a lot of strengh, but will handle the 6.5 cal just fine.
also cock on close, and can be converted as well to cock on open.
same issue with the ejector, and can also be modified in the same way the 17 can.
the FN 98. 48. ect. is an exellent rifle, some commercial rifles still to this day use its disign,
heat treated C steel. smooth action, cock on open, same issue with the ejectors.
will handle about any cal, you can think of. from .223, to .458 mag.
its apples and oranges if you ask me.
personally it depends on what your planning on doing with the rifle.
from a collectors , shooter standpoint, the M1917 will likely have the most resale value, second to the Swede military rifle, or carbine.
as a sporterized hunting rifle? likely id choose the FN Mauser.
much easier to mount a scope, and get after market parts then the small ring Mauser, or the 17.
the 30-06 cal, is a great all around choice, will kill anything on the planet if the shot is placed right.
and if you need ammo, likely you can find a box of 06 in any small town hardwear store, or Wal mart.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chuckindenver

well,
im far from an expert on Mauser rifles, but i dont think Husqvarna made rifles in the M98, 48 or 24 military variant. let alone in cal. 30-06, im stock form,
they did make some commercial FN style rifles in the 50,s 60,s and 70,s that are top shelf quality.
the FN 98. 48. ect. is an exellent rifle, some commercial rifles still to this day use its disign, heat treated C steel. smooth action, cock on open, same issue with the ejectors.
will handle about any cal, you can think of. from .223, to .458 mag.
its apples and oranges if you ask me.
personally it depends on what your planning on doing with the rifle.
from a collectors , shooter standpoint, the M1917 will likely have the most resale value, second to the Swede military rifle, or carbine.
as a sporterized hunting rifle? likely id choose the FN Mauser.
much easier to mount a scope, and get after market parts then the small ring Mauser, or the 17.
the 30-06 cal, is a great all around choice, will kill anything on the planet if the shot is placed right.
and if you need ammo, likely you can find a box of 06 in any small town hardwear store, or Wal mart.

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Yeah, it is a bit of an apples to oranges comparison. The Husqvarna I'm looking at does have an FN 98 action, which is similar to the Mauser 98 action. I would probably use either rifle for target shooting and maybe hunting. I'm not too worried about resale value. I want either one of these rifles because they are both in 30-06 and I like both rifles a lot. If it is safe to shoot the Enfield 1917 to my heart's content, I will probably buy it over the Husqvarna.

make sure to have a gunsmith check headspace on the rifle you choose.
and find one that knows how to check a rifle that cocks on close.

stoopit questions but... If its an FN that means its a Fabrique Nationale in Herstal Belgium and Husky's ar chech as in the republic. How can it be an FN husky? I warned you it was gonna be a stoopit question

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mike16

stoopit questions but... If its an FN that means its a Fabrique Nationale in Herstal Belgium and Husky's ar chech as in the republic. How can it be an FN husky? I warned you it was gonna be a stoopit question

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Understandable question. But just to muddy the waters a little more, Husqvarna is a SWEDISH manufacturer!

So forgetting the rifle of doubtful parentage, the one to get would be the M1917 - much better sight, long sight radius = better grouping for below average eyesight.

(It's not that my eyesight is bad, it's just that I have to keep my glasses on a string round my neck, so I don't lose them.)

:wave:

P.S. Looking at the date of the original post, I think we're a bit late for that particular purchase decision:

My first M-1917 was a sportorized eddystone I bought about 30+ years ago. I bet I've put close to 1000 rounds through it over the years. It still shoots great and I've never hade a problem with it. Of all the different types and vintages of rifles I own, the 1917 is my favorite. I'm down to 5 1917's now.:):)
john

I thought the very early Husky 98's were imported receivers. The Swedes were very content with the M96 version and imported a very few M98 receivers for commerical sale. However, they have been producing a 98 version for years.