New to this site

[lonewolf22]

Hi
I'm new to this site, and am just starting my collection and am wondering if anyone could recommend some all around good hunting/military rifles.
Thank you

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[Harlan (Deceased)]

lonewolf22,

Welcome to the site.

There are many military rifles that make good hunting rifles. I'd choose one with low collector value that has been through an arsenal rebuild or such, so that you have less chance of hurting collector value from the inevitable bumps and bruises hunting rifles receive.

I'd lean towards one of the many bolt action rifles because they function well with hunting ammo, and there's no problems associated with lead deposits in gas systems. Choose a type that also has a popular hunting caliber such as 30.06 (JMO)

[gunner]

Welcome lonewolf22,

enjoy the board and the always friendly and helpful guys.

Regards

Gunner

[Harlan (Deceased)]

lonewolf22,

You brought up a very interesting subject.

I hoped members here would have given you some suggestions sooner, but check your post for advise over the next several days.
The members here are the BEST of any web site I've ever experienced, and they really know what they're talking about!
(Monday threads can be slow, for obvious reasons)

Since you haven't received any responses as of yet, I'll tell you my 'fantabulous' and expert suggestions for milsurps that also make great hunting rifles if you are in the USA.
My suggestion for an outstanding WWII Milsurp that also makes one of the best hunting rifle is a 1903 model rifle in late war configuration called a 1903a3.
The 1903a3 model was the last incarnation of the 1903 line of rifles dating back to before WWI. The entire line of 1903's are very accurate and the bolt actions are second to none if they are in good condition.
1903a3 rifles were still being produced in WWII after the M1 Garand became the first line rifle of the USA during WWII, and many of them were used very little, so many are still in great condition today if not abused or 'sporterized' in all these years. They are wonderful rifles and they can use the same common 30.06 hunting ammo you can easily find.

This is a link to our 1903/1903a3 forum if you would like to read more -
M1903/1903A3/A4 Springfield Rifle - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

Below is a photo of my son shooting his arsenal refinished 1903a3, so you know what the rifle looks like -


You can find a good condition 1903a3 for a good price if it went through an arsenal rebuild. Most of them went through 'rebuilds' after WWII, but the only thing done to them was to inspect the parts and then parkerize the finish of all the parts. (Original 1903a3's had many parts that were 'blued', so a rebuild without the blued parts isn't nearly as costly as far as a 'collector' quality that wasn't parked during an arsenal rebuild program, but the rifles are outstanding!) You should be able to find a good condition rebuilt 1903a3 for around $400 or so.

My second choice for what you described would be a 'Russian Capture' 8mm K98 Mauser in good condition. Good hunting ammo is still fairly easy to find here in the USA.
I love these rifles too, and 'RC' K98's are inexpensive because they don't have a lot of collector value. You need to do some research, but you can find a good 'RC' Mauser for a good price. They are a very accurate rifle with an interesting history for a good price. (Who doesn't like German guns?)
I have one in very good condition mechanically and only paid $300 for it.

Here is a link from our site of a very collectible and valuable K98 just to show you an example of what they look like.
Go to item '3' under the info to get an idea about Russian Captures. (Many are not bad rifles at all and very accurate, but the 'RC' K98's don't have much collector appeal, so you can get one at a good price)
1942 Code byf K98k (Karabiner 98) Rifle - Military Surplus Collectors Forums




These two rifles are only the 'tip of the iceberg' as far as a vintage WWII rifle with the appeal of History they have personally, and also make good hunting rifles. Both models above have been used as hunting rifles for many, many years here in the US.

~ Harlan

[glp70]

I use a sporterized Long Branch Enfield in 303british. the ammo is easy to come buy through mail order, Cabelas, and other large chain sporting goods stores. Mausers are fine rifles and still can be found a decent price.