Mauser or Mosin?

[birry]

Ok...so the obvious answer is BOTH, but I'm looking for opinions and experienced voices for figuring out which rifle to buy first.

First off, I've shot a Mosin a few times and liked it quite a bit, but the bolt-action was pretty stiff and clumsy. I've heard really good things about Mauser actions, and would love to shoot/own one someday.

I plan to use this rifle as a fun shooter and something with a little more power and range than my 5.56. I don't hunt, but I like target shooting. I also don't plan on burning through 1,000's of rounds of ammo each month. This will be a hobby gun, a recreational firearm, BUT something I don't want to hang in a glass case. I want to feel ok about taking it out and using it. Therefore, I'm not looking for matching serial #, mint condition K98. I'm looking for a solid gun that I can have fun shooting.

Any advice?

 

[Dukester]

I would look at ammo availability. 7.62x54r is super easy to find and cheap to boot.

 

[MoBoost]

For the first gun I would recommend a Mosin or Springfield 1903 (basically a Mauser) - they are plentiful and ammo is easy to find - your spending ability would be a deciding factor ($150 vs $700). And if it's not your cup of tea you will not loose any money selling it off.

 

[birry]

I would look at ammo availability. 7.62x54r is super easy to find and cheap to boot.

True, but I'm also considering reloading if I get a Mauser, mostly because I don't intend to blow through a ton of ammo and will re-use brass. That 7.62x54r ammo is crazy cheap right now, though!

I've seen Mosins around $140-175 right now and M48 Mausers for about $250, so the price difference isn't THAT big.

 

[bsmith918]

Get a Swiss K31! If you are going to get a Mosin, spend more and get a Finnish Mosin. There is NO comparison between the Finnish and Russian versions. If you want a fairly inexpensive Mauser, get on GB and get a 24/47 with minimal wear. They are a pretty good buy and highly available.

 

[birry]

Get a Swiss K31! If you are going to get a Mosin, spend more and get a Finnish Mosin. There is NO comparison between the Finnish and Russian versions. If you want a fairly inexpensive Mauser, get on GB and get a 24/47 with minimal wear. They are a pretty good buy and highly available.

GB has a bunch of M48's for $240-275 right now. Seems like a good deal depending on the condition.

 

[Boehlertaught]

Sounds like the most everyone is recommending the Mosin. I tend to agree particularly with the Bsmith918 on the Finnish Mosin. When the Finns reworked the Mosins they really made them nice.

 

[mightymouse]

There is a reason why many, many custom rifles over the years have been based upon Mauser actions. Get a Mauser!

 

[raeken45]

I would go with a mosin if you just want a cheap gun to go play with. I have never handled a mauser but I will agree with bsmith918 that you might look at the K31 too.

 

[birry]

Sounds like the most everyone is recommending the Mosin. I tend to agree particularly with the Bsmith918 on the Finnish Mosin. When the Finns reworked the Mosins they really made them nice.

A quick search shows the Finnish Mosins going for $400+ right now. Most of them are in the $500-800 range and up from what I can tell.