Military arms for deer hunting.

[Adam Helmer]

I have come full circle: I bought my first military rifle in 1958 for $14 so I could hunt PA deer. In the intervening years I have acquired commercial scoped rifles for deer and now have gone back to the "as issued" military arms in the collection for PA deer hunting. I will open the season on November 29 with a M1896 Krag .30/40 and then carry a 98k, a Swede and an SMLE until I fill my tag. As woods rifles, these vintage military arms are perfect for the task.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Not a "as issued" rifle anymore (I did some sporterizing), my M96 Swede has killed two mule deer and two antelope just as dead as any "modern" M70, M77, or M700 has. Still has the original barrel (made in 1908). Not bad for a military surplus rifle. I also used a AR15 on my trip to Montana to chase yotes with (no luck). Several years ago, I used an AK to shoot a large doe with.....wasn't to impressed with the AK, so I sold it.

[gumpokc]

I've got 2 SMLE's i've used over the last 20 years, as well as a new (to me) M44 carbine.

Can also use a CETME if i get the short mag, or my Hakim, any of them work well.

[CanWoodsman]

In my part of Canada it would be safe to say that more deer have been killed by Lee Enfield .303 British than the Winchester 30-30.

Good Hunting

[gumpokc]

Canwoodsman,

I think they figured it up once in G&A, and by their estimate more game has been taken worldwide with the .303 brit than any other single centerfire calibur.

[Gil Martin]

As you know, for a long time I have used military surplus arms for deer hunting. I still like and use them, but the iron sights are becoming a challenge. Since I am on the wrong side of 50, I really like scopes. So this deer season I will be using a military surplus arm (1903, Kar98, Krag, or whatever) with a scope. All the best...
Gil

[CanWoodsman]

Gil from someone barely on the right side of 50 (I think?) go for it.

[Cal Sibley]

I have to agree with the suggestion of the Swedish M96. I have three I've restored and swear by them. The Swedes didn't use them in much combat, and most have stayed in pristine condition. The M94 is a better hunting rifle due to the shorter barrel. If you find one with the gold circle piece in the stock it tells you the condition of the bore. The rifles were frequently recalled to the armory, inspected and graded. No wonder they've lasted so long. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[Critch]

I'm patial to my Savage made, Lee Enfield No 4 in 303 for the brush. Works for me...

[earschplitinloudenboomer]

Gil;
Picked up a badly bubba'ed 8X57 at the local gun shop. Action very nice, bore and chamber nice too. Decided it would make a nice truck gun or loaner. With factory Rem. and Win. gun shot like crap. Felt the bore was just too nice not to shoot. Had already done the bolt alteration, safety, and Timney trigger. Bought dies, started with Hornady 150 gr spire points. As pressue (and velocity) went up, accuracy improved. Now shooting consistant 1" groups at 100 yards. Best season, so far, 2003...three shots, three deer. A doe in antlerless, in excess of 200 yards, went down like you'd dropped a piano on her. I now hunt almost exclusively with this old Mauser. I love it. Had whittled a sporter stock, but added a kick pad for length on the original laminated stock and just plain enjoy the look, feel and performance of this rifle. Take this as an endorsement, scopes help old eyes. Enjoy...ears.

[Forestwalker]

nice to hear ya'll talking about all those older military rifles, I swear by my Garand, bought it a long time ago, DCM-rifle, $100+ $5 shipping and handling.

Had it accurized, man does it hold tight groups, can shoot that 06 all day long.

I got friends that have nice fancy shootin irons won't even hunt in the rain with em'. That Garand will go anywhere, anytime.

My great uncle that was in Battle of Bulge in WWII said first thing you did in morning was piss, sorry, urinate on action to unfreeze, then knock down door of cottage with the butt and and shoot the Kraut runnin' out the back.

[denton]

I have a Swede '96 that is as good a hunting rifle as you will find.

Since my eyes are now 61, I can't see the rear sight anymore. So I outfitted it with Mojo sights.... www.mojosights.com. After a few sessions to get accustomed to that style of sight, I found I could routinely do 1 3/4" five-shot groups at 100 yards. With that, you don't have to change the safety, grind down the bridge, or cut and paste the handle.

Not bad for $150 initial investment, and a rifle built in 1917.