Need suggestions for a practical "Garrand Match" type rifle

[Road_Clam]

Hey Guys,
I'd like to get into shooting some vintage recreational "Garrand Matches" at my gun club. They allow any vintage millitary issue bolt action rifle so i'm researching Mosins , 1903's, and Enfields. The Garrands are just priced out of my range so not really looking at those. I'm strictly an amature shooter and not looking to kick the crap out of the field, just looking to meet some friends and advance my iron sight shooting. I need a rifle with user friendly iron sights as I have poor eyesight. I also handload so brass availibility is a concern as well. Would like to hear your thoughts, thanks in advance !

 

[Travelor]

Get a match grade AR-15.

 

[MGYSGT]

Guessing an AR is not on the list (no wood). Besides a Match Grade AR is way more than a rack grade M-1. Any way you go, you will probably spend $400/500 on a shootable bolt gun unless you go Russian.

 

[Road_Clam]

Let me clarify, the rifles allowed in my club's Garrand Matches are millitary issue bolt action Mosins , 1903's , Enfields , Mausers and Garrands.

 

[coford]

I have hosted vintage military matches for quite a few years and owned dozens of military rifles. If I were going to only have one rifle, and wanted to just have fun, I would go with either a Swiss K-31 or a Swedish 96. Both rifles are highly accurate and easy to shoot.

The Garands and 1903a3's have the advantage of a peep type sight and are windage adjustable. Around here a K-31 can be found for $200 to $400. A Swedish 96 will run $300 to $500. Garands from the CMP are in the $700 dollar range and a decent 1903a3 will get you in the $700 to $1000 range.

Some guys like the 91/30 but my experience is they tend to be less accurate than the rifles mentioned above, the triggers and sights are crude, and a lot of them have different bore sizes. A M39 Finn generally is a decent shooting rifle that you might consider if you find one in your price range. They are basically reworked 91/30's with better stocks, improved triggers, and very good barrels.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[normmatzen]

Ditto.

One more factor, the Swiss K-31 typically has been better taken care of with near pristene barrels.

In the rapid fire target, the K-31 can easily get off the 10 shots even with the need to reload 4 rounds. It just took my old 75 year old body a bit of practice.

 

[gtl1946]

I also agree with the suggesions about the Swede's or Swiss 31's . Hard to get a better "bang" for the buck . Personally I like the Swede's as it's easier to find components .

 

[Road_Clam]

Any experience with a Brazilian 7mm Mauser model 1908 ? Going to have a look at a used one tomorrow , see how it feels.

 

[coford]

I have a 1908 Brazilian Mauser and it is a good shooter with good sights. Beautiful gun with the receiver in the white but non matching numbers. The only thing I don't like about it is the neck is huge. I have had several neck splits and I have several friends with the same rifle and the same problem. I have been told that they were made this way because of concerns about fouling during the heat of battle - might just be BS - I don't know. They are very similar to the Swedish Mauser in balance. I would have to give the Swede the edge in accuracy. Hope this helps.

 

[spclark]

Let me clarify, the rifles allowed in my club's Garrand Matches are millitary issue bolt action....

Then why do they call them Gar(r)and matches?