Good memories, when I was a kid back in the late 50s early 60s use to buy all my rifles at teh hardware store, Mausers, Enfields, Springfield's etc. back when America was free.
I fell asleep watching this 4yrs ago and woke up today, looked around and thought I was on another planet. Wish I had stayed awake and bought more of these great classic and rugged rifles! This gentlemen shares the same love of guns like these as I do. Again, thank you Sir for a very informative and enjoyable video!
@@scottbuckley6578 That is awesome, I had one some years ago.....had to unscrew it up as some jackass had cut the bolt off and welded it upside down as an attempt to make it left handed....re-cut, rewelded and it shot great for the years I owned it.
@@TheWolfsnack thats is stupid id leave them the way they are like all mil spec rifles. Being left handed ive forced my self to shoot right handed my my eyes are near the same so no problem looking down the sights
One gunshop in my area sells the Russian Mosant (not spelled right ) i looked at the price tags on several , $699.50 for one model , omg not a chance in hell would i want to own one of those ..A Springfield rifle in 30-06 that was $825.00 which looked to be new , sorry not that model either..
I just picked up a sporterized Enfield No.4 for $185 OTD last week in Illinois. Shoots great and I was hitting 9" pie plates at 300yards. Just need to find a scope now.
even though im young (18) i love old guns with blued steel and wood stocks i love my knives with leather sheaths on them when plastic gets bit beaten up it looks like you don't care when your leather or your wood finish gets a bit scuffed it adds character
I’m young (24), but work 50+ hours a week, firearms are a great investment. Luckily COVID didn’t effect me much, I do commercial and industrial hvac, so I stayed busy. The best budget hunting rifles are sporters imo. I just hope gun shows stay open. I’m glad you’re doing well and still posting videos. Great video as always.
You're the future - as you know - glad you're on the gun train; many your age are challenged by using a hammer - no criticism; just a reality I observed in person. Anyway, you've got time on your side : ) All the best and stay healthy.
USOG I enjoy working with my hands doing anything. At time I wish I would’ve taken up gunsmithing but I’m not sure how sustainable or consistent it would be. A lot of younger people don’t like using tools or getting dirty, I’ve worked in a lot of foundries and manufacturing plants and you do get really dirty
I live not far from Canada and and have been there numerous times. At one location, only a broken down barb wire fence separates Canada and the USA. I stepped across....illegally I might add.
North Dakota Ham I actually walked into Canada deer hunting one time years ago, I was north of Williston, I was about a 1/4 mile over the border when I figured out I had crossed over, I immediately crossed back into the US! Ugh that would have been bad especially carrying a rifle!
@@ryanehlis426years ago it didn't seem to be as big a deal. These days are definitely different. Was there any sort of marker to identify the border?Did you get that deer? The Canadians will claim their deer are larger. I have been at the Boundry Waters, northern Minnesota and crossed into Canada by canoe. There are no markings but that time I had permission to travel. Went about 20 miles into Canada by canoe and portage.
@Me. Me its not the old days anymore. I wouldnt even think of walking into Canada without permission. However, Canadian deer don't seem to follow the rules and routinely enter North Dakota.
I'm 19 and I just picked up my first military surplus rifle yesterday. I bought a Czechoslovakian Mauser (Vz.24) ex-sniper, I picked it up for $410. Taking it to a gunsmith on Wednesday for a deep cleaning, then next week out to the range. The action is SUPER smooth, not as smooth as my Mannlicher Schoenauer, but VERY smooth for a military surplus rifle! I love it so far! I truly recommend anyone, especially younger people, to get into military surplus rifles.
You're awesome Richard. The Vz24 is so fine - as you know and I just loved it when you wrote "not as smooth as my Mannlicher Schoenauer"!! You've got great guns. Thanks for being here and writing.
Congrats.. Vz-24 are nice, be careful of ammo choice most misurp is corrosive (clean with windex then clean a normal ) also a slip on soft pad is not a bad idea a most hunting loads are 196gr and well they will get your attention!
Old timers, when I was a grandpas tagalong (or his "legs") had 3 guns in truck back window, or porch corner. .22 cooey, repeat or ss .12 gauge pump or break any brand for truck gun 303/3006 milsurp bolt or 3030 win lever. Edit small town north Sask. In a time when Windows rolled down, keys in ignition of pickup, parked on main street, guns in back window, chequebook on dash never got a second look or thieves . And 12 year old boys could buy .22 shells by the piece for .02 at hardware store without fuss. 13 lr cil for$0.25 at Hackett general.
The world was a better place. We keep progressing and improving but quite a few things seem to indicate that is not so. I like the reality you enjoyed.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns so did I. I Feel for my toddler grandson... Goose guns and decoys or a deer rifle in back window of half ton, in high school parking lot went way of dodo after graduation. Edit early 80s When your hunter safety card meant a 14year old could hunt. But didn't need permission from govt to purchase longun. What was gun crime stats then?
Good commentary at the end of the video. Wide open wild places are few and far between these days. Places that are pro freedom are becoming rare as well. By the way, I wouldn't think twice about the people that want to scold you. I have found that people that want to smear their opinions online never have any substance to those opinions. Usually it's jealousy that drives negative comments anyhow.
I moved to Northern Florida to be rid of the mess down in South Florida. Between the time I moved in 1980 until about 10 years ago there was plenty of open land, including private held by large land companies. Then the lawyers got involved and every one of the open places got locked up. Sure there are some wildlife management areas but you have to have a license and a stamp and then you really can't enjoy it year round. Really we have too many people in this country and don't need to go shopping around for more from third world countries.
Few years back I lost all my rifles in a fire . With predators after the livestock and limited funds , I went to a dealer and said "I need as good a rifle as possible for as little as possible " . 125$ Canadian got me a cut-down 96-38 with down turned bolt , bushnell scope and 5 shells . It will make 5 holes touching at 150 yds. But I also agree with your comments on the lee enfield, it's making a strong comeback up here as a meat rifle , with slow 180 or 220 gr bullet it will put down a moose with ease and get to eat it all
Great point about the meat - a whitetail hit with a 7mm Mag was blue jelly all around the wound - the .303 with a 220 stops anything and I found no blue jelly at all.
.303 Brit is capable of taking any game in North America as long as you do your part. Most people that hunt seem to think that a deer won't die if you use anything less than a 300 win mag. It's ridiculous.
I remember our local Sears store in Houston Texas...pre68(Im 72 yrs old)..........the ww2 rifles were out in the showroom.on racks like we had in the military, I still have my 1903a3 30-06 springfield(paid $39).....my M1 Garand was $69....just pay the $ and walk out. I bought 4 lugars and 2 p38s for under $50 each from want ads..........
I totally agree with you on the the Enfield rifles I'm sure you will get lots of positive feedback from Canada because from what I understand it's the most popular hunting rifle in Canada . That Spanish Mauser you have there is really sweet I'd love to have. Something I think you would like is a company name Mojo is making aperture sights that fit the Mauser rear sight with out modifications and increases accuracy quite a bit. My top choice on the table is the Enfield because of the great sights and 303 British is very adequate like the 308. Thanks for sharing
I bought an older Parker Hale. 270... thinking it was a model 1200C ...any how...beautiful French walnut stalk with Rosewood tips....Shoots INCREADIBLE...5 rnds in a group size of quarter at 100 yrds.. the point I am trying to say is that a wood stock is hmmm undescribable....cheers....GREAT VIDEOS
You can still find amazing deals on sporterized Mausers. I just re-homed a CZ Mauser in 30-06 that hand been professionally sporterized and restocked with a great glass bedded stock and trigger for 5 bills. A rifle that will last several lifetimes. Sporterized Mausers make great hunting rifles. Love your vids.
Love the sound of these old bolt-action riffles. At my local gun dealer 'paul pleters' in werbomont, a Parker Hale 7 x64 with a Santa Barbera action for less then 600euro and a FN Sauer 7 x 64 with a Swarovski Habricht 1.5 - 6 -42 at 1200€. These are still perfectly functioning hunting riffles and they won't loose value. Great video again...
There used to be a back page ad to the American Rifleman. Back in 1961 my uncle bought an M-1 Carbine through the mail for 19.99 plus 3.00 ship. When it arrived I happened to be at his house. It was still in cosmoline! I remember helping him clean it with kerosene.
I salivated over the Klein Sporting Goods ads in every issue of my Field and Stream magazine. Lee Enfield .303 rifles for $14.95 and 6.5 mm Italian Caracanos for, I think, $9.95. Lee Harvey Oswald screwed hell out of that deal for us!
Thank you sharing your knowledge and opinions on these topics. Your ability to cut thru the noise is amazing. There are so few people out there who can simplify a complex firearms world and break it down so well. I am impressed each time I watch.
I grew up in the Rhodesian bush hunting everything from Cape Buffalo to impala with a 303. I went on to become a PH after the war so have hunted with many of rifles you show on your channel. I love your videos and your humility. I now live in far north queensland in Australia and still hunt and shoot. Keep the videos coming and keep well. Mark
Awesome video. I had a friend who only had one hunting rifle - British .303. He bought it because it was cheap. It was also accurate. He fed his family well with it. My brother-in-law's father had a Springfield 03 that was his only deer rifle. He bought it from CMP in the 50's. Again, it was cheap and he filled a lot of deer tags with it. One of my Army buddies in the 70's had a Carcano in 6.5 that he shot elk, black bear, and deer. He did complain that ammo was getting scarce. Back in the 60's and 70's the big catalog stores (Sears, Wards, JC Penny) had their own line of firearms that were generally cheaper than the big boys (Remington, Marlin, Winchester). My first was a Ted Williams bolt action .30-06 that cost me $189 in in 1974. I did look through a few barrels of military rifles in some gun shops but wanted one that was drilled and tapped for a scope. So I saved my pennies.
At 67 i have retired & here in australia i have 1000s of square kilometres to wander & hunt pigs/hogs. Finally have the money to buy a top hunting rifle.B ut my time proven go to oldies just perform to well .They are Parker Hale 243 mauser action safari deluxe barell slightly pitted but still shoots 100g soft points accuretly to 200 metres.6.5 x 55 sporterised swede mauser absolute favorite 140g cartridge & last my no4 mk11* 303 longbranch{canadian},has a synthetic stock & shoots 180 g soft points.i will be hunting with these 3 hopefully for the next 10 years.Not a very good investment if you cant even think about selling them .
Love that last line! I'm in the same pickle. Your hunting area is fabulous - a dream actually. I stayed in Adelaide for a couple months - saw all kinds of beautiful places - endless wonder in Australia. I liked Glenelg a lot - spent time there writing; great winds sometimes. It is the outback that calls though. Your rifles are perfect - I may have fancy ones but the ones that matter are the ones that do. All the best to you!
I want you to Know the Value of your video's to me. My life the last couple of Years has been a High Stress Mess. I often turn to your channel to get my mind off of difficult things and to get myself into a Better mood. You have a Calm demeanor and you are Knowledgeable in the subject matter. A Topic We Both Enjoy a great deal. We have even differed in opinions a time or two. But your Opinions are based in Fact and experience. Different Opinions that I can easily Respect. Your Channel has at times been to me like Hanging out in Cow Camp with a Brother. My Sincerest Thank You! Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.
Hello Mike, Thank you for your kind words; they help me a lot. You're in such a beautiful state - at least the places I've seen; great hunting and plenty of shooting : ) All those things that trouble us will pass - as you know - and in the meantime, I'm so glad you can and hear me talk for a bit - even though I'm full of flaws. It's been rough this year; my brother died in late June. I think he's waiting for me - just ahead on the trail somewhere. I wish you well my friend and I'll keep going with my little videos. God Bless.
Thank you for your encouraging words. I am very sorry to hear about the Passing of your Brother. That is Tough Duty. I am so lucky to have all of my Siblings. Knock on wood. At one time or another each one of them about died. I am so Grateful but I know that nothing is permanent. I like your analogy of your Brother waiting for you up the trail. That's a Comforting way of looking at these things. I am going through an unnecessary divorce after 28 years of total dedication to my Family. I lost a Beloved Daughter in the divorce. The day after Christmas we lost my Mother. She used to ask me." Oh so you are right and everyone else is wrong? " Ya! So you do you understand Mom! Haha. She is missed. Thankfully it seems I'll keep the house. I can shoot out of the house if I have a mind to. Good areas to shoot with Good Backstops. If one has to live through Hell this is a Good place to do it. I've found some Great Friends at Church and they make sure i don't go too far down the Crazy rabbit hole. My son and I talk every day. He and I used to do Exhibition Shooting. He was on national television on the outdoor Channel when he was 10 years old. But he didn't like the attention he received from well wishers. He would like to get a position as a shooting instructor in his Marine Unit. He is Good at instructing. Thank you and May God Bless you as well! I'll be Watching Best Wishes! M.H.
Awesome talking points on awesome War Horses’ I have most of the firearms on the table as well’ and the Enfield in any configuration with a competent body behind it is one hell of an effective tool’ it’s crude by today’s standards but that’s what makes them so viable’ these firearms have lasted for well over 100yrs now and still provide quite a bit of versatility in all aspects’ the bolt of an Enfield once mastered is so quick and effective that it’s something to be marveled upon’ almost every single version of Military Bolt Guns from the two big wars will make a great do everything firearm’ i have seen guides up in Alaska with everything from Mosins and Krags to SKS’ Carbines’ they were all bit to perform under the harshest conditions that it just seems right’ one of the guys with me questioned why a man in Alaska would trust his life to Mosin M-44’ there is no explanation that I could give to that man that wouldn’t of offended him’ for if he didn’t know why it was such a viable tool then I would be hard pressed to take anything he ever said seriously again’ these guns fought in areas and environments that were and are some of the harshest on earth and are still providing service’ I’ll always be faithful to them.
I cant rifle hunt in my state, but I certainly do have my fair share of beater rifles that would fit the bill. My favorite is a 1962 Remington 700 in .308. Awesome gun. The bluing is beautiful and so is the wood. It came to me for like $300 but the wood looked like somebody had dumped hydrochloric acid all over it. I refinished it and after a good 20 hand rubbed coats of tung oil it's absolutely beautiful. I could easily resell that gun for close to a grand now.
I can vouch for the SKS , with a 123 grain soft point they will definitely take down a deer 🦌. Congratulations on 25K Subscribers my friend. God bless.
@@williammielenz3752 I missed that boat too, I traded an Einfield Jungle Carbine for mine. The jungle carbine was not authentic though, it was a cut down Mark 4.
SKS are US $400+ even before the pandemic. Mosin Nagants are over $300 also. The surplus days are over and the new import laws in the US are keeping newer surplus out, which drives up cost.
Your absolutely right. The wife and I were on a canoe trip last year for two weeks and never saw a sole in north western Ontario. We are born and raised here on have been from the east to the west shore of Canada and all over the north. And from both ends of the US as well. Canada is just special because you can truly get lost and we love.that. Thanks cheers.🇨🇦👍
Glad to see you bring out the Lee-Enfield rifles. My first was a #4 Mk 1 sporter that looked much like your jungle carbine with the 5 round magazine. I followed that up with a full military #4 Mk 1 with a standard 10 round magazine. Both are excellent shooters. A couple of my best values were a k98k and Swede M96 6.5 x 55. Can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge about vintage firearms! One more thing. After I was discharged from the Navy in the mid-1960s I visited a sporting goods store in my hometown. The floor of the store was covered with Lee-Enfield surplus rifles all selling for $19.00 each. When I purchased a #4 Mk1 in the last 1990s I paid about $100.00.
Thanks for the video Mike. Some nice Rifles there, without doubt. The jungle carbine is getting harder to find these days and even here in the UK a good one sells for a premium. Stay safe and keep up the interesting work.
I have a old brno mauser action that was shot out so I rebarreled it with a NOS Douglas xx barrel from the 70's in 7x61 Sharpe and Hart. Forged the bolt handle down and opened the BF up. Lookin for a decent wood stock now.
Good job on pointing out the utility & quality of surplus rifles and thanks for the video. Took my first deer as a 12 yr old in 1969 with a (borrowed) 30-40 Krag in it's original furnishings, which is still owned by my father's buddy. I would be pleased to own that rifle someday if he ever decides to let go of it. Since then I've hunted with an 1903-A3 Springfield and a Lee Enfield 303. Besides the fact that these rifles are competent and variable hunters, I was also conscious that I was walking around the woods with a bit of history in my hands. In advance of my own existence, these three surplus rifles helped to shape the world that I would come to live within, the Krag to a lesser extent than the other two, but the Krag did bring the US arsenal out of the old times and into the new. It was short lived in it's use as an officially adopted US rifle platform, but I'm reasonably sure that an old soldier in it's time of issue was very much pleased to receive a rifle that held several rounds of ammo and didn't automatically give his position away with black powder flare and billowing smoke.
Hello, I'm one of those Canadian folk you were speaking about, thank-you for the very kind words about our country! I've been a faithful .303 British user since I was 16, now 53. Sure, I've used other newer rifles but in my stable I have two favourite bush guns, the Mark IV .303 British that I've had since I was 20 and is so familiar it's like putting a hand in a glove, and a newer friend, a Henry 45-70 G'vmt. that is an amazing tool in thick brush out to 150-200yrds. Both will handily drop Moose, Elk and Deer and both are reasonably economical to shoot, although the .303 is hands down cheaper. Great video, please keep up the great work!!
Thanks for being here - and the .303 is all one really needs - as you know. I appreciate your kind words and support - I'll keep going. As for Canada : simply awesome!
Hi Mike, thanks for all your educational and informative video's over the years. Please when you get an opportunity would you talk about that carbine behind you with the revolver type cylinder and rifles of a similar type. I am a hunter and firearms enthusiast from New Zealand and would be really interested in hearing about that type of rifle as I am sure many others would as well. Regards Dane
Ohh the Krag, wonderful firearm. Here in Norway you can but them for less than 100$, same with the mauser 98s chambered in 30-06. I know some people over here even re-chambered their krags from 6,5 to 8x57IS. Wonderful shooters. The reason the guns are so cheap in n Norway is because a stupid law that dictates that you can only have 4 hunting rifles. Anyways great guns and a great video. One note, be carefull when you fire the krag in 6,5. The commercial loads are much stronger than what the single recoillug on the krag can take. So you have to use weaker loads. Here the gun shops sell both ammo called «6,5x55 Krag» and «6,5x55 SE». Ones made for the krag, and the other ones for normal loads. Anyways, keep up the good work.
You are right about those rifles they can still do a wonderful job for hunting or target shooting I bought a lot of surplus rifles and they have all been good buys .
USOG yes all of my surplus’s rifles but two a Win.manufacture 1917 and a Mauser Argentine 98 Calvary carbine I got for well under a hundred $ and those to were just over a hundred $ but not anymore they have gone up quite a bit.
Enjoyed your presentation and for the large part its spot on because your versed enough in your hobby. Even though I enjoy these old surplus and old sporting arms and am a mauser 98 true believer none of them are real field rifles for me and are more recreation and range toys because im left handed. Its a very different case for us lefties and I advocate for us because there's far fewer choices. But we can find the affordable SKS you spoke of, the Remington pump and semi autos you've done videos on and of course lever actions and Ruger Mk2 and Hawkeye left hand bolt rifles. So there are options. For my leftyness the solution currently is a left Ruger scout 308GSR, Ruger 338rcm compact rifle, and leverguns, lots of leverguns. And yes, in the US its getting more and more difficult to get away from folks especially when it comes to places to use our rifles. I go to places like the Selway wilderness but the problem is its not overly abundant with game due to high predation numbers, mainly wolves and some bear and lions. But its more opportunity than folks have in more populous states or regions. Theres usually something to be thankful for.
Dear Sir, I admire your humbleness & eloquence, I Sir do agree, with non corrosive components they will outlast a lifetime & do become sentimental to pass on to the next generation, some comparison over the years has proved super smooth actions & very compararable accuracy to modern firearms & they are hard to find even in Aus, enjoyed your video, tks
sometimes gun store employees do not know the value of used guns. I got my 1903 springfield 30-06 mfg by reminginton in 1953 for 150 bucks. it was sporterized by someone. barrel was full floated and action bedded properly. barrel was left full length. the gun looked and felt like someone puked on it. modern gun oils can wreck older finishes. after refinishing the stock with tru oil products. a friend gave me 2 full 8 shot clips from 1964 for a m1 gurand that he found. with 5 shots I had it perfectly zeroed 1 3/4 inch high at 100 yards. then shot the last 3 shots for a 3/4 inch group. I did put cheap walmart tasco scope on it. I keep my targets as proof. the gun is a great hunting rifle for cheap. you give good information in this video.
303 Enfield is a great gun, I had one that was made into a sporty, also had two 8 mm makers, a French and a German. Both were great shooters, wish the hell I didn't sell them. I also had a place to shop where this guy shops.
I'm really liking this channel. Not only does it cover firearms, a subject that interests me, it's very much the sorts of firearms i like the most. I really do enjoy bolt action, or older semiautomatic, as well as lever action rifles. Although, i do think lever action rifles are a bit more "rattly" so to speak. They dont seem to be as silent in operation or carrying as a loaded and secured bolt action. The no.1 no brainer rifle type to get here in sweden is old Husqvarna/Carl Gustaf rifles. Most common seems to be 30-06 or 6.5x55, but they exist in .308 win, as well as one of my favorite underappreciated calibres 8x57js.
I live in Canada; during the 1960' s you could pick up a Jungle Carbine in brown paper cosmoline factory packed for $35.00 . I have one . Unfortunately my father sportorized it after I left home. It was willed to me. Shoots like a house one fire. Very robust. It will work in the coldest of weather mud slop . You cannot make it not work. It is not a reloaders dream . The chambers were reamed out large oversized for the battle fields of Europe. It will always function and you can bet your life on it to perform. Keep up the good videos.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns well my high power is a Mauser 1893 spanish contract in 7mm made in 1897. I also have a Colt 1851 in rough shape but it shoots okay lol
Dear Mike as always a great video.rifles tend to be a little more expensive in the sw usa .I have a Krag in 3040 us government it is a nice handling rifle.one rifle that you did mention is the Husqvarna .I have a model 46 in 9.3 x57.it is by far the best handling rifle I own.apre 64 win in 270 a 4 digit model 54 marked. 30 us gov 06 and some nice custom Mausers and a beautiful o3 custom Springfield. There are a few newer rifles in factory form also but the Husqvarna handles like its a part of me.built on a 96 cockonclose Mauser it's not the strongest Mauser made but I have no problem attaining close to 2300 fps with nosler 250 gr accubonds. I bought this rifle for a little less than 400 .that includes shipping and ffl fee.these days my go to rifle for anything
I have a 300 win mag on a vz24 Mauser action, timey trigger and a synthetic stock. I gave the generic walnut stock to a friend who has since forgotten where he got it🙄. I paid $250.00 from a catalog about 30yrs ago. Wonderfully accurate and deadly! 2yrs ago I won an online auction for a 1903 sporterized 30-06, nicely wood stocked, I think the trigger has been worked over to 3lbs. Again, very accurate and dependable. I paid $286.00 for the Springfield. You can find good bargains occasionally if you look around and back off if the price gets too high, there will be others.
Love your collection. Took a nice buck here in Kentucky last season with a MK4 no.1* Enfield made by Savage. Dropped in his tracks. Taken a few with Mosin Nagant. They both work well. For many years only had a single shot Winchester 20 Gauge. Hunted everything with it. With slugs was good for deer at 100 yards and under. Where I hunt most shots are 75 yards or less. Love the old guns.
I have 3 .303s all in great shape; a #3 SMLE, a #5 jungle carbine and a #5. The carbine is my bush gun and my #4 is my go-to great hunting weapon as well. Great stopping power for deer and other game. Also very safe. Unlike my model 94 30-30, I can just drop the magazine and clear the chamber. Simple to clean and to maintain. Fabulous weapon
Thank you for saying such nice things about Canada. You are welcome to visit any time. By the way, I am in the market for a "budget" hunting rifle. Even though I am retired, I just started hunting a few years back but have been using a bow. Now I think It's time to be able to reach out a bit farther. There are a lot of Lee Enfields around here so your advice on them comes at a good time.
Yes, Enfields are a dime a dozen up here....and for most Canadians their first hunting rifle was a .303 That said, in 2020, an Enfield would not be my first bet. The Enfields around now are VERY used and many have the barrels shot out. Also, .303 ammo is not cheap like it used to be. Biased because I own one, but I would be on the lookout for an M17 in .30-06. Cheaper than an Enfield, ammo is cheaper and more versatile.
@@bobanderson6656 At the risk of getting political, I'd tell you what I think of Justin, but that would ruin our reputation for being nice :) It's enough to say that he is working hard to disarm private citizens in Canada.
I think this is one of your best, to me anyway, to date. Not everyone can afford an expensive hunting rifle so why not use a battle proven sporter? I don't know if your channel takes prayer requests, but I do know there are Christians who watch your channel. I'm asking for prayers for my dear wife, Lori, who is in the hospital with the covid virus and our youngest son is hopefully recovering at home. Thank you and God bless all. Ken
Another enjoyable video. A lot of hunters cut their teeth on ex military sporter conversions. My first centrefire hunting rifle was a 1942 Husqvarna M38 Swede I got back in '86 and gradually modified in stages. Here in Australia there were a few wildcats off the .303 Brit - the .303/25, .303/22 and .303/270 and a few different versions of those also. Occasionally you will come across a rifle chambered in 7.7x54R which was a shortened .303 for areas where one could not own a rifle in a military calibre. Often fixed by reaming the chamber back out to .303.
Thank you. I also appreciate well made tools. On the SKS, the only issue I had was the rear sight did not lock down and the vent tube requires maintenance. It will let you know. My accuracy went to poo and I finally broke the top down and cleaned it and lubed it right back to out shooting me also the recoil is light and it shoots flat. I call it my beater but it's my go to for deer. But $69 nearly 30 years ago? Had to clean the cosmoline off of it. Started carrying my 686 in .357 cause it's steep and thickety. Alright, thanks for the share.
Always a great video Mike. I have a 3040 krag carbine great little rifle .one of the original mountain rifles.i also have a Husqvarna model 46 in 9.3x57.easily the best handling rifle I own.with 250gr nosler accubonds and 748 powder it is much more than a potato lobber. I have never fired a 303 British Enfield. I was told by a mentor that they were total junk .I'm sure now that he never fired one either.thank you so much for all your videos
Ps I have a original win 54 in06 2pre 64 originals one in 270 one in06 and a really nice 1903 Springfield done by Roy bedeaux and a few other sporters.the husky handles better than any of them.all for 350 dollars and some elbow grease.its very light and has a plastic butt plate s it does kick like a mule
I have several recent acquisitions in my collection include several sporterized milsurps. All were ugly when I got them and all are really nice now. I paid close attention to the bores on these rifles and all are really accurate rifles once sorted out. 1903 Springfield ($250), 1891 Loewe Argentine Mauser ($200), Swiss 1896/11 ($225), Carcano M38 ($75). That Swiss rifle was converted to .308 and is scoped with a Leupold 3-9x40. My best three shot group with it was an honest .256". It's a sub-MOA rifle all day long. In these days of the black semiautomatic rifles, there are some great deals to be had out there on rifles that are out of style
Hi Doby - I'm the same as you. Sometimes a small thing such as a shallow carving of a deer from a previous owner or electro-penciled numbers on a trigger guard (easily buffed out) - these types of things can put the price well under $200. Your Springfield was an exceptional buy - I've never come close to that no matter what the serial number was. As for accuracy - for sure you're right - any decent level of bore and I find they are very fine for accuracy and all else. Take care.
Completely agree about vintage guns with wood stocks having intrinsic value. Wood and the figure in the wood is unique. Nice AAA wood can increase the value of a gun or rifle by many hundreds of dollars or more. I am scooping up vintage rifles and guns the young guys are trading in to raise money for polymer guns. I own some polymers as well but they are for utility only as you said. One is exactly the same as the next.
Great job!!! Something about them 303's just holding one and knowing that they actually changed the world and can still be used for many years! They just have so much character to have survived it's time.
Growing up in the 1960s I cut my teeth on a .303 British No1 Mark3 sporter with commercial sights and a NRA KRAG SPORTER .30-40. I STILL own the Krag and the last two wild boar i killed was with that KRAG. MY brother and his son have hunted with the .303 even over some commercial rifles they own. In the early part of the smokeless powder era in Africa the .303 British and other bolt action military rifles/cartridges origional and sporters were exceedingly popular for big game hunting. Your right they still can serve today for taking into the field after big game.
I worked on plastics for years...i got a low grade polymer rifle. The mag failed and i had to glue it. i sold it. I now have a tikka. The poly parts are very well made. That being said. I just got a old zestava and i love knowing it is all steel and i can get parts.
Firearms are made from wood and steel, guns from other materials......... Thank you for an enjoyable and hart warming video because it had one or two of my personal favourite firearms in it, which brought back some lovely memories.
Have a 1891 Argentine that was put in a Bishop sport stock, probably in the 1950's .made by Lowe, gun , case, & 70 rounds of ammo $150 ,such a slick mauser, bolt is so smooth.I can't see any machining grind marks, every thing was old school hand fitted
Back in the late 80's FIREARMS INTERNATIONAL (now out of business) Mosins were going for $29CAN! The 6.5 x55 Swedish 29 in barrel strait bolt were same price. Wish I had a crate full.
I was left 2 WW2 Arisaka 7.7 rifles. One was sporterized, the other left in military clothing. I have a box of ancient ammo, as well. They are fully functional, but the bolt comes out so easily, that I wonder if something is wrong. Other than that it cycles, locks, and dry fires perfectly. I've never fired either. I'm a big-arse chicken. The one that was sporterized has the yellowest stock, I have ever seen. No stain. There are minor scars on it, that let you know it's been there done that. Btw, I have become a big fan of yours. Keep up the good work.
There were a bunch of Jungle Carbines that are not original and put together by importers and should be less money. I had one that was a copy of an Australian No.7 Jungle Carbine and was marked as a Jungle Rifle on the receiver and originaly made as a No1 SMLE made at Lithgow in 1941. If I remember right Santa Fe was the importer and builder
I'm a 70 year old New Zealander. I have owned two rifles. The 1st was a Mauser vz33 8 x 57 I brought in 1962 for $24 when I was13. Have shot a large number of deer with it. Its still in its fully wooded configuration. I still have it. The second was a Lee Enfield mark4 no.1 .303 I brought in 1980 for $20. It was in parts. Every thing was missmatced but all there. I cut the wood down and put it together. Over the years it took its fair share of deer and goat. Rabbits to with lead cast projectiles. Sold that rifle 20 years later for $200.00. My father owned and used a Lee Enfield mark5 jumgle carbine as a bush gun for years. More deer had been shot with Lee Enfields that all othet guns put together in NZ prior to 2000. If you can get a good one they are great hunters.
Hi Bill - Thanks for writing. The Mauser VZ33 is one of those timeless rifles - likely much like you - and I'm glad the wood is intact. The 8x57 is another cartridge that simply doesn't age - so capable and excellent - as you know. I agree with you - 303's are remarkable in any configuration; but I like the jungle carbine best. All the best to you in New Zealand!
Sporterized military rifles were the norm throughout the 20s to 60s, so you can say they are period correct. I love Bubba rifles! For that matter, Griffin&Howe and Rigby used military actions for their semi-custom rifles.
Mate, the Enfield is the best firearm ever made. I hand load 125gn to 215gn and can shoot anything including Elephants! [No elephants where I live though]. Hand loading keeps the cost of shooting down but realistically, when I hunt I seldom fire more than two shots! A .303 round anchors most things where they are. I have a selection of Enfields including a No4 (T) and love shooting them. I saw a magnificent Parker Hale .303 No4 conversion in the original box, absolutely brand new [probably from the early 1960's] in a guns store recently but the guy there wouldn't sell it! My first rifle was a 1903 BSA .303 - that was 55 years ago and I've always had a .303 in my gun room since.
You're a shrewd collector! You presented some superb, yet undervalued rifles that would be great for hunting under about 200 yds and, dare I say, maybe the first acquisitions for a budding collector. As you say, you can't lose on guns unless you sell too soon.
I would like you to read this post and give me honest opinion of the Mosin Nagant. 7.62x54. You have a great education on a wide variety of long guns , and this one has peeped into 3 centuries now not 300 years tho. So even tho it's "Ruff"' it has seen a few days. I realize the action on the Mosins are sloppy , and the bolt is in the wrong position. But how do you actually rank them for a farm workhorse kinda rifle? In my other post I explained how I bought a bunch and gave them as gifts when the price was low on them. ( Wish they were 1903 Springfield's for those prices ) also spam can ammo was around scrap brass price. I grew up with one so already knew how loose the bolts were. It was bought for my dad in the 60s. Think it was a trophy brought back from Korea. But when the new old surplus ones were being shipped here and sold i would probably have been scared of them because of how sloppy they feel.
What a fantastic video. Im a novice and you just gave me a life time of knowledge. I shoot clay pigeons and find beretta, browning for me are way overpriced. Any thoughts similar to your rifle advice applied to shotguns made years ago but of fine quality and cheap.
Good memories, when I was a kid back in the late 50s early 60s use to buy all my rifles at teh hardware store, Mausers, Enfields, Springfield's etc. back when America was free.
@Eddie Koda so this is both ur first time commenting and u were both created a month ago lil scammer
@Markus Jordan u both joined at march 6th
I like this gentleman"s honesty he"s not a gun basher regardless of price. He has much knowledge in good wholesome hunting rifles.
I fell asleep watching this 4yrs ago and woke up today, looked around and thought I was on another planet. Wish I had stayed awake and bought more of these great classic and rugged rifles! This gentlemen shares the same love of guns like these as I do. Again, thank you Sir for a very informative and enjoyable video!
Any older hunter knows that when it comes to hunting the hunter is 90% of the success and the rifle maybe 10% so an old 303 is just fine .
That should be on a billboard. Flintlocks, bows and arrows and others - they all work. It is the hunter just as you wrote. I like that.
unfortunately here in Canada...the classic Enfield 303 is wayyyy above $200
@@TheWolfsnack I found a mk 5 jungle for 500 in mint shape in Southern Ontario and it shoots awesome
@@scottbuckley6578 That is awesome, I had one some years ago.....had to unscrew it up as some jackass had cut the bolt off and welded it upside down as an attempt to make it left handed....re-cut, rewelded and it shot great for the years I owned it.
@@TheWolfsnack thats is stupid id leave them the way they are like all mil spec rifles. Being left handed ive forced my self to shoot right handed my my eyes are near the same so no problem looking down the sights
I sure don't have any idea where you are finding any of the rifles you had on that table for anywhere close to $200.
I bet he's one of the people the round it down hard from 299 and calls it 200
One gunshop in my area sells the Russian Mosant (not spelled right ) i looked at the price tags on several , $699.50 for one model , omg not a chance in hell would i want to own one of those ..A Springfield rifle in 30-06 that was $825.00 which looked to be new , sorry not that model either..
Hes probably not talking about this market rn cause he probably bought his before the shit hit the fan
Isn't he in Canada though? The prices on some of those old guns tend to be cheaper than in the US.
I just picked up a sporterized Enfield No.4 for $185 OTD last week in Illinois. Shoots great and I was hitting 9" pie plates at 300yards. Just need to find a scope now.
even though im young (18) i love old guns with blued steel and wood stocks i love my knives with leather sheaths on them when plastic gets bit beaten up it looks like you don't care when your leather or your wood finish gets a bit scuffed it adds character
I’m young (24), but work 50+ hours a week, firearms are a great investment. Luckily COVID didn’t effect me much, I do commercial and industrial hvac, so I stayed busy. The best budget hunting rifles are sporters imo. I just hope gun shows stay open. I’m glad you’re doing well and still posting videos. Great video as always.
You're the future - as you know - glad you're on the gun train; many your age are challenged by using a hammer - no criticism; just a reality I observed in person. Anyway, you've got time on your side : ) All the best and stay healthy.
USOG I enjoy working with my hands doing anything. At time I wish I would’ve taken up gunsmithing but I’m not sure how sustainable or consistent it would be. A lot of younger people don’t like using tools or getting dirty, I’ve worked in a lot of foundries and manufacturing plants and you do get really dirty
Speaking on behalf of my entire nation. Canada loves you too USOG
Thank you so much - I'm truly humbled by your kind words. Canada and Canadians are absolutely great.
I live not far from Canada and and have been there numerous times. At one location, only a broken down barb wire fence separates Canada and the USA. I stepped across....illegally I might add.
North Dakota Ham I actually walked into Canada deer hunting one time years ago, I was north of Williston, I was about a 1/4 mile over the border when I figured out I had crossed over, I immediately crossed back into the US! Ugh that would have been bad especially carrying a rifle!
@@ryanehlis426years ago it didn't seem to be as big a deal. These days are definitely different. Was there any sort of marker to identify the border?Did you get that deer? The Canadians will claim their deer are larger. I have been at the Boundry Waters, northern Minnesota and crossed into Canada by canoe. There are no markings but that time I had permission to travel. Went about 20 miles into Canada by canoe and portage.
@Me. Me its not the old days anymore. I wouldnt even think of walking into Canada without permission. However, Canadian deer don't seem to follow the rules and routinely enter North Dakota.
Love the channel, tired of all the tactical weapons elsewhere. Great info for collecters. Thnx
Thanks R.V.
Forgotten Weapons with Ian is also a good choice as is C&Arsenal if you are DETAIL minded!
Gawd i agree with you every firearm today has to be tactical .. nope not for me ..
300 likes without a dislike, that tells you your audience loves your content. Another great video as always mr. Thanks for the knowledge
I'm 19 and I just picked up my first military surplus rifle yesterday. I bought a Czechoslovakian Mauser (Vz.24) ex-sniper, I picked it up for $410. Taking it to a gunsmith on Wednesday for a deep cleaning, then next week out to the range. The action is SUPER smooth, not as smooth as my Mannlicher Schoenauer, but VERY smooth for a military surplus rifle! I love it so far! I truly recommend anyone, especially younger people, to get into military surplus rifles.
You're awesome Richard. The Vz24 is so fine - as you know and I just loved it when you wrote "not as smooth as my Mannlicher Schoenauer"!!
You've got great guns. Thanks for being here and writing.
Congrats..
Vz-24 are nice, be careful of ammo choice most misurp is corrosive (clean with windex then clean a normal ) also a slip on soft pad is not a bad idea a most hunting loads are 196gr and well they will get your attention!
Old timers, when I was a grandpas tagalong (or his "legs") had 3 guns in truck back window, or porch corner.
.22 cooey, repeat or ss
.12 gauge pump or break any brand for truck gun
303/3006 milsurp bolt or 3030 win lever.
Edit small town north Sask.
In a time when Windows rolled down, keys in ignition of pickup, parked on main street, guns in back window, chequebook on dash never got a second look or thieves . And 12 year old boys could buy .22 shells by the piece for .02 at hardware store without fuss. 13 lr cil for$0.25 at Hackett general.
The world was a better place. We keep progressing and improving but quite a few things seem to indicate that is not so. I like the reality you enjoyed.
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns so did I.
I Feel for my toddler grandson...
Goose guns and decoys or a deer rifle in back window of half ton, in high school parking lot went way of dodo after graduation.
Edit early 80s
When your hunter safety card meant a 14year old could hunt. But didn't need permission from govt to purchase longun.
What was gun crime stats then?
Good commentary at the end of the video. Wide open wild places are few and far between these days. Places that are pro freedom are becoming rare as well. By the way, I wouldn't think twice about the people that want to scold you. I have found that people that want to smear their opinions online never have any substance to those opinions. Usually it's jealousy that drives negative comments anyhow.
I moved to Northern Florida to be rid of the mess down in South Florida. Between the time I moved in 1980 until about 10 years ago there was plenty of open land, including private held by large land companies. Then the lawyers got involved and every one of the open places got locked up. Sure there are some wildlife management areas but you have to have a license and a stamp and then you really can't enjoy it year round. Really we have too many people in this country and don't need to go shopping around for more from third world countries.
Few years back I lost all my rifles in a fire . With predators after the livestock and limited funds , I went to a dealer and said "I need as good a rifle as possible for as little as possible " . 125$ Canadian got me a cut-down 96-38 with down turned bolt , bushnell scope and 5 shells . It will make 5 holes touching at 150 yds. But I also agree with your comments on the lee enfield, it's making a strong comeback up here as a meat rifle , with slow 180 or 220 gr bullet it will put down a moose with ease and get to eat it all
Great point about the meat - a whitetail hit with a 7mm Mag was blue jelly all around the wound - the .303 with a 220 stops anything and I found no blue jelly at all.
.303 Brit is capable of taking any game in North America as long as you do your part. Most people that hunt seem to think that a deer won't die if you use anything less than a 300 win mag. It's ridiculous.
I kill deer with 1 shot from a 22lr. Its all a deer needs, or else if you see them out past 100 yards id use 243 or 303 british.
dalan wanbdiska illegal in most (all) areas of the US
Wish I could find a lee enfield. They are super cool looking.
I remember our local Sears store in Houston Texas...pre68(Im 72 yrs old)..........the ww2 rifles were out in the showroom.on racks like we had in the military, I still have my 1903a3 30-06 springfield(paid $39).....my M1 Garand was $69....just pay the $ and walk out. I bought 4 lugars and 2 p38s for under $50 each from want ads..........
I use a sporterized 1903 that was made in 1918. I use modern 150 gr .30-06 with no issues. I paid 175.00 for it. Came with a 2.5k weaver scope.
I totally agree with you on the the Enfield rifles I'm sure you will get lots of positive feedback from Canada because from what I understand it's the most popular hunting rifle in Canada .
That Spanish Mauser you have there is really sweet I'd love to have. Something I think you would like is a company name Mojo is making aperture sights that fit the Mauser rear sight with out modifications and increases accuracy quite a bit.
My top choice on the table is the Enfield because of the great sights and 303 British is very adequate like the 308. Thanks for sharing
I bought an older Parker Hale. 270... thinking it was a model 1200C ...any how...beautiful French walnut stalk with Rosewood tips....Shoots INCREADIBLE...5 rnds in a group size of quarter at 100 yrds.. the point I am trying to say is that a wood stock is hmmm undescribable....cheers....GREAT VIDEOS
You can still find amazing deals on sporterized Mausers. I just re-homed a CZ Mauser in 30-06 that hand been professionally sporterized and restocked with a great glass bedded stock and trigger for 5 bills. A rifle that will last several lifetimes. Sporterized Mausers make great hunting rifles. Love your vids.
Love the sound of these old bolt-action riffles. At my local gun dealer 'paul pleters' in werbomont, a Parker Hale 7 x64 with a Santa Barbera action for less then 600euro and a FN Sauer 7 x 64 with a Swarovski Habricht 1.5 - 6 -42 at 1200€. These are still perfectly functioning hunting riffles and they won't loose value. Great video again...
I remember "jungle carbines" going for $15 at the Army Surplus Store when I was young.
There used to be a back page ad to the American Rifleman. Back in 1961 my uncle bought an M-1 Carbine through the mail for 19.99 plus 3.00 ship. When it arrived I happened to be at his house. It was still in cosmoline! I remember helping him clean it with kerosene.
@@joesphx54 :- Ah...the good old days!
I salivated over the Klein Sporting Goods ads in every issue of my Field and Stream magazine. Lee Enfield .303 rifles for $14.95 and 6.5 mm Italian Caracanos for, I think, $9.95. Lee Harvey Oswald screwed hell out of that deal for us!
@@joesphx54 See my post on Klein Sporting Goods.
Thank you sharing your knowledge and opinions on these topics. Your ability to cut thru the noise is amazing. There are so few people out there who can simplify a complex firearms world and break it down so well. I am impressed each time I watch.
Thanks Matt - I'm glad I do okay. Take care.
I grew up in the Rhodesian bush hunting everything from Cape Buffalo to impala with a 303. I went on to become a PH after the war so have hunted with many of rifles you show on your channel. I love your videos and your humility. I now live in far north queensland in Australia and still hunt and shoot.
Keep the videos coming and keep well.
Mark
I added a third Enfield cause of what i learned from you. Appreciate the information and knowledge you disperse! Please dont stop!
Well done Moises - I bought one too - today! Thank you for being here and have a great weekend!
Awesome video. I had a friend who only had one hunting rifle - British .303. He bought it because it was cheap. It was also accurate. He fed his family well with it. My brother-in-law's father had a Springfield 03 that was his only deer rifle. He bought it from CMP in the 50's. Again, it was cheap and he filled a lot of deer tags with it. One of my Army buddies in the 70's had a Carcano in 6.5 that he shot elk, black bear, and deer. He did complain that ammo was getting scarce. Back in the 60's and 70's the big catalog stores (Sears, Wards, JC Penny) had their own line of firearms that were generally cheaper than the big boys (Remington, Marlin, Winchester). My first was a Ted Williams bolt action .30-06 that cost me $189 in in 1974. I did look through a few barrels of military rifles in some gun shops but wanted one that was drilled and tapped for a scope. So I saved my pennies.
3.8K likes to date 0 dislikes.
That's gotta tell you something.
Always like watching your videos. An honest assessment of the firearms world 👍
At 67 i have retired & here in australia i have 1000s of square kilometres to wander & hunt pigs/hogs. Finally have the money to buy a top hunting rifle.B ut my time proven go to oldies just perform to well .They are Parker Hale 243 mauser action safari deluxe barell slightly pitted but still shoots 100g soft points accuretly to 200 metres.6.5 x 55 sporterised swede mauser absolute favorite 140g cartridge & last my no4 mk11* 303 longbranch{canadian},has a synthetic stock & shoots 180 g soft points.i will be hunting with these 3 hopefully for the next 10 years.Not a very good investment if you cant even think about selling them .
Love that last line! I'm in the same pickle. Your hunting area is fabulous - a dream actually. I stayed in Adelaide for a couple months - saw all kinds of beautiful places - endless wonder in Australia. I liked Glenelg a lot - spent time there writing; great winds sometimes. It is the outback that calls though. Your rifles are perfect - I may have fancy ones but the ones that matter are the ones that do. All the best to you!
You're not poetic, just truthful which is why we enjoy watching your videos.
Thanks Dan.
I want you to Know the Value of your video's to me.
My life the last couple of Years has been a High Stress Mess.
I often turn to your channel to get my mind off of difficult things and to get myself into a Better mood.
You have a Calm demeanor and you are Knowledgeable in the subject matter. A Topic We Both Enjoy a great deal.
We have even differed in opinions a time or two. But your Opinions are based in Fact and experience. Different Opinions that I can easily Respect.
Your Channel has at times been to me like Hanging out in Cow Camp with a Brother.
My Sincerest Thank You!
Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.
Hello Mike, Thank you for your kind words; they help me a lot. You're in such a beautiful state - at least the places I've seen; great hunting and plenty of shooting : ) All those things that trouble us will pass - as you know - and in the meantime, I'm so glad you can and hear me talk for a bit - even though I'm full of flaws. It's been rough this year; my brother died in late June. I think he's waiting for me - just ahead on the trail somewhere. I wish you well my friend and I'll keep going with my little videos. God Bless.
Thank you for your encouraging words.
I am very sorry to hear about the Passing of your Brother. That is Tough Duty. I am so lucky to have all of my Siblings. Knock on wood. At one time or another each one of them about died. I am so Grateful but I know that nothing is permanent. I like your analogy of your Brother waiting for you up the trail. That's a Comforting way of looking at these things.
I am going through an unnecessary divorce after 28 years of total dedication to my Family. I lost a Beloved Daughter in the divorce. The day after Christmas we lost my Mother. She used to ask me." Oh so you are right and everyone else is wrong? " Ya! So you do you understand Mom! Haha. She is missed.
Thankfully it seems I'll keep the house. I can shoot out of the house if I have a mind to. Good areas to shoot with Good Backstops. If one has to live through Hell this is a Good place to do it.
I've found some Great Friends at Church and they make sure i don't go too far down the Crazy rabbit hole.
My son and I talk every day. He and I used to do Exhibition Shooting. He was on national television on the outdoor Channel when he was 10 years old. But he didn't like the attention he received from well wishers. He would like to get a position as a shooting instructor in his Marine Unit. He is Good at instructing.
Thank you and May God Bless you as well! I'll be Watching
Best Wishes! M.H.
Awesome talking points on awesome War Horses’ I have most of the firearms on the table as well’ and the Enfield in any configuration with a competent body behind it is one hell of an effective tool’ it’s crude by today’s standards but that’s what makes them so viable’ these firearms have lasted for well over 100yrs now and still provide quite a bit of versatility in all aspects’ the bolt of an Enfield once mastered is so quick and effective that it’s something to be marveled upon’ almost every single version of Military Bolt Guns from the two big wars will make a great do everything firearm’ i have seen guides up in Alaska with everything from Mosins and Krags to SKS’ Carbines’ they were all bit to perform under the harshest conditions that it just seems right’ one of the guys with me questioned why a man in Alaska would trust his life to Mosin M-44’ there is no explanation that I could give to that man that wouldn’t of offended him’ for if he didn’t know why it was such a viable tool then I would be hard pressed to take anything he ever said seriously again’ these guns fought in areas and environments that were and are some of the harshest on earth and are still providing service’ I’ll always be faithful to them.
I cant rifle hunt in my state, but I certainly do have my fair share of beater rifles that would fit the bill. My favorite is a 1962 Remington 700 in .308. Awesome gun. The bluing is beautiful and so is the wood. It came to me for like $300 but the wood looked like somebody had dumped hydrochloric acid all over it. I refinished it and after a good 20 hand rubbed coats of tung oil it's absolutely beautiful. I could easily resell that gun for close to a grand now.
I love your jungle carbine Enfield, originals are incredibly rare even here in the UK.
Yes they are. I've got one that I hunt with, it was sporterized, but I'm restoring it. I've got a new flash hider and everything
@Lewis Sparks Aussies made them ! (Lithgow).
george waite , expensive here too if you can find one.
@@MegaBoilermaker Aussies never made them!
@@kevinmoore2971 I was brought up in Oz (50's) and my uncle owned a Lithgow built "Jungle carbine".
I can vouch for the SKS , with a 123 grain soft point they will definitely take down a deer 🦌. Congratulations on 25K Subscribers my friend. God bless.
Thirty years ago I could have bought one for only 85$!
@@williammielenz3752 I missed that boat too, I traded an Einfield Jungle Carbine for mine.
The jungle carbine was not authentic though, it was a cut down Mark 4.
William Mielenz i got one for 95.00 at hardware store about 26 yrs ago
@@ryanehlis426 They were definitely a rare case of getting more than you pay for.
I love them, great rifles.
SKS are US $400+ even before the pandemic. Mosin Nagants are over $300 also. The surplus days are over and the new import laws in the US are keeping newer surplus out, which drives up cost.
Your absolutely right. The wife and I were on a canoe trip last year for two weeks and never saw a sole in north western Ontario. We are born and raised here on have been from the east to the west shore of Canada and all over the north. And from both ends of the US as well. Canada is just special because you can truly get lost and we love.that. Thanks cheers.🇨🇦👍
Great channel, USOG is a genuine collector and firearm lover.
Thanks VS - so many guns, so little time : )
Glad to see you bring out the Lee-Enfield rifles. My first was a #4 Mk 1 sporter that looked much like your jungle carbine with the 5 round magazine. I followed that up with a full military #4 Mk 1 with a standard 10 round magazine. Both are excellent shooters. A couple of my best values were a k98k and Swede M96 6.5 x 55. Can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge about vintage firearms!
One more thing. After I was discharged from the Navy in the mid-1960s I visited a sporting goods store in my hometown. The floor of the store was covered with Lee-Enfield surplus rifles all selling for $19.00 each.
When I purchased a #4 Mk1 in the last 1990s I paid about $100.00.
Thanks for the video Mike. Some nice Rifles there, without doubt. The jungle carbine is getting harder to find these days and even here in the UK a good one sells for a premium. Stay safe and keep up the interesting work.
@joan fortier That sounds like some Heavy Artillery Joan. I could not imagine it being, shall we say "comfortable to shoot"
@joan fortier Sensible Guy Joan. 🤣
I have a old brno mauser action that was shot out so I rebarreled it with a NOS Douglas xx barrel from the 70's in 7x61 Sharpe and Hart. Forged the bolt handle down and opened the BF up. Lookin for a decent wood stock now.
Listening to you discuss firearms is so relaxing
Good job on pointing out the utility & quality of surplus rifles and thanks for the video. Took my first deer as a 12 yr old in 1969 with a (borrowed) 30-40 Krag in it's original furnishings, which is still owned by my father's buddy. I would be pleased to own that rifle someday if he ever decides to let go of it. Since then I've hunted with an 1903-A3 Springfield and a Lee Enfield 303. Besides the fact that these rifles are competent and variable hunters, I was also conscious that I was walking around the woods with a bit of history in my hands. In advance of my own existence, these three surplus rifles helped to shape the world that I would come to live within, the Krag to a lesser extent than the other two, but the Krag did bring the US arsenal out of the old times and into the new. It was short lived in it's use as an officially adopted US rifle platform, but I'm reasonably sure that an old soldier in it's time of issue was very much pleased to receive a rifle that held several rounds of ammo and didn't automatically give his position away with black powder flare and billowing smoke.
I don't know if you ever see post from your old videos.
But I just need to tell you how much I learn and enjoy your videos.
Thank you
I appreciate your note and I'm glad my videos are okay. God Bless.
Hello, I'm one of those Canadian folk you were speaking about, thank-you for the very kind words about our country! I've been a faithful .303 British user since I was 16, now 53. Sure, I've used other newer rifles but in my stable I have two favourite bush guns, the Mark IV .303 British that I've had since I was 20 and is so familiar it's like putting a hand in a glove, and a newer friend, a Henry 45-70 G'vmt. that is an amazing tool in thick brush out to 150-200yrds. Both will handily drop Moose, Elk and Deer and both are reasonably economical to shoot, although the .303 is hands down cheaper. Great video, please keep up the great work!!
Thanks for being here - and the .303 is all one really needs - as you know. I appreciate your kind words and support - I'll keep going. As for Canada : simply awesome!
This is the useful channel. The discussions here are truly useful and help people. Great use of your time and ours. Thank you
Dont listen to the idiots that say that. You provide your time and a wealth of knowledge and I thank you for that.
Matt from British Columbia Canada
Outstanding! A more diversified content and welcome addition to the excellent collectable and sporting firearms videos you have produced.
Hi Mike, thanks for all your educational and informative video's over the years. Please when you get an opportunity would you talk about that carbine behind you with the revolver type cylinder and rifles of a similar type. I am a hunter and firearms enthusiast from New Zealand and would be really interested in hearing about that type of rifle as I am sure many others would as well. Regards Dane
Ohh the Krag, wonderful firearm. Here in Norway you can but them for less than 100$, same with the mauser 98s chambered in 30-06. I know some people over here even re-chambered their krags from 6,5 to 8x57IS. Wonderful shooters. The reason the guns are so cheap in n Norway is because a stupid law that dictates that you can only have 4 hunting rifles. Anyways great guns and a great video. One note, be carefull when you fire the krag in 6,5. The commercial loads are much stronger than what the single recoillug on the krag can take. So you have to use weaker loads. Here the gun shops sell both ammo called «6,5x55 Krag» and «6,5x55 SE». Ones made for the krag, and the other ones for normal loads. Anyways, keep up the good work.
Love your show. Great content. From Northeastern Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
Outstanding video. Been away from guntube for awhile but your videos never disappoint! Hang in there, you’re gonna take off someday soon.
Just found this channel I'm liking it my library is full of camo wearing quick mag change home defense business this is a breath of fresh air!
You are right about those rifles they can still do a wonderful job for hunting or target shooting I bought a lot of surplus rifles and they have all been good buys .
Wise buying Craig. One of these days they'll be gone.
USOG yes all of my surplus’s rifles but two a Win.manufacture 1917 and a Mauser Argentine 98 Calvary carbine I got for well under a hundred $ and those to were just over a hundred $ but not anymore they have gone up quite a bit.
Enjoyed your presentation and for the large part its spot on because your versed enough in your hobby. Even though I enjoy these old surplus and old sporting arms and am a mauser 98 true believer none of them are real field rifles for me and are more recreation and range toys because im left handed. Its a very different case for us lefties and I advocate for us because there's far fewer choices. But we can find the affordable SKS you spoke of, the Remington pump and semi autos you've done videos on and of course lever actions and Ruger Mk2 and Hawkeye left hand bolt rifles. So there are options. For my leftyness the solution currently is a left Ruger scout 308GSR, Ruger 338rcm compact rifle, and leverguns, lots of leverguns.
And yes, in the US its getting more and more difficult to get away from folks especially when it comes to places to use our rifles. I go to places like the Selway wilderness but the problem is its not overly abundant with game due to high predation numbers, mainly wolves and some bear and lions. But its more opportunity than folks have in more populous states or regions. Theres usually something to be thankful for.
Dear Sir, I admire your humbleness & eloquence, I Sir do agree, with non corrosive components they will outlast a lifetime & do become sentimental to pass on to the next generation, some comparison over the years has proved super smooth actions & very compararable accuracy to modern firearms & they are hard to find even in Aus, enjoyed your video, tks
sometimes gun store employees do not know the value of used guns. I got my 1903 springfield 30-06 mfg by reminginton in 1953 for 150 bucks. it was sporterized by someone. barrel was full floated and action bedded properly. barrel was left full length. the gun looked and felt like someone puked on it. modern gun oils can wreck older finishes. after refinishing the stock with tru oil products. a friend gave me 2 full 8 shot clips from 1964 for a m1 gurand that he found. with 5 shots I had it perfectly zeroed 1 3/4 inch high at 100 yards. then shot the last 3 shots for a 3/4 inch group. I did put cheap walmart tasco scope on it. I keep my targets as proof. the gun is a great hunting rifle for cheap. you give good information in this video.
Fantastic video and great information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge
303 Enfield is a great gun, I had one that was made into a sporty, also had two 8 mm makers, a French and a German. Both were great shooters, wish the hell I didn't sell them. I also had a place to shop where this guy shops.
Two of my fav. channels are USOG and UOGB.
Thanks James - Just great! www.ukuleleorchestra.com/
Ive been binge watching your videos this AM HAHA. I love the Krag and the bolts are so smooth!
Any gun that is safe and goes bang , I love it..
I'm really liking this channel. Not only does it cover firearms, a subject that interests me, it's very much the sorts of firearms i like the most. I really do enjoy bolt action, or older semiautomatic, as well as lever action rifles. Although, i do think lever action rifles are a bit more "rattly" so to speak. They dont seem to be as silent in operation or carrying as a loaded and secured bolt action.
The no.1 no brainer rifle type to get here in sweden is old Husqvarna/Carl Gustaf rifles. Most common seems to be 30-06 or 6.5x55, but they exist in .308 win, as well as one of my favorite underappreciated calibres 8x57js.
Thanks I always enjoy your videos and guns!
Tanks for share all you know, greatings from Bariloche Patagonia Argentina 🇦🇷 (Mauser 1909)
Viva Argentina! Beautiful country - magnificent!
Need to go out hunting again. Been far too long.
Same
A day not hunting is a wasted day.
You have a great attitude and a kind heart, thanks for your time and insite!
I live in Canada; during the 1960' s you could pick up a Jungle Carbine in brown paper cosmoline factory packed for $35.00 . I have one . Unfortunately my father sportorized it after I left home. It was willed to me. Shoots like a house one fire. Very robust. It will work in the coldest of weather mud slop . You cannot make it not work. It is not a reloaders dream . The chambers were reamed out large oversized for the battle fields of Europe. It will always function and you can bet your life on it to perform. Keep up the good videos.
Thanks Ermine - and I like that : "you can bet your life on the platform" - not many rifles like that being made today.
I love old guns! My fishing gun is an H&R 923, and my waterfowler is an H&R ranger in 16 gauge made in 1918.
Hi Nicolas, Those make the grade : ) 1918 may be a little young but still admissible. 😂
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns well my high power is a Mauser 1893 spanish contract in 7mm made in 1897. I also have a Colt 1851 in rough shape but it shoots okay lol
Dear Mike as always a great video.rifles tend to be a little more expensive in the sw usa .I have a Krag in 3040 us government it is a nice handling rifle.one rifle that you did mention is the Husqvarna .I have a model 46 in 9.3 x57.it is by far the best handling rifle I own.apre 64 win in 270 a 4 digit model 54 marked. 30 us gov 06 and some nice custom Mausers and a beautiful o3 custom Springfield. There are a few newer rifles in factory form also but the Husqvarna handles like its a part of me.built on a 96 cockonclose Mauser it's not the strongest Mauser made but I have no problem attaining close to 2300 fps with nosler 250 gr accubonds. I bought this rifle for a little less than 400 .that includes shipping and ffl fee.these days my go to rifle for anything
I have a 300 win mag on a vz24 Mauser action, timey trigger and a synthetic stock. I gave the generic walnut stock to a friend who has since forgotten where he got it🙄. I paid
$250.00 from a catalog about 30yrs ago. Wonderfully accurate and deadly!
2yrs ago I won an online auction for a 1903 sporterized 30-06, nicely wood stocked, I think the trigger has been worked over to 3lbs. Again, very accurate and dependable.
I paid $286.00 for the Springfield.
You can find good bargains occasionally if you look around and back off if the price gets too high, there will be others.
Love your collection. Took a nice buck here in Kentucky last season with a MK4 no.1* Enfield made by Savage. Dropped in his tracks. Taken a few with Mosin Nagant. They both work well. For many years only had a single shot Winchester 20 Gauge. Hunted everything with it. With slugs was good for deer at 100 yards and under. Where I hunt most shots are 75 yards or less. Love the old guns.
I have 3 .303s all in great shape; a #3 SMLE, a #5 jungle carbine and a #5. The carbine is my bush gun and my #4 is my go-to great hunting weapon as well. Great stopping power for deer and other game. Also very safe. Unlike my model 94 30-30, I can just drop the magazine and clear the chamber. Simple to clean and to maintain. Fabulous weapon
The .303s are fabulous - I agree. There are other rifles - but there are no better rifles.
Thank you for saying such nice things about Canada. You are welcome to visit any time. By the way, I am in the market for a "budget" hunting rifle. Even though I am retired, I just started hunting a few years back but have been using a bow. Now I think It's time to be able to reach out a bit farther. There are a lot of Lee Enfields around here so your advice on them comes at a good time.
Yes, Enfields are a dime a dozen up here....and for most Canadians their first hunting rifle was a .303
That said, in 2020, an Enfield would not be my first bet. The Enfields around now are VERY used and many have the barrels shot out. Also, .303 ammo is not cheap like it used to be. Biased because I own one, but I would be on the lookout for an M17 in .30-06. Cheaper than an Enfield, ammo is cheaper and more versatile.
He is Canadian.
Yep, he's a Canuck. The accent is a dead give-away. Canada is indeed a fine place. Scratching my head at Justin a little bit though......
@@bobanderson6656 At the risk of getting political, I'd tell you what I think of Justin, but that would ruin our reputation for being nice :) It's enough to say that he is working hard to disarm private citizens in Canada.
I think this is one of your best, to me anyway, to date. Not everyone can afford an expensive hunting rifle so why not use a battle proven sporter? I don't know if your channel takes prayer requests, but I do know there are Christians who watch your channel. I'm asking for prayers for my dear wife, Lori, who is in the hospital with the covid virus and our youngest son is hopefully recovering at home. Thank you and God bless all. Ken
I will pray for your wife and son, dear brother. I’m a fellow follower of Christ here in Canada.
@@captainzeb1969 Thank you so much brother. We really appreciate your prayers.
Another enjoyable video. A lot of hunters cut their teeth on ex military sporter conversions. My first centrefire hunting rifle was a 1942 Husqvarna M38 Swede I got back in '86 and gradually modified in stages. Here in Australia there were a few wildcats off the .303 Brit - the .303/25, .303/22 and .303/270 and a few different versions of those also. Occasionally you will come across a rifle chambered in 7.7x54R which was a shortened .303 for areas where one could not own a rifle in a military calibre. Often fixed by reaming the chamber back out to .303.
Thank you. I also appreciate well made tools. On the SKS, the only issue I had was the rear sight did not lock down and the vent tube requires maintenance. It will let you know. My accuracy went to poo and I finally broke the top down and cleaned it and lubed it right back to out shooting me also the recoil is light and it shoots flat. I call it my beater but it's my go to for deer. But $69 nearly 30 years ago? Had to clean the cosmoline off of it. Started carrying my 686 in .357 cause it's steep and thickety. Alright, thanks for the share.
Always a great video Mike. I have a 3040 krag carbine great little rifle .one of the original mountain rifles.i also have a Husqvarna model 46 in 9.3x57.easily the best handling rifle I own.with 250gr nosler accubonds and 748 powder it is much more than a potato lobber. I have never fired a 303 British Enfield. I was told by a mentor that they were total junk .I'm sure now that he never fired one either.thank you so much for all your videos
Ps I have a original win 54 in06
2pre 64 originals one in 270 one in06 and a really nice 1903 Springfield done by Roy bedeaux and a few other sporters.the husky handles better than any of them.all for 350 dollars and some elbow grease.its very light and has a plastic butt plate s it does kick like a mule
I have several recent acquisitions in my collection include several sporterized milsurps. All were ugly when I got them and all are really nice now. I paid close attention to the bores on these rifles and all are really accurate rifles once sorted out. 1903 Springfield ($250), 1891 Loewe Argentine Mauser ($200), Swiss 1896/11 ($225), Carcano M38 ($75). That Swiss rifle was converted to .308 and is scoped with a Leupold 3-9x40. My best three shot group with it was an honest .256". It's a sub-MOA rifle all day long.
In these days of the black semiautomatic rifles, there are some great deals to be had out there on rifles that are out of style
Hi Doby - I'm the same as you. Sometimes a small thing such as a shallow carving of a deer from a previous owner or electro-penciled numbers on a trigger guard (easily buffed out) - these types of things can put the price well under $200. Your Springfield was an exceptional buy - I've never come close to that no matter what the serial number was. As for accuracy - for sure you're right - any decent level of bore and I find they are very fine for accuracy and all else. Take care.
Very informative and relevant yours is the best and classier channels my favorite
I've had quite a few firearms over the years...But the old no4 sporters have always been one of my favorite hunting rifles.
You just can't go wrong with the Enfield.
Completely agree about vintage guns with wood stocks having intrinsic value. Wood and the figure in the wood is unique. Nice AAA wood can increase the value of a gun or rifle by many hundreds of dollars or more.
I am scooping up vintage rifles and guns the young guys are trading in to raise money for polymer guns.
I own some polymers as well but they are for utility only as you said. One is exactly the same as the next.
Great job!!!
Something about them 303's just holding one and knowing that they actually changed the world and can still be used for many years! They just have so much character to have survived it's time.
Nothing quite like a .303 - I agree. Brilliant rifles.
Your a good man and appreciate the beauty of firearms . Not these crazy people running around that don’t want to die alone mental cases.
Hi Dennis - I'm glad my videos are okay - your kind words mean a lot to me - thank you.
Growing up in the 1960s I cut my teeth on a .303 British No1 Mark3 sporter with commercial sights and a NRA KRAG SPORTER .30-40. I STILL own the Krag and the last two wild boar i killed was with that KRAG. MY brother and his son have hunted with the .303 even over some commercial rifles they own. In the early part of the smokeless powder era in Africa the .303 British and other bolt action military rifles/cartridges origional and sporters were exceedingly popular for big game hunting. Your right they still can serve today for taking into the field after big game.
I worked on plastics for years...i got a low grade polymer rifle. The mag failed and i had to glue it. i sold it. I now have a tikka. The poly parts are very well made. That being said. I just got a old zestava and i love knowing it is all steel and i can get parts.
Sound reasoning. Steel doesn't usually melt either.
Firearms are made from wood and steel, guns from other materials......... Thank you for an enjoyable and hart warming video because it had one or two of my personal favourite firearms in it, which brought back some lovely memories.
I think the same way; and I too have such great memories. God Bless
Thanks for another excellent video. They never fail to satisfy.
Have a 1891 Argentine that was put in a Bishop sport stock, probably in the 1950's .made by Lowe, gun , case, & 70 rounds of ammo $150 ,such a slick mauser, bolt is so smooth.I can't see any machining grind marks, every thing was old school hand fitted
Mosins are getting VERY expensive, me and my dad got a beat up but still good mosin for $500!
@Jaime D yeah but this one was USED in RUSSIA though
Youre just not smart. Ive seen pre war ones for 320.
Lone Wanderer did you read the part where he said it’s a war relic? Maybe not that dumb after all. Original USA made Mosins go for 1k
@@LazyGrayF0x mosins in general are not expensive. Ive seen battle worn ones for 250. Finnish mosins go between 230 and 650 depending on whose selling
Back in the late 80's FIREARMS INTERNATIONAL (now out of business) Mosins were going for $29CAN! The 6.5 x55 Swedish 29 in barrel strait bolt were same price. Wish I had a crate full.
great video! my first rifle was a lithgow smle sporter
I was left 2 WW2 Arisaka 7.7 rifles. One was sporterized, the other left in military clothing. I have a box of ancient ammo, as well. They are fully functional, but the bolt comes out so easily, that I wonder if something is wrong. Other than that it cycles, locks, and dry fires perfectly. I've never fired either. I'm a big-arse chicken. The one that was sporterized has the yellowest stock, I have ever seen. No stain. There are minor scars on it, that let you know it's been there done that.
Btw, I have become a big fan of yours. Keep up the good work.
There were a bunch of Jungle Carbines that are not original and put together by importers and should be less money. I had one that was a copy of an Australian No.7 Jungle Carbine and was marked as a Jungle Rifle on the receiver and originaly made as a No1 SMLE made at Lithgow in 1941. If I remember right Santa Fe was the importer and builder
I'm a 70 year old New Zealander. I have owned two rifles. The 1st was a Mauser vz33 8 x 57 I brought in 1962 for $24 when I was13. Have shot a large number of deer with it. Its still in its fully wooded configuration. I still have it. The second was a Lee Enfield mark4 no.1 .303 I brought in 1980 for $20. It was in parts. Every thing was missmatced but all there. I cut the wood down and put it together. Over the years it took its fair share of deer and goat. Rabbits to with lead cast projectiles. Sold that rifle 20 years later for $200.00. My father owned and used a Lee Enfield mark5 jumgle carbine as a bush gun for years. More deer had been shot with Lee Enfields that all othet guns put together in NZ prior to 2000. If you can get a good one they are great hunters.
Hi Bill - Thanks for writing. The Mauser VZ33 is one of those timeless rifles - likely much like you - and I'm glad the wood is intact. The 8x57 is another cartridge that simply doesn't age - so capable and excellent - as you know. I agree with you - 303's are remarkable in any configuration; but I like the jungle carbine best. All the best to you in New Zealand!
Back in the day, I picked up a .303 for 50 bucks. I wish I still had that rifle! Great video!👍
Hi Mike - they're $200. now - maybe less - and still a steal : )
@@UnitedStatesOfGuns, I agree. Nice rifle for a first gun, or as you said, on a budget.
Love your show. My Northeastern Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
Sporterized military rifles were the norm throughout the 20s to 60s, so you can say they are period correct. I love Bubba rifles! For that matter, Griffin&Howe and Rigby used military actions for their semi-custom rifles.
Mate, the Enfield is the best firearm ever made. I hand load 125gn to 215gn and can shoot anything including Elephants! [No elephants where I live though]. Hand loading keeps the cost of shooting down but realistically, when I hunt I seldom fire more than two shots! A .303 round anchors most things where they are. I have a selection of Enfields including a No4 (T) and love shooting them. I saw a magnificent Parker Hale .303 No4 conversion in the original box, absolutely brand new [probably from the early 1960's] in a guns store recently but the guy there wouldn't sell it! My first rifle was a 1903 BSA .303 - that was 55 years ago and I've always had a .303 in my gun room since.
Beautiful - Well taken care of rifles. I sure wish I only had a partial collection this good. Great vid. Thank u sir.
You're a shrewd collector! You presented some superb, yet undervalued rifles that would be great for hunting under about 200 yds and, dare I say, maybe the first acquisitions for a budding collector. As you say, you can't lose on guns unless you sell too soon.
I hope people read your note.
Not what i expected but glad to hear.
I would like you to read this post and give me honest opinion of the Mosin Nagant. 7.62x54. You have a great education on a wide variety of long guns , and this one has peeped into 3 centuries now not 300 years tho. So even tho it's "Ruff"' it has seen a few days.
I realize the action on the Mosins are sloppy , and the bolt is in the wrong position. But how do you actually rank them for a farm workhorse kinda rifle? In my other post I explained how I bought a bunch and gave them as gifts when the price was low on them. ( Wish they were 1903 Springfield's for those prices ) also spam can ammo was around scrap brass price.
I grew up with one so already knew how loose the bolts were. It was bought for my dad in the 60s. Think it was a trophy brought back from Korea. But when the new old surplus ones were being shipped here and sold i would probably have been scared of them because of how sloppy they feel.
What a fantastic video. Im a novice and you just gave me a life time of knowledge. I shoot clay pigeons and find beretta, browning for me are way overpriced. Any thoughts similar to your rifle advice applied to shotguns made years ago but of fine quality and cheap.