firearms

[ColoSwiss]

Had a real treat today!  Got a chance to fire a 57mm anti-tank gun. WOW! Blew the crap out of a 55 gallon drum!

It's amazing what you can do on April 1st in the privacy of your own home.   

[Chako]

I had a great time. We had about 25 competitors show up today. We had 2 in Classic, 1 in Production, 1 in Revolver, and everyone else in Standard class. I did have 2 fumbles of sorts. One of my speed loaders refused to release my cartridges into the cylinder. A second gave me issues that were similar as I had to tap it several times before it gave up the goods.

It was around -10C and it was windy. Made for some fun as I can't wear gloves while shooting. It was a bit miserable out there.

Surprisingly, my times were not that far off from the semi-auto folks with 10 rounds. My 6 shooter meant I had to reload a little more often, but it is not that far off from loading a magazine time wise. I did find a few things that could be improved with my gear. The new holster will only improve with use, as I found it just a little tight and stiff. I need to improve one of my speed loader carriers. the new nylon dual carrier I bought is just junk as it is too floppy. My speed loaders were getting caught in the material, which is not good.

For my first time shooting IPSC with a revolver, I am hooked. A few of the guys thought I was shooting 38 specials. They were a little shocked that I was controlling the revolver using 357 magnums so well. I am also as the last and only time I used it was at a fun shoot back in January.

I think this wheel gun is my favorite shooter.

 

[HarleyXJGuy]

I had a great time. We had about 25 competitors show up today. We had 2 in Classic, 1 in Production, 1 in Revolver, and everyone else in Standard class. I did have 2 fumbles of sorts. One of my speed loaders refused to release my cartridges into the cylinder. A second gave me issues that were similar as I had to tap it several times before it gave up the goods.

It was around -10C and it was windy. Made for some fun as I can't wear gloves while shooting. It was a bit miserable out there.

Surprisingly, my times were not that far off from the semi-auto folks with 10 rounds. My 6 shooter meant I had to reload a little more often, but it is not that far off from loading a magazine time wise. I did find a few things that could be improved with my gear. The new holster will only improve with use, as I found it just a little tight and stiff. I need to improve one of my speed loader carriers. the new nylon dual carrier I bought is just junk as it is too floppy. My speed loaders were getting caught in the material, which is not good.

For my first time shooting IPSC with a revolver, I am hooked. A few of the guys thought I was shooting 38 specials. They were a little shocked that I was controlling the revolver using 357 magnums so well. I am also as the last and only time I used it was at a fun shoot back in January.

I think this wheel gun is my favorite shooter.

Very cool man.

Just moved back to Georgia and I still need to see what the shooting scene is around these parts. Jealous.

[ColoSwiss]

I had a great time. We had about 25 competitors show up today. We had 2 in Classic, 1 in Production, 1 in Revolver, and everyone else in Standard class. I did have 2 fumbles of sorts. One of my speed loaders refused to release my cartridges into the cylinder. A second gave me issues that were similar as I had to tap it several times before it gave up the goods.

It was around -10C and it was windy. Made for some fun as I can't wear gloves while shooting. It was a bit miserable out there.

Surprisingly, my times were not that far off from the semi-auto folks with 10 rounds. My 6 shooter meant I had to reload a little more often, but it is not that far off from loading a magazine time wise. I did find a few things that could be improved with my gear. The new holster will only improve with use, as I found it just a little tight and stiff. I need to improve one of my speed loader carriers. the new nylon dual carrier I bought is just junk as it is too floppy. My speed loaders were getting caught in the material, which is not good.

For my first time shooting IPSC with a revolver, I am hooked. A few of the guys thought I was shooting 38 specials. They were a little shocked that I was controlling the revolver using 357 magnums so well. I am also as the last and only time I used it was at a fun shoot back in January.

I think this wheel gun is my favorite shooter.

Except for the temperature, it sounds like a fun day.   

[ducttapetech]

Nice Chako!

That's us mobile

[SAK Guy]

Nice Chako!

That's us mobile

+1!!!!

[Humppa]

Excuse this harsh seeming question, guys. But just a point I´m interessted in.

I get more and more interessted in old military surplus rifles. Like K98, Mosin Nagant, Swedish Mausers, Schmidt Rubin, Lee Enfield etc etc

They can be had at good price points here. How much does a K98 with a good barrel, most numbers matching, maybe refinished - cost in the US?

Since most of them are russian capture rifles; they were in russian arsenals since the end of WWII or mostly used as hunting rifles. I don´t speak of that extra untouched ones, with all the stamps and such (no interesst in that).

I just love to shoot them. I love the kick they produce - they all shoot rather the way when it comes to recoil (except the swedish ones in 6.5x55SE).

I see many of the russian Mosins at rather low prices, but their accuracy at 100 metres and even at 300 metres is ok, but not as accurate as a Schmidt Rubin or even a Lee Enfield.

Just due to my interesst ... what are the prices in the US (or Canada - if they are legal there)?

[captain spaulding]

Mosin Nagant's used to cost $100 about 5 years back. Now they are in the $250 - $300 range.

[Alan K.]

Excuse this harsh seeming question, guys. But just a point I´m interessted in.

I get more and more interessted in old military surplus rifles. Like K98, Mosin Nagant, Swedish Mausers, Schmidt Rubin, Lee Enfield etc etc

They can be had at good price points here. How much does a K98 with a good barrel, most numbers matching, maybe refinished - cost in the US?

Since most of them are russian capture rifles; they were in russian arsenals since the end of WWII or mostly used as hunting rifles. I don´t speak of that extra untouched ones, with all the stamps and such (no interesst in that).

I just love to shoot them. I love the kick they produce - they all shoot rather the way when it comes to recoil (except the swedish ones in 6.5x55SE).

I see many of the russian Mosins at rather low prices, but their accuracy at 100 metres and even at 300 metres is ok, but not as accurate as a Schmidt Rubin or even a Lee Enfield.

Just due to my interesst ... what are the prices in the US (or Canada - if they are legal there)?

You might find Gunboards forums interesting. They are mostly collectors there and you will find anything you want to know about surplus rifles and just about anything else.  http://www.gunboards.com/

[Humppa]

Thanks for the advices and replies. A Mosin is the cheapest option on military surplus rifles here as well.

The other forum is a great place to look around. Thanks for the link

[Aloha]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Mosin-Nagant-Model-Rifle/710007.uts

A couple of guys I know bought these rifles, not necessarily from the link but locally.   

[Humppa]

The good ol' Mosin seems to be more common in the US than it is here in Europe. Sometimes they appear at gun stores but not regularly.

More common here is traditionally the K98 at the many manufacturers from that time.

I, honestly, think that the 8mm Mauser is a more accurate ammunition than the 7.62x54R. The 8mm Mauser is comparable the 30-06 Springfield.

Also reloading components are widely available here.

 

[ColoSwiss]

Most commercial 8mm ammo sold in the US is loaded very lightly as a concession to old rifles in poor condition and product liability lawyers.

[jerseydevil]

Most commercial 8mm ammo sold in the US is loaded very lightly as a concession to old rifles in poor condition and product liability lawyers.

Supposedly that's mostly because of the so-called "J" bore. The original loading for the 7.92x57 for the Model 88 Commission rifle and early Gew. 98's has a round nose, .318" bullet. In 1905, the .323" spitzer bullet at a higher velocity was introduced. Any Gew 88 with an "S" stamped on the reciever ring was converted to the new cartridge. 98's manufactured after 1905, with the exception of late war ones, are safe with full-power ammunition. In the 7.92x57mmS configuration, the round is equal to the .30-06.

[Humppa]

Well, the 8mm Mauser (7.92x57 IS) that is sold in Germany/Europe is not loaded light or soft at all. It is a full power hunting load and widely known as a hog hammer. Wild boars are problem here and most hunters like the .30-06 or the 8mm Mauser on these animals due to the good ballistics. It´s energy can be rather high about 4,100 Joule at E(0).

The 8mm Mauser is also know for very flat shooting.

But JD is right, the rifles were made for a lighter load. But during WWI the harder load got true. It is marked as "IS" for "Infanterie Spitz" on the ammo and the gun as well. A lighter load can like stamped with "I" can be shot on an "IS" stamped gun, of course. Like the .44 Spec. out of a .44 Mag gun.

About the availablility of the guns and ammo in Europe. It seems most of the guns available are post WWI made and almost chambered for the 8x57IS catridge; so for the full power loads. It ist possible to find good ones that still can be used for hunting. Many hunters here nowadays use the catridge and the Mauser system again. Some of the guns are even chambered the "Big Five" calibers. So there is no question about the reliability of the system at all.

[Chako]

The Mosin Nagant runs around the same price as an SKS in Canada...which is around the low 200 dollar mark.

[HarleyXJGuy]

The Mosin Nagant runs around the same price as an SKS in Canada...which is around the low 200 dollar mark.

You can pick up both of these rifles for free in Afghanistan.

[Chako]

Here are a few more photos of my competition gun with the old Precision Pistol Competition (PPC) holster.













I am really liking a revolver over a semi-automatic...go figure.

[HarleyXJGuy]

Here are a few more photos of my competition gun with the old Precision Pistol Competition (PPC) holster.













I am really liking a revolver over a semi-automatic...go figure.

Are you sure? Would be happy to take that old thing off your hands.

[HarleyXJGuy]

The Mosin Nagant runs around the same price as an SKS in Canada...which is around the low 200 dollar mark.

You can pick up both of these rifles for free in Afghanistan.

Only dropped once.

[jerseydevil]

Well, the 8mm Mauser (7.92x57 IS) that is sold in Germany/Europe is not loaded light or soft at all. It is a full power hunting load and widely known as a hog hammer. Wild boars are problem here and most hunters like the .30-06 or the 8mm Mauser on these animals due to the good ballistics. It´s energy can be rather high about 4,100 Joule at E(0).

The 8mm Mauser is also know for very flat shooting.

But JD is right, the rifles were made for a lighter load. But during WWI the harder load got true. It is marked as "IS" for "Infanterie Spitz" on the ammo and the gun as well. A lighter load can like stamped with "I" can be shot on an "IS" stamped gun, of course. Like the .44 Spec. out of a .44 Mag gun.

About the availablility of the guns and ammo in Europe. It seems most of the guns available are post WWI made and almost chambered for the 8x57IS catridge; so for the full power loads. It ist possible to find good ones that still can be used for hunting. Many hunters here nowadays use the catridge and the Mauser system again. Some of the guns are even chambered the "Big Five" calibers. So there is no question about the reliability of the system at all.

The 98 Mauser action is one of the best bolt actions ever devised.  The famous "pre-64" Model 70 Winchester was a slightly modified Mauser. When it comes to ammunition in 8x57, knowing your rifle is important. My Kar98k can be fed IS ammo all day with no problem, but my fathers Gew88 won't.  Kinda like my M1895 Marlin and M1873 Trapdoor Springfield.  They're both chambered for .45-70, but modern hunting ammo for the Marlin will blow the Trapdoor into pieces........

[Gryffin]

Had a real treat today!  Got a chance to fire a 57mm anti-tank gun. WOW! Blew the crap out of a 55 gallon drum!

God bless the Right to Keep and Bear Artillery!   

[ColoSwiss]

Had a real treat today!  Got a chance to fire a 57mm anti-tank gun. WOW! Blew the crap out of a 55 gallon drum!

God bless the Right to Keep and Bear Artillery!   

As mentioned above, that 'occurred' on April 1.   

Read an article some years back about an artillery club that fires modern (WWI-WWII) artillery, which is what inspired that post. However I can't find a website for them. There are also several operations that rent various tanks. You too can crush a car!

http://adventuretravel.about.com/od/usadventureresorts/qt/Drive-A-Tank-Drive-Authentic-Military-Tanks.htm

[Chako]

When I was around 5, my parents visited an American relative who owned a very large dairy farm. I think he was my mothers great uncle or something like that. Well he had a Sherman tank that he must have bought in some surplus deal or something that he would use as a tractor or just for fun.

I got to ride in one. 

[ducttapetech]

You lucky duck!

That's us mobile

[SteveC]

You lucky duck!

That's us mobile

 

[Gareth]

Given that this is on the grounds where I shoot every week I really should give it a go.


http://tankdrivingscotland.com/

OK, so it's an M113 that you get to drive rather than an actual tank, but it still looks like fun.

[ColoSwiss]

Given that this is on the grounds where I shoot every week I really should give it a go.


http://tankdrivingscotland.com/

OK, so it's an M113 that you get to drive rather than an actual tank, but it still looks like fun.

That's the only armored vehicle I've driven. Have crawled around inside M48 and M60 Patton tanks. Suspect I couldn't get through the hatch nowadays.  Toured the USS Bowfin (submarine) out at Pearl Harbor some years back. Between a small hatch and an awkwardly placed piece of equipment I almost became a permanent part of the exhibit. Didn't do my back or leg any good.

[Humppa]

Mighty fine looking revolver, chako!

Hand guns in this weight class, lenght and chambering tend not to kick even a little bit.
I like shooting these 6" handguns. Can it be .357Mag or .44Mag...

Much more than any of these semi auto plastic guns that are around these days.

@JD: yes, the K98 can be fed with the full power loads while the Gewehr 88 won´t be able to stand that catridge for too long. I´ve seen a damascus-barrel shotgun shot in black powder that was used with regular smokeless powder catridges - and the good ol' german Waidmannsheil catridges. It was actually blown. A pitty for such an old beauty in 16/70 (No, it was not my shotgun, fortunatelly). The same could happen with the Gewehr 88 when loaded with the full power catridges.

Actually I haven´t heard about the differences in .45-70Gov. Seems to be the same reason as it is with the old 8mmMauser. Are the lower ones you are talking about loaded with black powder?

[jerseydevil]

Yes, the original .45-70 loading was black powder. The Trapdoor Springfield has a weak action. A design like the Sharps or the Martini-Henry are much stronger than the Trapdoor. The Springfield gets light smokeless or black powder loads. The Marlin can handle loads for grizzly bear if needed.