I cannot believe that some of these rifles are over 100 years old but still operating so well. A testament to the creator and the manufacturing of the time. They just have so much character.
They where built to last that's for sure. To get that same quality today you have to pay quite a price. It's nice that cheap bolt guns exist and are so functional but they won't hold up like these sweet babies.
My family has a tendency to pass on firearms. Have percussion cap .75 cal all the way up to late 1800’s and early 1900’s bolt, lever and semi-auto shotguns and rifles and of course modern sporting and SHTF stuff. Just gave my newborn Grandson an early .30WCF Winchester...Just wanted to make sure Papa was the FIRST to pass along something with a bit of history. There are so many with very storied histories that we need to keep them alive and working. I hope our future generations will be able to enjoy many lifetimes of enjoyment in shooting sports and be prepared to hold on to our Second Amendment Rights as Americans.
I have a trap door Springfield that is older than 100.... The quality of parts was held to a higher standard. Now Ammo is much more reliable today for sure, better accurately loaded, no hot or underloaded rounds.
@@MatiasAimone me too I have a M1893 Mauser 7x57 and its my fav in my collection .. but must admit , the M1896 Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 is the King 👑 imho 👍
@@MatiasAimone I have a K98k , 03a3 , K31 Swiss and a No4 mk2 smelly and a Krag and they would all have to go if I had to choose , except the 1893 Mauser ❤️
For an all purpose shooter, including ammunition availability, I'd go with the model 70. I can get ammunition at the hardware store. The fact that it's a sweet shooter and versatile, is a bonus.
My oh my... My father built all of his sporters off the 03-A3 action. His buddies were in the K98 crowd in the 1970's. Sure the Sako is nice to look at and may fit you better without adjustment, but the 30-06 in bullet selection alone took this contest for me. I'd rock the Win 70 forever.
I have a sporterized Enfiled that was my Grandfathers. He had about every military rifle you could think of. And if he didn't have it one of his brothers did. That's what I grew up around. He loved showing off that Enfield because it was not a common platform to sporterize without removing the ring which this one had not been.
Wow! Talk about “Click Bait!” I literally had to pull my truck off the road and watch this one immediately! Haha! Hickock, I cannot blame you for your choice. As more of a “utility” guy, though, I would have had to go with a more readily available cartridge. And that, in America, would have been the -06. The 03-A3 quality notwithstanding, the Winchester is more practical. My logic for the choice is based on “hunt-ability,” for food, and the aforementioned availability of ammunition...if Freedom is assumed to have fallen. Great video!!
I was thinking exactly the same thing. Ammunition availability is a key factor for me. If you had to choose just one. I think I’d have had to throw in the towel and keep the last two.
@@mwmcbroom I have the British 303 Jungle carbine Enfield Rife. That is the only one I have in bolt action. It holds 10 round in the mag and is a very fast operating bolt action. I think it is the fastest in the world it was said? I bought it for 19 dollars in 1959 and freight on it was 30 dollars. It is still in the same condition as when I got it...I love it...
@@WB8BRA My dad gave me my first Enfield, which happens also to be a Jungle Carbine. That was back in the mid-60s. I think he paid $30 for it in unfired condition.
@@WB8BRA The Jungle carbine is one of the only ones I haven't picked up yet. I love all things Enfield. You got a steal on that, even if it was in 1959!
@@Brad-ic4bp It's the style, a Mannlicher stock. The Winchester Model 70 is an icon, especially that pre-war example with the stripper clip guide. I think '45 erred in not choosing the Model 70.
The Gewehr 98!!! Three reasons: 1) I'm not sure I'd disqualify a rifle based solely on the appearance of the stock; 2) It's comparative rarity nowadays; 3) Finally; I have a very MINT one, and of my entire collection that'd be the first firearm I'd save if my home ever caught fire ;-)
Ever since I’ve watched you video on that 6.5 Sako I’ve known it’s one of your favorites. The joy just pours out of you when you’re shouldering that beautiful rifle.
Personally I would have went with either the model 70 or the 03 Springfield. I love 30-06. I have a model 70 featherlight in 30-06 and the action is like glass and i cant miss with it if i try. It was the last birthday gift from my mom before she passed and I would never part with it
As an Australian, I would probably have gone for the No.4, but I would more likely to actually have a SMLE MkIII* in the first place, as we did not adopt the No.4. If I was an American, I would probably have picked the Winchester. Firstly for the range and availability of ammunition, then for the bigger variety of game animals that you can take with a .30/06, compared to a 6.5mm.
He said he didn’t like the clip on the .303. I wonder if he is aware of the three up two down clip loading procedure. That maybe why he has issues with them.
@@jackmclane1826 I had a "beater" of a No 1 Mk III from WWI that still shot accurate even with original barrel (obviously not AS accurate as my better condition L.E.'s but not too far off really)
@@therabbitcanada That's what I mean... any of these rifles in a good condition exceeds the precision that the vast majority of shooters can make use of.
My Uncle gave me my first rifle when I was about 12yrs old. 40 years later I still have it, it looks exactly the same, and it's still very accurate. Sears & Roebuck -J.C. Higgins model 103.18. Single shot 22.
I am new to firearms and have a wish list. The bolt action rifle on my list is a current Winchester 70 model chambered in .308. The Featherweight is very cool. Hickok45 never fails to impress and inform.!!
If you are into military bolt-action rifles, an inexpensive and common one that everyone has is the Mosin Nagant. My personal favorites are the Lee Enfield and K31.
I have a 1970s Winchester Model 70 in 300 Win Mag. It's my most favorite, non AR15 long gun to shoot. It is fun, it is ridiculously accurate and it is a beautiful piece of equipment. Enough power to knock your pants off when you shoot it.
Mine is my Ruger M77 MII 308Win. I’m in love with it for sure but it’s the rifle my wife bought for me when we dated. She walked into a gun shop and showed them a .308Win cartridge she found in her dads gun case and said “I want to buy my boyfriend a rifle that fits this”.
I reckon I'd a married her too. The Ruger M77 is a great modern interpretation of the classic Mauser 98. Good thing that cartridge wasn't a 250 Savage or a 356 Winchester or something . . .
For a civilian-pattern bolt-action, the Winchester Model 70 30-06 for the win. The most-influential and significant cartridge of the 20th century, being shot by the ultimate rifleman's rifle - the prototypical hunting rifle since 1936. For a military-pattern bolt-action, for historical significance, you'd be hard-pressed to top the Mauser 98K or its derivatives and relations in the Mauser family tree, or the Lee-Enfield Mk. IV .303. One arm not there is also very significant historically, the Mosin-Nagant. It fires the longest-serving military cartridge in history, the 7.62x54R - which is still in use today by the Russian military. But for an all-around shooter, the Springfield M1903 is tough to top, and for many of the same reasons that the Model 70 is: The M1903 excelled whether on the field of battle, in competition, or afield hunting, and it too fires the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century, the amazing 30-06. The Swedish Mauser is a wonderful cartridge which has been amply proven in the field, in competition and as a military load - but not withstanding the fine ballistics of 6.5mm (.264-cal.) cartridges, it doesn't quite rank with the 30-06 in terms of versatility or power. That chambering tops out at 160 grains or so, whereas the 30-06 can handle bullets as heavy as 220-230 grains with aplomb. And it can also handle ones as light as 100-110 grains equally well. And everything in between. The Lee-Enfield is still the fastest-cycling turn-bolt repeater ever used by a national military, but in order to attain that speed, the designers had to make compromises in the action and bolt, neither of which is as-robust as those found on Mauser pattern rifles (including the M1903, which is Mauser-based). The .303 is certainly no slouch, in terms of power, being roughly 90% the power of .308 Winchester, but it is a rimmed cartridge, which makes it instantly archaic in today's world - and it simply can't stack up to the 7.62x54, 8mm Mauser or 30-06 for punch. It is powerful enough for military use, but it stretching it to use it on the largest North American game, let alone the largest and toughest African game. Have giant brown and polar bears been taken with the .303 cartridge? Sure, but you're better off with something harder-hitting. As far as long range ballistics are concerned, the Lee-Enfield proved to be a highly-capable precision weapon out to 800 yards or so, perhaps a bit further - but its powder capacity is significantly less than the 30-06, whose long-range performance outstrips the rimmed Brit by a considerable margin. As do the 7.62x54 R and 8mm Mauser, for that matter. As brilliant as the Lee-Enfield was in its particular sphere, it is telling that no modern manufacturer of turn-bolt hunting rifles makes one patterned by the venerable British design. Virtually all pattern their rifles upon Mauser's timeless receiver and bolt design, which is tougher, stronger and more-rigid than the Lee-Enfield. All of which are qualities prized by manufacturers of fine hunting rifles.
I am 100% in agreement with the 6.5x55 Swede, that round has nearly perfect attributes for med and large game in America 1 - the 6.5 mm projectile is long for caliber, very efficient, with very high BC and very high SD 2 - The Swede has low recoil which promotes accurate shot placement and makes it a pleasure to shoot round after round 3 - The Swede carries more energy down range than a 30 caliber, long, high BC bullets do not shed velocity and energy as fast as the 30 calibers do. 4 - The Swede punches above what its paper ballistic say. The long 6.5's penetrate very deep into large game vitals. The Scandinavians have been taking large, heavy game such as Reindeer, Musk Ox, and moose for over 125 years 5 - The Swede is an inherently accurate cartridge for hunting 6 - The Swede does drifts less in the wind and drops less at range than other larger cartridges I likely would have chose the Swedish Mauser M96 in 6.5x55 with the full length barrel vs the Sako
Man that first BA he picked up “the old krag” he said that is the most interesting one I have ever seen ! I’m new to older rifles but the loading mechanism and look of the Krag just screams OLDSCHOOL. Love it
Looks like you came to the same conclusion I did, I have both Sako 85s and Winchester Model 70s. The absolute best rifle would be a hybrid of both rifles. The Sako 85 rifle with the Winchester Long extractor with the Winchester wing safety…. Absolutely fabulous rifles.
Bolt actions are the best! Just got my first recently, a 1938 Soviet-made Mosin-Nagant. Lovin’ it! Eventually I’d love to have a German Mauser and British Enfield too.
I have the same Longbranch Enfield in this video. It was the fastest bolt action gun in WW1 and WW2. The bolt is like a typewriter. You barely touch it, and it shoots all the way back ready to chamber another round. Got mine for 300 at a gun show.
I managed to buy a collection of guns from a guy whose dad passed away and he didn't know anything about them. I walked out with a Savage No4, steyer 44 k98k, model 97 winchester td riot, Danzig G98, and my favorite... an M1 Garand with the bayonet and 2 boxes of Talon Black tip 30-06. Unfortunately the garand was in 308 but I paid about a 1000 usd for all of them.
If I could keep only one rifle it would be the late 1930s SMLE that was not issued but officers would buy them, much better accuracy, sights, finish, wood over standard issue rifles as at those times a officer was expected to buy his own small arms. 2 and 3rd would be a tie between a Finnish mosin and a mauser k98 4th would be a nice arisaka. For anyone who is looking to buy a new manufactured rifle for a decent price that has long military roots I would recommend the Howa bolt action rifles, they used to make arisaka rifles before and during ww2 and you can buy a rifled action with a great stock trigger, hammer forged barrel in many different barrel types and lengths and so many calibers for very little, I managed to buy the exact furniture and aluminium bedded stock, optic and bipod as the ones used by the Japanese police marksmen and the JSDF. Its the best non mil surp for the money.
honestly i'd have to choose the model 70 pre 64 winchester in 30-06. main reason- availability of ammo and reliability of the action. the one you chose seemed to have a smoother action, but i'm thinking 06 is cheaper to repair and reload due to availability of parts and ammo components. thanks for the video, and NEVER grab the Mosen-Nagant...lolol
I thought you'd end up with the pre-war Winchester 70, but your reasons for keeping the Sako make sense. I'd have gone with the Winchester 70. I have a pre-war just like yours. Same caliber, too.
A number of publications in the hunting/outdoors industry voted the Winchester Model 70 the "bolt-action rifle of the 20th century," shortly before the turn of the millennium. It is known as "the rifleman's rifle" for very good reason. And for versatility and the ability to do just about anything any hunter or sportsman would want (and more than a few soldiers and Marines, too), the 30-06 cartridge is very tough to top. It is today the single most-popular center-fire rifle cartridge in the world, and many firearm historians view it as the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century, hands down. The .303 Enfield and 8mm Mauser have their proponents, but the sales figures do not lie, nor do the history books. The Winchester M70 should get the nod over the Sako because it delivers comparable -perhaps even better - performance for less money. There's no doubt that an old Finn Bear Sako in 30-06 makes sweet music for a hunter's ears, but in today's dollars, you can't get one for under $1500 used, and a new Sako comparable to it runs $2000 or more. Whereas one can get into a very nice new Model 70 for around $850-1000, and a new Super Grade for less than $1500. Used, prices are even better.
I agree, it's too hard! When it comes to beauty, craftsmanship, and accuracy, my FN Commercial Mauser in 308 gets the nod. But for that Zombie attack, end of the world apocalypse, my nod has to go to one of my 303 Enfields, with its detachable 10-round magazine. I commend you on your choice though. That Sako, with its Mannlicher stock and 6.5x55 chambering, is a sweet choice indeed.
Keep your MK4 Lee Enfield!!..No Contest ..Learned on one shot one for years and loved it especially when you put a good scope on it . Just a joy to shoot !
The model 70 is the finest centerfire bolt action sporting arm ever made. The Riflemans Rifle. All of the military rifles shown are outstanding examples. I also have the 96 in 6.5x55 Swedish, but the 30.06 is a more versatile caliber and can be used in more hunting applications than the swede. Also, the mannlicher stock on the sako is a turn off to me.
Every time I see you shoot a bolt action rifle, I kick myself for parting with my Carl Gustav M38 Short Rifle, in 6.5 Swedish. It was the sweetest shooting and smoothest operating of any bolt gun I have handled. All Mausers (and variants) *ROCK!!!* Thanks for the video!!
The Sako fits you, has the smoothest action, and is in your favorite bolt action cartridge! It's a natural choice, for your only rifle. Good video guys!
I have one .303 British my grandfather had in ww2, he told me at a young age what the secret bullet compartment was for in the buttstock. I will never sell, pass down until our government destroys that as well. Cheers from Canada.
It was for a brass oil can. Believe me the enfields does not like dust. I have one i hunt with. On a 4 day hunt here in africa you need to clean oil the bolt every second day other wise you struggle to close it. You will see in front of you magazine there is a little ring for a string. You where issued a cloth bolt cover you tie down on that ring.
I the British 303 Jungle carbine Enfield Rife. That is the only one I have in bolt action. It holds 10 round in the mag and is a very fast operating bolt action. I think it is the fastest in the world it was said? I bought it for 19 dollars in 1959 and freight on it was 30 dollars. It is still in the same condition as when I got it...
@@gmoney6595 I ask myself that daily. My province Sask. and Alberta are the last standing bastions of sanity. We gave Trudeau a hard no by swiping all ridings conservative. He won with 35%. Welfare recipients, immigrants and blue haired liberals turned the tides. Need I say more..
The Enfield is the best 'bolt action battle rifle' ever made. That doesn't mean it's the most accurate, because that's irrelevant in a battle rifle, all that matters is 'accurate enough', which it is, by far. so arguments about which version of the K98 has a slightly better grouping at 1000m are gibberish, it doesn't matter in a soldiers rifle. What matters in a bolt action battle rifle is primarily ease of use and accurate rate of fire. What made the enfield so good (and i own one) is how quickly and well the bolt cycles, and that you can keep your eye in the sight while you cycle it while prone. It's impossible to explain to someone who has never fired one how important that is to rate of fire, and accuracy of fire at high rates. With the k98, the bolt action is longer and less ergonomic, so if you try and keep your eye in the sight, you usually (depending on size/head position of user) punch yourself in the face when you bring the bolt back. So you have to lift your head fractionally out of the sight, and lose your sight picture and position, and then have to re-gain it. This roughly halves the accurate rate of fire for a typical unsophisticated user (i.e. a regular soldier). For that reason alone, all the mauser variants are inferior to the Enfield, and the 10 round detachable or stripper fed mag is excellent. Practical and reduces time spend re-loading. I've never fired the Springfield and I hear its a good rifle, but I also rarely hear anyone say its better. The mosin is fun, and its lovely, but its also just not as good. Of course, the modern rifles are all 'better' just as rifles. If I was going hunting i'd be taking one of them, for sure.
I like it, but it's not the "best," in my opinion. I'd rather take the Mauser or the 1903 Springfield into battle. Smoother to reload and operate, and 10 rounds is not the advantage it sounds like it would be in a bolt action rifle that loads via 5-rd clips. Very nice, though, which is why I have four of them. :-)
@@hickok45 The Mauser is lovely on the range, and lovely to cycle, and has a lovely round, but the bolt action breaking your sight picture is a killer for me. I know its quite situational, but just being able to maintain the sight picture while you rack it can be super useful for rapid shots.
@@hickok45 Anyway the nice thing about rifles is everyone has their favourites and as long as bullets come out the end and go where you wanted them to none of them are wrong. its a lovely collection you have there, thanks for the content and the engagement.
There's a Krag! My favorite rifle, still use mine to hunt out here in Alaska! Too many people don't even know about them, but it's the smoothest action ever and a unique design.
@@fedup3582 I'm nowhere near as dedicated a hunter as a lot of people up here, so my stories are pretty limited. A buddy and I did go for black bear one year. Found a nice field with a creek running through, signs of salmon being eaten, so we posted up. After about 40 minutes of quiet waiting, I got too hot and took off my jacket. Apparently the sound and/or scent woke up a brownie that was sleeping about 20 feet away that we didn't know was there. Luckily he chose flight over fight because when he stood up he was a good 7+ feet.
@@tybertimus great story! Did you ever get your black bear? I have a couple of 30-40 krags, a sporterized 98 krag rifle and a new 1885 saddle ring carbine. I took the carbine antelope hunting and dropped a doe in her tracks at 110 yds. I hope to do a lot more hunting with them, get me a deer at least. I love shooting the 30-40 and the history and nostalgia that comes with it. Somewhere i read a guy had an 1895 in 30-40, that his parents had given him as a teenager. Apparently it was the preferred rifle in his family. Grandpa, dad, and siblings had them. They all hunted extensively with them. 180 gr for caribou and deer, 220 for moose and bear. Apparently they all had great success with the 30-40 krag, over decades of use. Would love to hear more of their stories. Thank you very much for your story, would love to hear more if you have them. Hopefully I can get my health back on track, and create more of my own.
Is your krag still military original or sporterized? I myself am not so interested in one military original (nothing against them), just more interested in hunting and sporterized is just fine with me, especially if they did a nice job of it.
@fed up It's been sportorized. It was originally the 1898 Carbine model. Old stock is gone, sights replaced with a front blade and plain rear, barrel cut down...overall only 36 but feels comfy even for a bigger guy like me. Everything seems well done, but I'd like to make a new stock (it's not original but it's old and beat up)
WHAT! NO MOSIN!!! The Rodney Dangerfield of the bolt action rifles I guess. Maybe you can give us "The Last Mosin I'd Ever Sell...or trade to John for a Hi Point." :-)
Amazing how you two managed to comment 2 days before the video was published. I didn't realize Hickok45 could bend time. Maybe that explains why he is such a great shot! He can move the target before the bullet gets there.
What people don't realize is that Mosins vary a great deal in quality, ranging from junk to well finished and accurate sweeties. I own a pile of them and have sold on even more than I have kept.
@@tltc191 that is a brilliant observation! I suspected it was some type of space time manipulation. Nobody is that good of a marksman! Thanks for confirming 👍
I'm considering purchasing a model 70 featherweight hutin 308 cus I'm kind of puny but wanted the rifle hathcock used in Vietnam . Idk if 3006 is big recoil I never shot it. I was considering a garand too or an aero precision solus
1906 U.S. caliber .308 is overrated-- I'd go with the 7.65x53mm Belgian Mauser (Argentine Mauser) as "God's caliber" as Paul Mauser designed that for his first military contract rifle.
Nicest cartridge to shoot without giving away stopping power: 6.5x55. Nicest action with controlled round feed: Sako. For many, shooting a 30-06 is too much gun. For the range? Hand load a 6.5 with the Lapua Scenar 139 and you can reach out to 1000 yards.
Out of my big pile of surplus, Id opt for the Enfields. There are a ton of variants from a ton of countries, the action is fun to work, the collar is cool, the 303 is a nice round, and I just really enjoy the profile of a No 1. K31s are a close second if you find one in a walnut stock, and the troop tags are pretty rad.
A friend of mine carried a model 70 in early Vietnam. He swore by it's performance. A model 70 and or 1903 would be my choices. I have a number of the other rifles also. By the way you are an excellent shot! Thanks a lot, it was fun. Best wishes.
At C&Rsenal, "gun girl" Mae swears by Mauser as her personal combat rifle pick.;) (With ditto for .303" Enfield and the .30" 1917 Springfield) In a "Red Dawn" situation, pick a rifle that you can find ammo from the local gun store when "The Reds" invade.
You broke my heart when you pushed the Swedish M96 aside. But the Sako is the only other rifle there that I probably would have chosen over it too. 👍🏻👍🏻
Always been partial to the k98's and i love my Savage 30-06 and i did hate to see the American made Winchester lose, but i have to agree...the Sako's are absolutely amazing
My favorite rifle, bolt action or otherwise, is my Swiss K31. I just love everything about it. Sweet to shoot, clock work action, ridiculously accurate….it can hunt, fight or just be pretty. I’ll never part with it.
The one bolt action rifle i would keep over all others in my Yugo M24/47. Bought it when i was 21, it was the first hunting rifle I bought for myself, and it cost me $200 from a relative at the time. You couldn't get me to sell that rifle for life eternal in exchange.
I love my Yugo24/47. It’s the only bolt action I own but I decided that it was the one for me as I always wanted a Mauser and as a left hander the straight bolt makes cycling much easier and faster than a bent bolt.
Mine would have to be my Lee Enfield I bought three years ago when I was 15 cost me a pretty penny 1200 cad. Brand new mind you still in the mummy wrap.
I have 3. A 98 Oberndorf in 280, a Tikka in 243, and my latest a Sauer in 6.5x55. It’s a toss up! They all run and shoot absofreakinglutely wonderfully. Can’t do it………but the 98 is #1.
I admit to an American rifle bias and would never let the Model 70 or the '03 go for all the riches in the world. Adding on top the relative availability of .30-06 compared to most of the other rounds, at least in my neck of the woods, the choice is clear.
Good choice, hickok... one that fits and shoots the best for you...and, you know, maybe a lot of us don't verbalize it, but we truly do appreciate the time and effort that you two put into making these videos. Highly entertaining and informative. Your marksmanship with whatever you pick up is outstanding. Hoosier41 is envious! Thank you, and God bless...
A Lee Enfield 30-06 chambered model 4. I have a Sport-erized model 1 in .303 cal....I'd like to Re barrel that one with the original full length furniture.... German soldiers, in encounters with British soldiers in 4 man teams equipped with model 4s, reported being under fire by a machine gun. A true war machine.
All of the rifles in the video are a testament to 'old school' firearms manufacturing. They were built to last, be dependable, and have reasonable accuracy. I have a Lee-Enfield in .303 British caliber and it is all metal and wood..nary a piece of plastic on it. The barrel and action on mine dates to about 1933..the stock is a non-original aftermarket 'sporter' style but it is a tasteful modification with the original brass butt plate and doesn't bother me a bit that it's not the original stock..it's a good shooter very satisfying firearm in my collection. I'm sure mine has some tales to tell. Love those old bolt action rifles.
My "never get rid of" rifle is a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight (30-06) It's not the earlier model, but I have had it for 40 yrs. now and it's dependable and accurate. I said I would never get rid of it, but actually, I gave it to my son for Christmas last year. Up until then, he was using an old Savage Model 99 in the .303 Savage for deer hunting but ammo for it is hard to find.
For me, my Remington Model 700 police in .308 would win in the accuracy class. In the historic class, My Mauser made German mid war KAR 98 K with the as issued markings in 8mm Mauser. In the utility class, my 60's vintage Remington model 721 in .270 with which I have harvested many deer and wild pigs. But then... I'll be the caretaker of all of them as long as I'm here. Nothing for sale here.
Thats my biggest concern when looking at them side by side.... there will always be 3006, and it will always be cheaper than the 6.5 swed. So does the Swed have enough of a benefit to be worth the extra?
@@jongustavsson5874 Pig and goat carcass tests, U.S. Army, by Major (later MG) J. S. Hatcher-- he found that 6.5x55 and 7x57 Mauser equaled everything the 1906 30 caliber U.S. round could do out to 700 yards. .30-'06 only better at a thousand yards, and for vehicles and light aircraft.
@@profpudwick Equaled in what way? Damage done shouldn't be equal as a 30-06 has both more mass in the bullets and higher velocity on average than either of those. What ammo where they shooting in respective caliber?
I inherited my grandfather's model 70 30-06 just like the one you have. My grandfather bought it to hunt mule deer out west. Now the one he bought came with a Zeiss 4x optic and he only shot it 8 times. He got sick from cancer and never got a chance to go out west to hunt with it. But yes the model 70 Winchester 30-06 would be my pic. Awesome video as usual.
I would personally choose the Le Enfield. Part of the reason is because it carried my country through both world wars and even before that. The other is that I like the design of the muzzle
As a Brit, I was obviously rooting for the the No4, however, 303 Brit isn't as common or as cheap as it once was, so there it that consideration. I have owned four Sako rifles, two in .308 and two in .222 Rem and found them to be soulless despite being mechanically perfect. My current 'last bolt action' is a Ruger Scout with the green stock, love this girl to bits! Out of the choice you had on the table though, I would have taken the Mod 70 in a heartbeat.
I've always been partial to the Krag. Between the unique loading method, and so many of them seemed to come with really beautiful stocks. Just really cool pieces of history.
I applauded when Hickok45 made his last selection! What a fine show! You have all these outstanding choices-which of them is the single best? He showed which rifle he was most comfortable shooting-in the last string of fire, at least, the only time he didn’t look down while working the action was with the Sako. I would eliminate a couple of the 8: The ’03 Springfield and the Kar98K: The 1903 Springfield is a copy of the Gewehr 98; the Kar98K is a cut-down Gewehr 98. I would add a few new ones; maybe Mr. Greg has these in his gun safe: A Model 93 Spanish Mauser 7x57 mm Mauser, and an Argentine Mauser 7.65x53mm (1891 or 1909 or both), or the 1889 Belgian Mauser, same caliber. Mr. Greg eliminated the m/96 as the barrel was too long, so to keep the rifle with a shorter barrel, add the m/1938 Swedish Mauser to replace the longer m/96 (it is an arsenal cut-down m/96 or new production with 6” shorter barrel), and the m/1894 Swedish Mauser, same reason. Could add these: Vz. 24 Czech Mauser; a Mannlicher-Schönauer; a Schmidt-Rubin in 7.5x55 mm, and maybe a Mannlicher-Carcano, and a Garand M1, or the M-14. A Steyr Mannlicher? This is the first of his videos I’ve seen.
I'm a bit partial, but all the rifles here look awesome. I already have the last bolt action I would ever sell. It was my Dad's. It is old. I have never operated a nicer bolt action. I have always put venison in the freezer with it. It is the 30-40 Krag sporterized carbine.
Sporterized old military rifles are unique, just like the person that passed it down to you. I think the sentimental value supersedes the value of if they had just left them stock.
For me, the video ended when you said Model 70, in ,30-06, pre-war. I did not even need to hear the other choices. So you chose the Sako...I would love to take the Model 70 off of your hands and give it the #1 spot in the home it deserves, ( if that situation were ever to present itself).
Back in the early 1970’s, at 15 years old I purchased a M96 6.5X55. It had a very scard stock, the barrel had been shortened to 16.25”. It mounted a peep sight. If I could go back in time, I never would have sold it. $40.00 and it came with a half box of shells(shells were spendy/ Norma). So I would have to go with your choice. It was one that I dreamed of as a young man. Great Choice! Great Video
He is shooting the 03, which is the one that I would go with. Good reliable rifle, and at least in the states ammo that is available most every place you would look, unlike the 8mm, .303, and even the 6.5x55.
I have never wandered into an outdoor retailer or gun store for ammo, it is always better to buy online at the lowest price. Also, what gun collector/enthusiast runs out of ammo for their firearms? I know I nearly always have a hundred plus rounds for all my guns. There is no need to not purchase a rifle because of some perceived difficulty in getting ammo, keeps rounds on hand, and when you get low buy online.
I've loved the 6.5 ever since I saw your video on the swede YEARS ago! I was looking for a k98 but couldn't afford them. I picked up a Swedish Mauser m96 1905 and fell in love with the 6.5x55
Do people who buy these old guns use them for hunting or are they like a nice gun ya barely shoot? Cuz I wish i had a few of these rifles to go hunting with
@@bubsterjohnson7438 Yes folks hunt with them, but please don't bubba an original milsurp. There are plenty of others out there folks have done that to.
Hey Greg.....Before you started your count down, I also selected the two finalists that you chose, namely the Winchester Model 70 and the Sako! I would also agree with your final choice. Incidentally, the Finlanders who make that gun pronounce their company name "Sacko". Any way you say it, it's the "Cadillac" of bolt actions.
Skipped straight to the conclusion as I was certain the Pre-64 Model 70 would be in the semi-final. The winner is hardly fair given the first Model 70 was made in 1936. I have a '37 in 30 GOV'T 06 and love it. Full disclosure, my precision rifle is a Tikka in 6.5 CM (SAKO subsidiary). The old man has lost it; Finnish rifles and German gun oil. What's next, Norma ammo? The mind reels!
As I’m going through the licensing process( I am South Africa. Gun control sucks btw, so enjoy America) my first ever rifle is likely to be be the model70. Or a marlin 30-30 lever action. So for this, I’d go with the model 70
I chose the “pre ‘64” Model 70 Winchester in 30-06 before you even shot the first rifle. You use the “fits like a glove” moniker for nearly all the rifles. You didn’t mention what weight 30-06 round you were shooting but you will always find 30-06 ammo when the shelves might be dry for the 6.5 X 55.
Sako is a good choice - top quality and the full stock is simply awesome. I have a modern Sako Blackbear in 9,3x62, still top quality (5 round MOA guarantee) and although in plastic the aestetics are as good as can be.
If I had to choose one of my bolt actions, I'd have to go with my SAKO L579 Forester in 243 Winchester. It is an older (Bofors Steel) model. Extremely accurate and smooth with a more or less perfect trigger. Lightweight, fairly handy and very good looking too.
Hard to pick between all my bolt actions but from the ones I have I’d definitely have a toss up between my SMLE and my Gewehr98 Both are beautiful fun rifles with their own personalities and quirks and it’s hard to choose!
Playlist for this series: ruclips.net/p/PLThWr6EloFzkwBQxKigzXE1vKUm_nGjKF
Give me as a 🎁.. I want to own one
i need hunting rifle sir
@@samsungraee1517 hi oii ll b
Moi@@Petlover-1y ay
Vap yZy
I cannot believe that some of these rifles are over 100 years old but still operating so well. A testament to the creator and the manufacturing of the time. They just have so much character.
They where built to last that's for sure. To get that same quality today you have to pay quite a price. It's nice that cheap bolt guns exist and are so functional but they won't hold up like these sweet babies.
Agree. We used these types in drills for cadets, and it is really cool that people are still interested in them.
There isn’t much to go wrong
My family has a tendency to pass on firearms. Have percussion cap .75 cal all the way up to late 1800’s and early 1900’s bolt, lever and semi-auto shotguns and rifles and of course modern sporting and SHTF stuff. Just gave my newborn Grandson an early .30WCF Winchester...Just wanted to make sure Papa was the FIRST to pass along something with a bit of history. There are so many with very storied histories that we need to keep them alive and working.
I hope our future generations will be able to enjoy many lifetimes of enjoyment in shooting sports and be prepared to hold on to our Second Amendment Rights as Americans.
I have a trap door Springfield that is older than 100.... The quality of parts was held to a higher standard. Now Ammo is much more reliable today for sure, better accurately loaded, no hot or underloaded rounds.
They might be obsolete by modern standards, but I just love them. I'd never part with my 1908 Swedish Mauser. It's such a sweet old rifle.
You bet , they are awesome 👍
If I had to choose I'd go with either the Swede Mauser or G 98 I just love the Mausers.
@@MatiasAimone me too I have a M1893 Mauser 7x57 and its my fav in my collection .. but must admit , the M1896 Swedish Mauser in 6.5x55 is the King 👑 imho 👍
@@davegeisler7802 That's awesome! Amazing that you get to fire these rifles. Do you have the Gewehr 98? Or the legendary Kar98k? Lmk
@@MatiasAimone I have a K98k , 03a3 , K31 Swiss and a No4 mk2 smelly and a Krag and they would all have to go if I had to choose , except the 1893 Mauser ❤️
For me the choice is easy, I love the .303 and the No4 in particular. Hard to argue with the Sako or the model 70 either though.
✌🏻👋🏻
As a fellow Canadian, I can confirm we have a love for the enfield, that and the mosin. They are everywhere here lol
I had a number 4 then purchased a number 1 MARK III*, the rear sight set well forward on the rifle suits my ageing far-sighted eyes a lot better.
Choice is easy; picks 4.
Agree about the Sako and the 6.5x55se is a fine caliber.
For an all purpose shooter, including ammunition availability, I'd go with the model 70. I can get ammunition at the hardware store. The fact that it's a sweet shooter and versatile, is a bonus.
My oh my... My father built all of his sporters off the 03-A3 action. His buddies were in the K98 crowd in the 1970's. Sure the Sako is nice to look at and may fit you better without adjustment, but the 30-06 in bullet selection alone took this contest for me. I'd rock the Win 70 forever.
I have a sporterized Enfiled that was my Grandfathers. He had about every military rifle you could think of. And if he didn't have it one of his brothers did. That's what I grew up around. He loved showing off that Enfield because it was not a common platform to sporterize without removing the ring which this one had not been.
Wow! Talk about “Click Bait!” I literally had to pull my truck off the road and watch this one immediately! Haha! Hickock, I cannot blame you for your choice. As more of a “utility” guy, though, I would have had to go with a more readily available cartridge. And that, in America, would have been the -06. The 03-A3 quality notwithstanding, the Winchester is more practical. My logic for the choice is based on “hunt-ability,” for food, and the aforementioned availability of ammunition...if Freedom is assumed to have fallen. Great video!!
Is your truck ok?
Me too I had just walked out of the oncologist office and had to watch before I left the parking lot. Now I'm watching on my TV!
I was thinking exactly the same thing. Ammunition availability is a key factor for me. If you had to choose just one. I think I’d have had to throw in the towel and keep the last two.
@@jackwoods535, I just saw the notification. I wasn’t browsing LOL
I have a sporterized 03/A3 Remington….. I was offered 1200 for it 10 years ago.
I will never sell it.
I’d have to go with my personal favorite, the British 303. I’ve enjoyed hunting with it for better than thirty years.
An underappreciated firearm -- and honestly, I'd just as soon it stayed that way. Means I can afford to buy more!
@@mwmcbroom I have the British 303 Jungle carbine Enfield Rife. That is the only one I have in bolt action. It holds 10 round in the mag and is a very fast operating bolt action. I think it is the fastest in the world it was said? I bought it for 19 dollars in 1959 and freight on it was 30 dollars. It is still in the same condition as when I got it...I love it...
@@WB8BRA My dad gave me my first Enfield, which happens also to be a Jungle Carbine. That was back in the mid-60s. I think he paid $30 for it in unfired condition.
Which rifle though?
@@WB8BRA The Jungle carbine is one of the only ones I haven't picked up yet. I love all things Enfield. You got a steal on that, even if it was in 1959!
Awesome bolt guns Hard decision for sure. Personally I’d chose the Winchester Model 70
Good choice brother it's a classic.
@@Brad-ic4bp It's the style, a Mannlicher stock. The Winchester Model 70 is an icon, especially that pre-war example with the stripper clip guide. I think '45 erred in not choosing the Model 70.
Nyet mosin nagant
But have you tried both rifles, or just pick because of nation bias?
@@Ronaldopopkings The Sako is a very fine rifle but the Winchester is an icon.
The Gewehr 98!!! Three reasons: 1) I'm not sure I'd disqualify a rifle based solely on the appearance of the stock; 2) It's comparative rarity nowadays; 3) Finally; I have a very MINT one, and of my entire collection that'd be the first firearm I'd save if my home ever caught fire ;-)
That Sako's a honey... simply a beautiful piece of gunsmithing and engineering.
Ever since I’ve watched you video on that 6.5 Sako I’ve known it’s one of your favorites. The joy just pours out of you when you’re shouldering that beautiful rifle.
My choice, too.
sako is from finland and really works
6.5 x 55 ❤️
It's so ruggedly built too, and the reliability is off the charts. Sako also perfected the Controlled Feed mechanism.
Personally I would have went with either the model 70 or the 03 Springfield. I love 30-06. I have a model 70 featherlight in 30-06 and the action is like glass and i cant miss with it if i try. It was the last birthday gift from my mom before she passed and I would never part with it
As an Australian, I would probably have gone for the No.4, but I would more likely to actually have a SMLE MkIII* in the first place, as we did not adopt the No.4.
If I was an American, I would probably have picked the Winchester. Firstly for the range and availability of ammunition, then for the bigger variety of game animals that you can take with a .30/06, compared to a 6.5mm.
Light aircraft and vehicles, wrote J.S. Hatcher following his U.S. Army testing of .30-'06 versus 7x57 and 6.5x55 mm ammo. And at 1000 yards.
The No4 by a mile. Decent caliber, easy to cycle without removing it from the shoulder, and pretty dang accurate
Any of these rifles in good condition is capable to shoot more accurate than 99% of all shooters actually can.
He said he didn’t like the clip on the .303. I wonder if he is aware of the three up two down clip loading procedure. That maybe why he has issues with them.
@@TheMattlockyer possible.
@@jackmclane1826 I had a "beater" of a No 1 Mk III from WWI that still shot accurate even with original barrel (obviously not AS accurate as my better condition L.E.'s but not too far off really)
@@therabbitcanada That's what I mean... any of these rifles in a good condition exceeds the precision that the vast majority of shooters can make use of.
My Uncle gave me my first rifle when I was about 12yrs old. 40 years later I still have it, it looks exactly the same, and it's still very accurate. Sears & Roebuck -J.C. Higgins model 103.18. Single shot 22.
I am new to firearms and have a wish list. The bolt action rifle on my list is a current Winchester 70 model chambered in .308. The Featherweight is very cool. Hickok45 never fails to impress and inform.!!
You will not go wrong with real weight
White Feather was used 30-06.
Can't go wrong with a model 70, a firearm that will last a lifetime with minimal care required.
If you are into military bolt-action rifles, an inexpensive and common one that everyone has is the Mosin Nagant. My personal favorites are the Lee Enfield and K31.
I have a 1970s Winchester Model 70 in 300 Win Mag. It's my most favorite, non AR15 long gun to shoot. It is fun, it is ridiculously accurate and it is a beautiful piece of equipment. Enough power to knock your pants off when you shoot it.
Mine is my Ruger M77 MII 308Win. I’m in love with it for sure but it’s the rifle my wife bought for me when we dated. She walked into a gun shop and showed them a .308Win cartridge she found in her dads gun case and said “I want to buy my boyfriend a rifle that fits this”.
Sweetness from yur lady! Awesomeness
No secret why you put a ring on that finger
I reckon I'd a married her too. The Ruger M77 is a great modern interpretation of the classic Mauser 98. Good thing that cartridge wasn't a 250 Savage or a 356 Winchester or something . . .
I agree with the M77. The tang safety guns were so sweet. I loved the M77 RL. And the flatbolts! So smooth!
No wonder you married that up, she’s definitely a keeper.
I would choose the model 70 over the Sako because that model 70 is way harder to replace.
Gotta tell you ... I have ALWAYS wanted a Model 70.
For a civilian-pattern bolt-action, the Winchester Model 70 30-06 for the win. The most-influential and significant cartridge of the 20th century, being shot by the ultimate rifleman's rifle - the prototypical hunting rifle since 1936. For a military-pattern bolt-action, for historical significance, you'd be hard-pressed to top the Mauser 98K or its derivatives and relations in the Mauser family tree, or the Lee-Enfield Mk. IV .303. One arm not there is also very significant historically, the Mosin-Nagant. It fires the longest-serving military cartridge in history, the 7.62x54R - which is still in use today by the Russian military. But for an all-around shooter, the Springfield M1903 is tough to top, and for many of the same reasons that the Model 70 is: The M1903 excelled whether on the field of battle, in competition, or afield hunting, and it too fires the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century, the amazing 30-06.
The Swedish Mauser is a wonderful cartridge which has been amply proven in the field, in competition and as a military load - but not withstanding the fine ballistics of 6.5mm (.264-cal.) cartridges, it doesn't quite rank with the 30-06 in terms of versatility or power. That chambering tops out at 160 grains or so, whereas the 30-06 can handle bullets as heavy as 220-230 grains with aplomb. And it can also handle ones as light as 100-110 grains equally well. And everything in between.
The Lee-Enfield is still the fastest-cycling turn-bolt repeater ever used by a national military, but in order to attain that speed, the designers had to make compromises in the action and bolt, neither of which is as-robust as those found on Mauser pattern rifles (including the M1903, which is Mauser-based). The .303 is certainly no slouch, in terms of power, being roughly 90% the power of .308 Winchester, but it is a rimmed cartridge, which makes it instantly archaic in today's world - and it simply can't stack up to the 7.62x54, 8mm Mauser or 30-06 for punch.
It is powerful enough for military use, but it stretching it to use it on the largest North American game, let alone the largest and toughest African game. Have giant brown and polar bears been taken with the .303 cartridge? Sure, but you're better off with something harder-hitting. As far as long range ballistics are concerned, the Lee-Enfield proved to be a highly-capable precision weapon out to 800 yards or so, perhaps a bit further - but its powder capacity is significantly less than the 30-06, whose long-range performance outstrips the rimmed Brit by a considerable margin. As do the 7.62x54 R and 8mm Mauser, for that matter.
As brilliant as the Lee-Enfield was in its particular sphere, it is telling that no modern manufacturer of turn-bolt hunting rifles makes one patterned by the venerable British design. Virtually all pattern their rifles upon Mauser's timeless receiver and bolt design, which is tougher, stronger and more-rigid than the Lee-Enfield. All of which are qualities prized by manufacturers of fine hunting rifles.
I am 100% in agreement with the 6.5x55 Swede, that round has nearly perfect attributes for med and large game in America
1 - the 6.5 mm projectile is long for caliber, very efficient, with very high BC and very high SD
2 - The Swede has low recoil which promotes accurate shot placement and makes it a pleasure to shoot round after round
3 - The Swede carries more energy down range than a 30 caliber, long, high BC bullets do not shed velocity and energy as fast as the 30 calibers do.
4 - The Swede punches above what its paper ballistic say. The long 6.5's penetrate very deep into large game vitals. The Scandinavians have been taking large, heavy game such as Reindeer, Musk Ox, and moose for over 125 years
5 - The Swede is an inherently accurate cartridge for hunting
6 - The Swede does drifts less in the wind and drops less at range than other larger cartridges
I likely would have chose the Swedish Mauser M96 in 6.5x55 with the full length barrel vs the Sako
Man that first BA he picked up “the old krag” he said that is the most interesting one I have ever seen ! I’m new to older rifles but the loading mechanism and look of the Krag just screams OLDSCHOOL. Love it
Looks like you came to the same conclusion I did, I have both Sako 85s and Winchester Model 70s. The absolute best rifle would be a hybrid of both rifles. The Sako 85 rifle with the Winchester Long extractor with the Winchester wing safety…. Absolutely fabulous rifles.
I love my new Model 70 but the design of the safety seems weak. It's been back to Winchester and it's still less than smooth.
Bolt actions are the best! Just got my first recently, a 1938 Soviet-made Mosin-Nagant. Lovin’ it! Eventually I’d love to have a German Mauser and British Enfield too.
I have one made that year as well! It's a great rifle!
Mosin in capable hands is a beast!
I have the same Longbranch Enfield in this video. It was the fastest bolt action gun in WW1 and WW2. The bolt is like a typewriter. You barely touch it, and it shoots all the way back ready to chamber another round. Got mine for 300 at a gun show.
I have all three. Get them,you won’t regret it.
I managed to buy a collection of guns from a guy whose dad passed away and he didn't know anything about them. I walked out with a Savage No4, steyer 44 k98k, model 97 winchester td riot, Danzig G98, and my favorite... an M1 Garand with the bayonet and 2 boxes of Talon Black tip 30-06. Unfortunately the garand was in 308 but I paid about a 1000 usd for all of them.
If I could keep only one rifle it would be the late 1930s SMLE that was not issued but officers would buy them, much better accuracy, sights, finish, wood over standard issue rifles as at those times a officer was expected to buy his own small arms.
2 and 3rd would be a tie between a Finnish mosin and a mauser k98
4th would be a nice arisaka.
For anyone who is looking to buy a new manufactured rifle for a decent price that has long military roots I would recommend the Howa bolt action rifles, they used to make arisaka rifles before and during ww2 and you can buy a rifled action with a great stock trigger, hammer forged barrel in many different barrel types and lengths and so many calibers for very little, I managed to buy the exact furniture and aluminium bedded stock, optic and bipod as the ones used by the Japanese police marksmen and the JSDF.
Its the best non mil surp for the money.
2nd mention of Arisaka!
honestly i'd have to choose the model 70 pre 64 winchester in 30-06. main reason- availability of ammo and reliability of the action. the one you chose seemed to have a smoother action, but i'm thinking 06 is cheaper to repair and reload due to availability of parts and ammo components.
thanks for the video, and NEVER grab the Mosen-Nagant...lolol
My guess: Sako Bavarian Carbine 6.5 x 55. Ever since I saw this one I’ve wanted it too.
Ditto
I thought you'd end up with the pre-war Winchester 70, but your reasons for keeping the Sako make sense. I'd have gone with the Winchester 70. I have a pre-war just like yours. Same caliber, too.
A number of publications in the hunting/outdoors industry voted the Winchester Model 70 the "bolt-action rifle of the 20th century," shortly before the turn of the millennium. It is known as "the rifleman's rifle" for very good reason. And for versatility and the ability to do just about anything any hunter or sportsman would want (and more than a few soldiers and Marines, too), the 30-06 cartridge is very tough to top. It is today the single most-popular center-fire rifle cartridge in the world, and many firearm historians view it as the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century, hands down. The .303 Enfield and 8mm Mauser have their proponents, but the sales figures do not lie, nor do the history books.
The Winchester M70 should get the nod over the Sako because it delivers comparable -perhaps even better - performance for less money. There's no doubt that an old Finn Bear Sako in 30-06 makes sweet music for a hunter's ears, but in today's dollars, you can't get one for under $1500 used, and a new Sako comparable to it runs $2000 or more. Whereas one can get into a very nice new Model 70 for around $850-1000, and a new Super Grade for less than $1500. Used, prices are even better.
I agree, it's too hard! When it comes to beauty, craftsmanship, and accuracy, my FN Commercial Mauser in 308 gets the nod. But for that Zombie attack, end of the world apocalypse, my nod has to go to one of my 303 Enfields, with its detachable 10-round magazine. I commend you on your choice though. That Sako, with its Mannlicher stock and 6.5x55 chambering, is a sweet choice indeed.
Where you gonna get .303s
@@coomr419 I have several hundred safely tucked away. Should last me a day or two . . .
good luck finding 303
Enfields are awful in the mud, and we all know about the trench warfare in zombie apocalypse!
I would vote for a .308 commercial mauser too.
Keep your MK4 Lee Enfield!!..No Contest ..Learned on one shot one for years and loved it especially when you put a good scope on it . Just a joy to shoot !
The model 70 is the finest centerfire bolt action sporting arm ever made. The Riflemans Rifle. All of the military rifles shown are outstanding examples. I also have the 96 in 6.5x55 Swedish, but the 30.06 is a more versatile caliber and can be used in more hunting applications than the swede. Also, the mannlicher stock on the sako is a turn off to me.
Every time I see you shoot a bolt action rifle, I kick myself for parting with my Carl Gustav M38 Short Rifle, in 6.5 Swedish.
It was the sweetest shooting and smoothest operating of any bolt gun I have handled. All Mausers (and variants) *ROCK!!!*
Thanks for the video!!
The Sako fits you, has the smoothest action, and is in your favorite bolt action cartridge! It's a natural choice, for your only rifle. Good video guys!
What caliber was it?
I had mod 70 30-06 that caliber killed my shoulder, hit so hard
@@HDHD-yv9np 6.5 x 55 ❤️
I have one .303 British my grandfather had in ww2, he told me at a young age what the secret bullet compartment was for in the buttstock. I will never sell, pass down until our government destroys that as well.
Cheers from Canada.
It was for a brass oil can. Believe me the enfields does not like dust. I have one i hunt with. On a 4 day hunt here in africa you need to clean oil the bolt every second day other wise you struggle to close it. You will see in front of you magazine there is a little ring for a string. You where issued a cloth bolt cover you tie down on that ring.
@@gmoney6595 We don't have bidey's head do we? Same-O Same.O
I the British 303 Jungle carbine Enfield Rife. That is the only one I have in bolt action. It holds 10 round in the mag and is a very fast operating bolt action. I think it is the fastest in the world it was said? I bought it for 19 dollars in 1959 and freight on it was 30 dollars. It is still in the same condition as when I got it...
Maybe it’s time to stop your government destroying things?… lol
@@gmoney6595 I ask myself that daily. My province Sask. and Alberta are the last standing bastions of sanity. We gave Trudeau a hard no by swiping all ridings conservative. He won with 35%. Welfare recipients, immigrants and blue haired liberals turned the tides. Need I say more..
The Enfield is the best 'bolt action battle rifle' ever made. That doesn't mean it's the most accurate, because that's irrelevant in a battle rifle, all that matters is 'accurate enough', which it is, by far. so arguments about which version of the K98 has a slightly better grouping at 1000m are gibberish, it doesn't matter in a soldiers rifle.
What matters in a bolt action battle rifle is primarily ease of use and accurate rate of fire. What made the enfield so good (and i own one) is how quickly and well the bolt cycles, and that you can keep your eye in the sight while you cycle it while prone.
It's impossible to explain to someone who has never fired one how important that is to rate of fire, and accuracy of fire at high rates. With the k98, the bolt action is longer and less ergonomic, so if you try and keep your eye in the sight, you usually (depending on size/head position of user) punch yourself in the face when you bring the bolt back. So you have to lift your head fractionally out of the sight, and lose your sight picture and position, and then have to re-gain it. This roughly halves the accurate rate of fire for a typical unsophisticated user (i.e. a regular soldier).
For that reason alone, all the mauser variants are inferior to the Enfield, and the 10 round detachable or stripper fed mag is excellent. Practical and reduces time spend re-loading. I've never fired the Springfield and I hear its a good rifle, but I also rarely hear anyone say its better. The mosin is fun, and its lovely, but its also just not as good.
Of course, the modern rifles are all 'better' just as rifles. If I was going hunting i'd be taking one of them, for sure.
I like it, but it's not the "best," in my opinion. I'd rather take the Mauser or the 1903 Springfield into battle. Smoother to reload and operate, and 10 rounds is not the advantage it sounds like it would be in a bolt action rifle that loads via 5-rd clips. Very nice, though, which is why I have four of them. :-)
@@hickok45 The Mauser is lovely on the range, and lovely to cycle, and has a lovely round, but the bolt action breaking your sight picture is a killer for me. I know its quite situational, but just being able to maintain the sight picture while you rack it can be super useful for rapid shots.
@@hickok45 Anyway the nice thing about rifles is everyone has their favourites and as long as bullets come out the end and go where you wanted them to none of them are wrong. its a lovely collection you have there, thanks for the content and the engagement.
There's a Krag! My favorite rifle, still use mine to hunt out here in Alaska! Too many people don't even know about them, but it's the smoothest action ever and a unique design.
👍👍👍 Would love to hear some of your hunting experiences.
@@fedup3582 I'm nowhere near as dedicated a hunter as a lot of people up here, so my stories are pretty limited.
A buddy and I did go for black bear one year. Found a nice field with a creek running through, signs of salmon being eaten, so we posted up. After about 40 minutes of quiet waiting, I got too hot and took off my jacket. Apparently the sound and/or scent woke up a brownie that was sleeping about 20 feet away that we didn't know was there. Luckily he chose flight over fight because when he stood up he was a good 7+ feet.
@@tybertimus great story! Did you ever get your black bear? I have a couple of 30-40 krags, a sporterized 98 krag rifle and a new 1885 saddle ring carbine. I took the carbine antelope hunting and dropped a doe in her tracks at 110 yds. I hope to do a lot more hunting with them, get me a deer at least. I love shooting the 30-40 and the history and nostalgia that comes with it. Somewhere i read a guy had an 1895 in 30-40, that his parents had given him as a teenager. Apparently it was the preferred rifle in his family. Grandpa, dad, and siblings had them. They all hunted extensively with them. 180 gr for caribou and deer, 220 for moose and bear. Apparently they all had great success with the 30-40 krag, over decades of use. Would love to hear more of their stories. Thank you very much for your story, would love to hear more if you have them. Hopefully I can get my health back on track, and create more of my own.
Is your krag still military original or sporterized? I myself am not so interested in one military original (nothing against them), just more interested in hunting and sporterized is just fine with me, especially if they did a nice job of it.
@fed up It's been sportorized. It was originally the 1898 Carbine model. Old stock is gone, sights replaced with a front blade and plain rear, barrel cut down...overall only 36 but feels comfy even for a bigger guy like me. Everything seems well done, but I'd like to make a new stock (it's not original but it's old and beat up)
As a pre 64 Mod 70 supergrade owner myself, Im biased towards your 1940 Mod 70. Love that thing!!!
WHAT! NO MOSIN!!! The Rodney Dangerfield of the bolt action rifles I guess. Maybe you can give us "The Last Mosin I'd Ever Sell...or trade to John for a Hi Point." :-)
I think I have enough Mosin's to actually do that video. :-)
@@hickok45 Springfield 03 from ww2 is a dream to me my grandfather had one it was nice iron sights a quarter size shot group at 100 yards
Amazing how you two managed to comment 2 days before the video was published. I didn't realize Hickok45 could bend time. Maybe that explains why he is such a great shot! He can move the target before the bullet gets there.
What people don't realize is that Mosins vary a great deal in quality, ranging from junk to well finished and accurate sweeties. I own a pile of them and have sold on even more than I have kept.
@@tltc191 that is a brilliant observation! I suspected it was some type of space time manipulation. Nobody is that good of a marksman!
Thanks for confirming 👍
Pre-64 Model 70 chambered in Gods' caliber. The "Riflemans' Rifle".
I'm considering purchasing a model 70 featherweight hutin 308 cus I'm kind of puny but wanted the rifle hathcock used in Vietnam . Idk if 3006 is big recoil I never shot it. I was considering a garand too or an aero precision solus
What is your opinion
3006 is pretty big recoil you can buy ammo thats loaded more to 308 specs. Some people hate recoil other don't mind.
Not really .. the 30-06 is still producing at least 450-500lb ft /lb of energy more than the .308. The only similar specs would be bullet velocity.
1906 U.S. caliber .308 is overrated-- I'd go with the 7.65x53mm Belgian Mauser (Argentine Mauser) as "God's caliber" as Paul Mauser designed that for his first military contract rifle.
Nicest cartridge to shoot without giving away stopping power: 6.5x55.
Nicest action with controlled round feed: Sako.
For many, shooting a 30-06 is too much gun.
For the range? Hand load a 6.5 with the Lapua Scenar 139 and you can reach out to 1000 yards.
Out of my big pile of surplus, Id opt for the Enfields. There are a ton of variants from a ton of countries, the action is fun to work, the collar is cool, the 303 is a nice round, and I just really enjoy the profile of a No 1. K31s are a close second if you find one in a walnut stock, and the troop tags are pretty rad.
You have a wonderful collection of those great firearms.
The full length stock of the Sako is just gorgeous. Satin finish looks much nicer than the semigloss of the model 70
A friend of mine carried a model 70 in early Vietnam. He swore by it's performance. A model 70 and or 1903 would be my choices. I have a number of the other rifles also. By the way you are an excellent shot! Thanks a lot, it was fun. Best wishes.
He was sent in by JFK as a military advisor.
Agree Mr Hickok! My Sako 85 Bavarian Carbine 308 is my fav rifle. Fantastic design and fit
At C&Rsenal, "gun girl" Mae swears by Mauser as her personal combat rifle pick.;) (With ditto for .303" Enfield and the .30" 1917 Springfield) In a "Red Dawn" situation, pick a rifle that you can find ammo from the local gun store when "The Reds" invade.
Now that's a hard choice! For me it would be in between the K98, 03 Springfield. And the Model 70. Of course pre 1964.
My deer rifle is a scoped and sporterized K98. No problems since I bough it in 1985.
@@DBCisco german quality since 1898 :) how much did it cost back in ´85?
@@Chris-pu7lu $125
You broke my heart when you pushed the Swedish M96 aside. But the Sako is the only other rifle there that I probably would have chosen over it too. 👍🏻👍🏻
+1
Its a great club when you have no ammo
My Swedish Mauser stays for life
Always been partial to the k98's and i love my Savage 30-06 and i did hate to see the American made Winchester lose, but i have to agree...the Sako's are absolutely amazing
Tough call. I think I couldn't part with the K31. Or maybe a P17. I like them all but those two really stand out.
I don't recall those on the table!
Model 70. It’s a 30-06 too. Ideal caliber. Ideal rifle.
There is no way to decide. All those rifles are nostalgic and worth keeping. I could never decide what to keep from such a fantastic collection.
My favorite rifle, bolt action or otherwise, is my Swiss K31. I just love everything about it. Sweet to shoot, clock work action, ridiculously accurate….it can hunt, fight or just be pretty. I’ll never part with it.
Yeah, I like mine too.
Agree…love mine
I have 2 one with the walnut stock and one with the birch stock. Love them!
I saw a .308 one at a gun show...kickin my butt i didnt grab it! But i wondered who did and how good was the conversion, right?
The one bolt action rifle i would keep over all others in my Yugo M24/47. Bought it when i was 21, it was the first hunting rifle I bought for myself, and it cost me $200 from a relative at the time. You couldn't get me to sell that rifle for life eternal in exchange.
Mine would either be my mosin or my 10/22
I love my Yugo24/47. It’s the only bolt action I own but I decided that it was the one for me as I always wanted a Mauser and as a left hander the straight bolt makes cycling much easier and faster than a bent bolt.
Tall order indeed❗️
Mine would have to be my Lee Enfield I bought three years ago when I was 15 cost me a pretty penny 1200 cad. Brand new mind you still in the mummy wrap.
I have 3. A 98 Oberndorf in 280, a Tikka in 243, and my latest a Sauer in 6.5x55. It’s a toss up! They all run and shoot absofreakinglutely wonderfully. Can’t do it………but the 98 is #1.
Jeez I had an Oberndorf m/96 Swede stamped with 1898 date of manufacture and I sold it-- at 10 % profit-- maybe 110 dollars back then --
I admit to an American rifle bias and would never let the Model 70 or the '03 go for all the riches in the world. Adding on top the relative availability of .30-06 compared to most of the other rounds, at least in my neck of the woods, the choice is clear.
Good choice, hickok... one that fits and shoots the best for you...and, you know, maybe a lot of us don't verbalize it, but we truly do appreciate the time and effort that you two put into making these videos. Highly entertaining and informative. Your marksmanship with whatever you pick up is outstanding. Hoosier41 is envious! Thank you, and God bless...
As soon as I saw the Sako was included I knew it would win. It would be my choice too, and the Model 70 would have been my runner up as well.
for me I knew it the moment the camera glanced over them and I spotted the sako logo, I'd go with that anytime as well
A Lee Enfield 30-06 chambered model 4. I have a Sport-erized model 1 in .303 cal....I'd like to Re barrel that one with the original full length furniture....
German soldiers, in encounters with British soldiers in 4 man teams equipped with model 4s, reported being under fire by a machine gun. A true war machine.
I’m a big fan of the Mauser action , But the British 303 have a special place in my heart , It was the 1st rifle I ever fired and owned .
All of the rifles in the video are a testament to 'old school' firearms manufacturing. They were built to last, be dependable, and have reasonable accuracy. I have a Lee-Enfield in .303 British caliber and it is all metal and wood..nary a piece of plastic on it. The barrel and action on mine dates to about 1933..the stock is a non-original aftermarket 'sporter' style but it is a tasteful modification with the original brass butt plate and doesn't bother me a bit that it's not the original stock..it's a good shooter very satisfying firearm in my collection. I'm sure mine has some tales to tell. Love those old bolt action rifles.
I say the model 70. I love the .30-06 round; it's so American.
My "never get rid of" rifle is a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight (30-06) It's not the earlier model, but I have had it for 40 yrs. now and it's dependable and accurate. I said I would never get rid of it, but actually, I gave it to my son for Christmas last year. Up until then, he was using an old Savage Model 99 in the .303 Savage for deer hunting but ammo for it is hard to find.
Sako was a good choice but I would've been tempted by the Winchester 70
Hands down, the Sako is the most beautiful of those rifles.
For me, my Remington Model 700 police in .308 would win in the accuracy class. In the historic class, My Mauser made German mid war KAR 98 K with the as issued markings in 8mm Mauser. In the utility class, my 60's vintage Remington model 721 in .270 with which I have harvested many deer and wild pigs. But then... I'll be the caretaker of all of them as long as I'm here. Nothing for sale here.
I think you’ll miss the 30-06 especially when the 6.5/55 ammo is hard to find compared to the venerable 30-06.
You can just buy the 85 in 30-06.
Thats my biggest concern when looking at them side by side.... there will always be 3006, and it will always be cheaper than the 6.5 swed. So does the Swed have enough of a benefit to be worth the extra?
@@J.sh_CDN depends on what you use it for. Plenty of hunting where 30-06 is way overkill but 6,5 shines.
@@jongustavsson5874 Pig and goat carcass tests, U.S. Army, by Major (later MG) J. S. Hatcher-- he found that 6.5x55 and 7x57 Mauser equaled everything the 1906 30 caliber U.S. round could do out to 700 yards. .30-'06 only better at a thousand yards, and for vehicles and light aircraft.
@@profpudwick Equaled in what way? Damage done shouldn't be equal as a 30-06 has both more mass in the bullets and higher velocity on average than either of those. What ammo where they shooting in respective caliber?
as much as i love my model 70, seeing what the Finns could do with MOSINS is a very real testament to the firearms craftsmanship over there.
I inherited my grandfather's model 70 30-06 just like the one you have. My grandfather bought it to hunt mule deer out west. Now the one he bought came with a Zeiss 4x optic and he only shot it 8 times. He got sick from cancer and never got a chance to go out west to hunt with it. But yes the model 70 Winchester 30-06 would be my pic. Awesome video as usual.
I would personally choose the Le Enfield. Part of the reason is because it carried my country through both world wars and even before that. The other is that I like the design of the muzzle
As a Brit, I was obviously rooting for the the No4, however, 303 Brit isn't as common or as cheap as it once was, so there it that consideration. I have owned four Sako rifles, two in .308 and two in .222 Rem and found them to be soulless despite being mechanically perfect.
My current 'last bolt action' is a Ruger Scout with the green stock, love this girl to bits!
Out of the choice you had on the table though, I would have taken the Mod 70 in a heartbeat.
I would have chosen the Model 70, but I'm biased. I totally respect his decision.
I've always been partial to the Krag. Between the unique loading method, and so many of them seemed to come with really beautiful stocks. Just really cool pieces of history.
Hunt with it . Carbine . Rattle . Wonder thought .
Thought it would be the Sako based on how you acted when you shot it and how accurate it was. Great choice.
I applauded when Hickok45 made his last selection! What a fine show! You have all these outstanding choices-which of them is the single best? He showed which rifle he was most comfortable shooting-in the last string of fire, at least, the only time he didn’t look down while working the action was with the Sako.
I would eliminate a couple of the 8: The ’03 Springfield and the Kar98K: The 1903 Springfield is a copy of the Gewehr 98; the Kar98K is a cut-down Gewehr 98.
I would add a few new ones; maybe Mr. Greg has these in his gun safe: A Model 93 Spanish Mauser 7x57 mm Mauser, and an Argentine Mauser 7.65x53mm (1891 or 1909 or both), or the 1889 Belgian Mauser, same caliber. Mr. Greg eliminated the m/96 as the barrel was too long, so to keep the rifle with a shorter barrel, add the m/1938 Swedish Mauser to replace the longer m/96 (it is an arsenal cut-down m/96 or new production with 6” shorter barrel), and the m/1894 Swedish Mauser, same reason.
Could add these: Vz. 24 Czech Mauser; a Mannlicher-Schönauer; a Schmidt-Rubin in 7.5x55 mm, and maybe a Mannlicher-Carcano, and a Garand M1, or the M-14. A Steyr Mannlicher? This is the first of his videos I’ve seen.
Just stay with all of them, that 6.5x55 keep it as you golden one
I'm a bit partial, but all the rifles here look awesome. I already have the last bolt action I would ever sell. It was my Dad's. It is old. I have never operated a nicer bolt action. I have always put venison in the freezer with it. It is the 30-40 Krag sporterized carbine.
Sporterized old military rifles are unique, just like the person that passed it down to you. I think the sentimental value supersedes the value of if they had just left them stock.
There's no doubt the 30.06 is a beast round, and for some reason I never liked the aesthetics of full length wood furniture. Model 70 for me.
Always makes me smile watching Hickok :)
For me, the video ended when you said Model 70, in ,30-06, pre-war. I did not even need to hear the other choices.
So you chose the Sako...I would love to take the Model 70 off of your hands and give it the #1 spot in the home it deserves, ( if that situation were ever to present itself).
The Sako. Faster bullet, much lower recoil, more energy than the '06 at longer ranges, good ergonomics.
That pristine-looking Gewehr 98 is my choice!
I have 2 of them, in fair (shot out) condition. Great wall hangers, esp. with the saw bayonet!
tough choice for sure especially the last 2. Have to say though I would have gone with the model 70 just for the caliber
Back in the early 1970’s, at 15 years old I purchased a M96 6.5X55. It had a very scard stock, the barrel had been shortened to 16.25”. It mounted a peep sight. If I could go back in time, I never would have sold it. $40.00 and it came with a half box of shells(shells were spendy/ Norma). So I would have to go with your choice. It was one that I dreamed of as a young man. Great Choice!
Great Video
What a bunch of beauties. I think the K31 should have made the table. Thank you sir.
He is shooting the 03, which is the one that I would go with. Good reliable rifle, and at least in the states ammo that is available most every place you would look, unlike the 8mm, .303, and even the 6.5x55.
I have never wandered into an outdoor retailer or gun store for ammo, it is always better to buy online at the lowest price. Also, what gun collector/enthusiast runs out of ammo for their firearms? I know I nearly always have a hundred plus rounds for all my guns. There is no need to not purchase a rifle because of some perceived difficulty in getting ammo, keeps rounds on hand, and when you get low buy online.
@@chrisdaniel1339 Load your own! Buy your dies and enough brass and powder.
I've loved the 6.5 ever since I saw your video on the swede YEARS ago! I was looking for a k98 but couldn't afford them. I picked up a Swedish Mauser m96 1905 and fell in love with the 6.5x55
Excellent caliber. If you look at ballistics of this round vs the 6.5 Creedmoor, there isn't much difference in velocity and fpe.
Do people who buy these old guns use them for hunting or are they like a nice gun ya barely shoot? Cuz I wish i had a few of these rifles to go hunting with
@@bubsterjohnson7438 They are exelent at range. In Sweden finding a stock one is rare, most are rebuilt.
@@bubsterjohnson7438 Yes folks hunt with them, but please don't bubba an original milsurp. There are plenty of others out there folks have done that to.
@@dkruitz haha i wouldnt do such a thing my man those rifles are beautuful
Hey Greg.....Before you started your count down, I also selected the two finalists that you chose, namely the Winchester Model 70 and the Sako! I would also agree with your final choice. Incidentally, the Finlanders who make that gun pronounce their company name "Sacko". Any way you say it, it's the "Cadillac" of bolt actions.
Wait, is Hickock45’s real name Greg??
@@nfaisnfgay Yes it is....haven't you seen his "up close and personal" video?
@@pbegich4235 No, not yet, didn’t know he had something like that. Thanks man, I’ll have to check it out!
The Model 70 is gorgeous.
Skipped straight to the conclusion as I was certain the Pre-64 Model 70 would be in the semi-final. The winner is hardly fair given the first Model 70 was made in 1936. I have a '37 in 30 GOV'T 06 and love it. Full disclosure, my precision rifle is a Tikka in 6.5 CM (SAKO subsidiary). The old man has lost it; Finnish rifles and German gun oil. What's next, Norma ammo? The mind reels!
As I’m going through the licensing process( I am South Africa. Gun control sucks btw, so enjoy America) my first ever rifle is likely to be be the model70. Or a marlin 30-30 lever action. So for this, I’d go with the model 70
'03 Springfield has always been and will always be my favorite bolt rifle.
Me too! I have a Remington 1903 produced in 12/42. Mine for the rest of my life.
I chose the “pre ‘64” Model 70 Winchester in 30-06 before you even shot the first rifle. You use the “fits like a glove” moniker for nearly all the rifles. You didn’t mention what weight 30-06 round you were shooting but you will always find 30-06 ammo when the shelves might be dry for the 6.5 X 55.
id have to pick the model 70...it's elegant with the Monte Carlo stock and its a hard hitter .
Hands down.. the Sako.. in 6.5 x 55….try Norma Golden target in that Sako….off course I’m Scandinavian so I would pick the 6.5x 55 any day..
Sako is a good choice - top quality and the full stock is simply awesome. I have a modern Sako Blackbear in 9,3x62, still top quality (5 round MOA guarantee) and although in plastic the aestetics are as good as can be.
If I had to choose one of my bolt actions, I'd have to go with my SAKO L579 Forester in 243 Winchester. It is an older (Bofors Steel) model. Extremely accurate and smooth with a more or less perfect trigger. Lightweight, fairly handy and very good looking too.
absolutely beautiful model 70!
Hard to pick between all my bolt actions but from the ones I have I’d definitely have a toss up between my SMLE and my Gewehr98
Both are beautiful fun rifles with their own personalities and quirks and it’s hard to choose!
Look at the Tikka line up. Used by Canadian Rangers in the Arctic. They are accurate and unbelievable in inclement weather.