Steyr Mannlicher-Schoenauer sporting rifles and carbines made from 1903 until WW2 - and the ones made in the early 1950s. These are extremely well made rifles. Excellent triggers, often very accurate with the right ammunition combinations, and beautifully fitted and finished. Although some do not like the actions compared to other bolt actions they are exceptionally smooth in operation and very reliable. Made in a variety of metric chamberings and later some of the more common American cartridges.
On the military side, the Swiss Karabiner 31 - generally known as the K31. These are a straight pull bolt action, modified from earlier design chambered for the 7.5x55mm cartridge. Typical swiss quality with a
capital Q; superior metallurgy, fabrication and fitting with typical period wood stock fitted
right where it counts. And last, but by no means least - a superlative trigger. The result is, with standard swiss surplus ammo, a smooth operating and exceptionally accurate service rifle.
These are both close to the apex of the sporting and military battle rifles of the 20th century in my opinion -
arguements about self-loading or automatic military rifles aside.
I've carried and shot the now obsolete M16A1 alot during service; imo it is a good "security rifle". That is; one best suited to an air base etc where there is alot of concrete and tarmac. Carried much, seldom needed, and maintained well. It is handy, accurate and easy to operate.
The M1 Garand is closer to an excellent battle rifle imo.
Capable of very good accuracy, generally reliable and easy to feed with the enbloc clips. Many who have used it during wartime have loved it or hated it. I have owned one, later sold it off for something else, only because I wanted something else more than a Garand. I would gladly have another, after a fairly long list of other pieces I now desire more.
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