Vintage Military Sniper Rifles

[Englishandy]

These are the rifles I use for the ViMBAR/ViMSAR sniper side matches.
Starting with my two favorites, a pair of British Enfield No.4(T)'s, with transit chests, dated 1945 (top) and 1941 (bottom):

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The 1941 model has the No.32 Mk.1 scope and the 1945 model has the No.32 Mk.3 scope with case.

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Next, a Springfield M-1A and a Springfield M-1D. I built the M-1D with the help of Dan Davis and Steve Franks.


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I fitted a Weaver K-4 scope to the M-1A to keep within the ViMBAR rules. The M-1D has an original M-84 scope on it.


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Lastly, my Soviet sniper rifles. A 1941 Tokarev SVT-40 and a 1943 Mosin Nagant M-91/30.

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The Nagant scope is dated 1967 and the Tokarev scope is dated 1941. Even though the Nagant PU scope and the SVT scope look the same, the tube dimensions are slightly different.
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[Brewer79]

Those are some fine looking rifles you have there. Eventually I'd like to pick up an SVT and a No.4 for my collection. Though not necessarily sniper variants.

[Englishandy]

I think everyone should have at least one Enfield No.4. It's the best battle rifle ever made. But I'm English , so I have to say that. They are great rifles, though, with a detatchable 10 round magazine and a great rear sight.
I enjoy shooting the SVT40, it has very little recoil with that built in muzzle break, but the trigger leave a lot to be desired. You just pull and pull with this spongy feel and then .... bang !!
If you enjoy these old military rifles, you should come out to our matches. You never know who's going to show up with what. And it's quite amazing how accurate most of these 60+ year old rifles can be.

[VegasSMG]

Perro, (Mike), loves vintage guns and I know he'll appreciate your photos. Love the transit cases! Thanks for posting those Andy.

I don't know if the Number 4 Enfield is the best battle rifle ever made, but I know for a fact that the Brits designed the very best subgun ever made and it's not the STEn.

Oh.... Nice SVT-40. ;)

[Englishandy]

but I know for a fact that the Brits designed the very best subgun ever made and it's not the STEn.


You must mean the Lanchester ....

Yeah, I've finally got the SVT functioning properly. The firing pin spring was jammed up in the bolt, and I think that was what was causing most of those misfires I was having. It seems to be working OK now, though I'd like to find a replacement spring. Plus some of my surplus ammo is suspect, it won't even fire in a bolt gun.

[Mike C (Perro)]

Perro, (Mike), loves vintage guns and I know he'll appreciate your photos.

I definately love the old stuff - they just dont make stuff like that anymore!


You must mean the Lanchester ....

Yeah, I've finally got the SVT functioning properly. The firing pin spring was jammed up in the bolt, and I think that was what was causing most of those misfires I was having. It seems to be working OK now, though I'd like to find a replacement spring. Plus some of my surplus ammo is suspect, it won't even fire in a bolt gun.


i've ALWAYS wanted a #4 T
i have a standard #4 MK1 that i have enjoyed over the years - ill try and get pics of it next time i see it.

I have to agree that the #4 was the best bolt action rifle made at the time. It was the most technologically advanced rifle of its time for sure.

Its kinda funny, when i first started messing around with old guns i was enamored by the U.S. gear - Kinda hard to watch Band Of Brothers, or Private Ryan and not love the Springfield, Garand, Thompson, Greaser, Brownings of all sorts, etc. etc.
I never cared much for the firearms of the Crown at the time until i shot my first Enfield. The way the bolt cocks on closing instead of on opening like on the Mauser, and Mosin Nagant just seems more natural to me! The 10 round magazine, and the micrometer rear sight are great too!

Then when i was ready to take the leap to NFA i was planning on getting a MP40 until i shot Toms Sterling MK4. To this date, i do not believe there is a finer shooting sub machine gun made anywhere else on the planet - PERIOD!!!!

I also have a Lanchester and its currently giving me fits, but i believe once its worked out it will also be a FINE subgun - its DEFINATELY overbuilt for a 9mm, and a VERY high quality firearm.

Ive learned to appreciate British firearms. EVERYTHING i have shot has been GREAT

[Brewer79]

I'm planning on being at the next VMRS match, which I believe is next sunday. Shooting in the morning, superbowl in the afternoon.

I've been looking for a Enfield No.4 for a while now. Seems like locally I just find sporterized ones or, from what limited knowlage I have of Enfileds, are rifles converted to 7.62 nato coming from India. They tend to be covered in black paint too.

Right now all I have is an Old Mosin Nagant M91/30 with a barrle thats dated 1929 with a reciver from 1921 & and Remington M1903a3 from 2/43. The Remington had a scant stock on it when I bought it but the stock was cracking through the wrist. I ended up picking up a CMP replacment for it.

http://www.vegasshooters.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=54

[Englishandy]

The Indian 7.62 NATO rifles are Ishapore No.2A's. They are not converted, they were built in that caliber. When NATO introduced that round, Britain and many Commonwealth countries went to the FN FAL rifle. India decided to stay with the Enfield design, which they had been making in .303 for many years, and upgrade it to 7.62x51.
I have two of them and they are great rifles, if you overlook the fit and finish and the ugly black paint. And a 12 round magazine !!
If you're looking for a No.4, I'd suggest talking to Glen Parshall at Bargain Pawn in N. Las Vegas. He runs the gun department there and always has a good selection of old military rifles in stock. I've been buying guns from him for over twenty years. They are located on Las Vegas Blvd. between Jerry's Nugget and Lake Mead Blvd.

[Brewer79]

Ah, No.2A's; that would explain the tangent sights.

I'll have to check that pawn shop out some time.

[Mike C (Perro)]

id sell my No4 Mk1 if you were interested Brewer?
let me dig it out and snap pics for you

[Brewer79]

I'd definitly be interested. A No.4 is right up there with my rifles I'd like to own. Right next to a Swiss K31, Finnish M39, French MAS-36 and a Eddystone M1917... and thats just the bolt guns!

[Englishandy]

Don't forget the M-38 Swedish Mauser. Great round, flat shooting and mild recoil.

[Brewer79]

That too; I'd also like to find a Madsen M47/Colombian M1958 Rifle. Fun little carbine in 30-06.

[Englishandy]

I have a M-48 Netherlands Mauser carbine in .30-06. Lots of recoil and a ten foot muzzle flash. But fun... for a few rounds !!
I like the look of carbines and short rifles, but as these eyes get older, the reduced sight radius becomes more of an issue. Or should I say the eye to front sight distance. Pretty soon the only rifle I'll be able to aim properly will be my M-96 Swede.