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Hi all, for the first time in ages I’m actually thinking of getting a new rifle – probably at the end of June. Maybe I’ll even go to the Phoenix, as I think that’s soon-ish.

What the situation is, I have two open allowances, one for a 7.5mm and one for an 8mm

Now, 7.5mm, I’m thinking either a K31 Schmidt Rubin or a French MAS-36. So, what is easier to shoot in terms of ammo? Is 7.5 Swiss easier to get then 7.5mm French? Is it easy and, relativity inexpensive, to get reloading components for one or the other?

For 8mm I’m stuck to be honest. The original plan was to get a Steyr-Mannlicher in 8x56R, but I’ve been put off that idea for a number of reasons – I got the loan of an M95 carbine and had problems with it, and I’ve been told that ammo for it is a nightmare to find and reload for.

So, what “8mm” should I get? French 8mm maybe? Are there affordable Bethiers around, and can you easily get the ammo for it?

I’ve already spoken to my FLO, and he’s happy that I can get another Mauser in 7.92x57, as that cartridge is also branded as the “8mm Mauser”, as many know, so I may end up getting another Mauser. Sorry, I know that’s very open-ended, but any ideas anyone?

I’m not rolling in it, and I’m a novice reloader, so I’m looking for something relatively inexpensive and something that I can feed with hedgehogs, err… bullets, err… shiny, pointy, boomy things.

If you re load get a mas36 it uses standard .308 components. Once you have the cases its a easy round to load for. You can easily convert 6.5x55 cases to use in the mas as well.

Swiss military Ball was a lot easier to get than the French. Ammo Zone used to carry it but they haven't had any in since the end of last year as far as I can see.

Prvi do both 7.5 so ammunition is available and is a good source of cases. Components and dies are easy enough to get for both as they use .308" bullets.

Probably the Swiss are more accurate rifles of the two and with GP11 shoot to sight settings.

The Mas is a fine rifle too and has an aperture rear sight which with my eyes is a help.

They are both easy to reload for however as I like to shoot cast the 36 has a better throat than the 31. Personally I prefer to shoot the older Swiss models like the 1911 or the 1986/11 better cast bullet throats and a longer sight radius, they also shoot jacketed very well too. The 1889 is also a fine cast bullet rifle and is an obsolete calibre.

The Mas is an excellent all round rifle being designed around all that was deemed best in battle rifles prior to WW2 all I have against it is it the ugliest non black rifle ever made.

So basically you need both.

The 8mm Lebel cartridge and components are less easier to get, also the rifles in good shooting condition are scarcer and you will usually pay a premium for a good one, again I have a soft spot for the Berthiers and the Lebels.

Always liked the Swiss rifles - have been very impressed with the ones I have had a shot with

IF I was going fo rone myslef I'd follow Adams advice and get an earlier model than the K31 - not that they have any issues - just I like the look of the earlier ones and they'd be better for some classic comps

The MAS-36 has a serious reputation for accuracy as well, certainly worth thinking about...

8mm I would go for another Mauser G98/K98... C&G still has milsurp ammo at £29 per 100. as do other dealers, or reload, just ask if you need info.

7.5 I would go for Schmidt Rubin K31 K11 or even older which is what Dromia/saddler said, no one sells GP11 anywhere, so get Privi and reload I do no major problems provided you get the correct profile bullets, (Andy Allwood is your man for them)

Thanks for the info, guys.

7.5mm - I'm starting to come round to the idea of a MAS36 more then a Schmidt, but that's not to say I wont turn my nose up at one, either. Is there an avarage price for MAS36s?
8mm - I'm thinking another Mauser, but I'd want a carbine, as I own a G98 already. True K98Ks all seem to be over the Pond in the US, so I assume I'd have to settle for a cheap-ish Yugo?

Krank use to sell Mas' for around the £250 mark, these are predominantly post war made models, if you can find a pre-war then problem a bit of a premium on it

Kranks have MAS 36's in "Excellent un-issued unused condition" for £280.85 and it comes with a cruciform bayonet.
I had a look at one the last time I was in Leeds on business (hope the boss isn't reading this!) and they did look very good. I think you can still get the muzzle adapter for a small white flag as well
Dave , you beat me to it by seconds!

looks like a "Beauty and the Beast" contest then