Military surplus rifles often represent remarkable value. Depending on the model, you can often get one at a great price, and if the previous owner cared for it, you might get a real gem.
There are tons of them out there, too, but not every one of them is great for sporting applications like competition shooting or hunting.
With that said, here are two of the best military surplus rifles for sporterization.
The British Lee-Enfield
Lee-Enfield rifles can make really great sporterized platforms, and there are a few good reasons for it.
One is the cartridge. British .303 is very similar in ballistic performance to 7.62x51mm NATO, with which most hunters are familiar as being nearly identical to .308 Winchester.
This is a serviceable cartridge for most North American game, especially with proper shot placement. The downside is British .303 is far less commonly available than either of these other two calibers.
Another great thing about Lee-Enfield rifles is the combination of price and availability. They are not the most uncommon military surplus rifles out there since untold millions have been produced.
The short bolt throw is another bonus – they have strong, smooth, fluid actions with easy cycling, making it easy to make quick follow-up shots.
One drawback is the lack of attachment points – but a gunsmith can easily drill and tap the receiver for a rail adapter so you can add optics to the rifle.
Add in a few other accessories like a sling, and you have a rifle that’s great for both hunting and competition shooting.
The Springfield M1903
This one’s a bit of a gamble, but if you can find a Springfield M1903, you’ve got a great gun and one that can be sporterized for either hunting or competition shooting.
The M1903 is rare, and can be expensive, but like the Enfield, cartridge pairing is a real bonus. These rifles were chambered in .30-06 Springfield, which is still widely in production, affordable, and available.
Unlike the Enfield, you’ll have no trouble finding ammo for an M1903. Moreover, .30-06 is more powerful than the .303, making it suitable for both large and medium-sized game throughout North America and across the world.
A number of M1903 rifles were also converted to a rimfire configuration and chambered in .22LR. These 1903 rifles are great for plinking, training, smallbore competition, and of course, hunting small game. Like .30-06, .22LR is still widely available. Though rare, these .22-chambered 1903 training rifles also make excellent sporterized surplus guns.
Like the Enfield, most Springfield M1903 rifles don’t have a lot of attachment points, but that is something that a gunsmith can rectify for you by drilling and tapping the receiver for a rail adapter.
Also like the Enfield, the M1903 offers decent handling and a strong and smooth action; if you can find one that’s been well-kept, you can sporterize it and use it for a wide range of pursuits from competitive shooting to hunting.
Where Can You Learn More About These Military Surplus Rifles? (or Get Parts for Them)
These are not the only two military surplus rifles that make good sporterized models, but they are among the best. If you’re interested in learning more about other commonly available military surplus firearms, visit SARCO, Inc., either online or at their showroom at 50 Hilton Street in Easton, Pennsylvania.
They carry a wide range of firearms and thousands of gun parts, including for hard-to-find, esoteric, historically significant military platforms, and their expertise in the industry is second to none. For more information, visit their website or get in touch with them directly at 610-250-3960.
