Searching for the best WWII sniper rifle

[Annihilator]

Series for looking for the best WWII sniper rifle…..

Searching for the Best World War II Sniper Rifle: Part 1 - Guns and Ammo

The Mauser Model 98k paired with a Zf.39 scope made for Germany's standard bolt-action sniper rifle.

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Searching for the Best World War II Sniper Rifle: Part 2 - Guns and Ammo

Britain's Enfield No. 4 Mark 1 (T) and No. 32 Scope.

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Searching for the Best World War II Sniper Rifle: Part 3 - Guns and Ammo

The Red Army's Mosin-Nagant 91/30 PU.

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Searching for the Best World War II Sniper Rifle: Part 4 - Guns and Ammo

America's Model 1903A4 with M73B1 scope.

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Searching for the Best World War II Sniper Rifle: Finale - Guns and Ammo

Which World War II bolt-action sniper rifle was the best?

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[HansGruber]

I’d put my money on a Finn-rebuilt Nagant…

 

[Sld1959]

I’d put my money on a Finn-rebuilt Nagant…

Agreed

Omg I dang near fell off my seat.

Hans Gruber
SAINT

No offense meant but that's gotta be a first. I know if I get that on my name I am going to be walking around looking up constantly for clouds, lol.

 

[Talyn]

The Finnish Nagants are nice, but I'd lean towards the Swedish M41B....

Sniper Supreme: Model 41B Swedish Mauser - Guns and Ammo

According to Garry, the Swedish Model 41B Mauser may well have been the best sniper rifle of its

www.gunsandammo.com

An Official Journal Of The NRA | This Old Gun: Swedish M/41B Sniper Rifle

Beginning in 1867, the Swedish military started fielding versions of the single-shot Remington Rolling Block rifle and carbine. In 1887, rifles—originally chambered in 12.7x42 mm R—were converted to the more modern, smallbore 8x58 mm R cartridge. The carbines, however, remained in 12 mm.

www.americanrifleman.org

, and the 1903A4.

I've built up two A4s, one with a M82 and the other with a modern 1" Redfield.

 

[mikep]

i shot the red army mosin-nagant with that same scope 2 weeks ago. the scope is crude by today's standards but it shot just fine.

 

[Talyn]

I also put a Brit Armalon Enfield scope mount (no drill/no tap)....

...on my "Faz" Irish "Contract" No.4 Mk. II (F), and it worked out great for a pseudo-Enfield "sniper".

'Irish Contract' Lee-Enfield Mk. 2 Rifle - RifleShooter

James Tarr explores the story behind the ‘Irish Contract' Lee-Enfield Mk. 2.

www.rifleshootermag.com

Pristine like this one...

Lee Enfield No4 Mk2

Not nearly as accurate as my 1903A4, or Swede, but a beautiful rifle.

My .02

 

[HansGruber]

The Finnish Nagants are nice, but I'd lean towards the Swedish M41B....

Sniper Supreme: Model 41B Swedish Mauser - Guns and Ammo

According to Garry, the Swedish Model 41B Mauser may well have been the best sniper rifle of its

www.gunsandammo.com

An Official Journal Of The NRA | This Old Gun: Swedish M/41B Sniper Rifle

Beginning in 1867, the Swedish military started fielding versions of the single-shot Remington Rolling Block rifle and carbine. In 1887, rifles—originally chambered in 12.7x42 mm R—were converted to the more modern, smallbore 8x58 mm R cartridge. The carbines, however, remained in 12 mm.

www.americanrifleman.org

View attachment 88029

, and the 1903A4.

View attachment 88030

I've built up two A4s, one with a M82 and the other with a modern 1" Redfield.

I nearly included the Swede, but I figured I’d stick with the belligerents’ rifles.

But, yes…if I could only have one issued sniper rifle of that time period…the Swede would be my choice as well…with a Swiss K31 not far behind.

 

[Belt Fed]

I also put a Brit Armalon Enfield scope mount (no drill/no tap)....

View attachment 88036

...on my "Faz" Irish "Contract" No.4 Mk. II (F), and it worked out great for a pseudo-Enfield "sniper".

'Irish Contract' Lee-Enfield Mk. 2 Rifle - RifleShooter

James Tarr explores the story behind the ‘Irish Contract' Lee-Enfield Mk. 2.

www.rifleshootermag.com

Pristine like this one...

Lee Enfield No4 Mk2

View attachment 88039
View attachment 88041

Not nearly as accurate as my 1903A4, or Swede, but a beautiful rifle.

My .02

WOW, what a beauty. that thing looks brand new

 

[Talyn]

WOW, what a beauty. that thing looks brand new

Yea, they basically were when a gent found them, bought & brought them to the USA in the late 90s/early 2000's.

They were built for the contract but never delivered so were wrapped in protective material and crated up.

I got mine wrapped so had to clean everything off.

After the Armalon went on just a handful of rds. to sight in the scope. Not shot since.

The Irish Contract No. 4 Mk. IIs are the best Enfields out there.

 

[Talyn]

I nearly included the Swede, but I figured I’d stick with the belligerents’ rifles.

But, yes…if I could only have one issued sniper rifle of that time period…the Swede would be my choice as well…with a Swiss K31 not far behind.

I've come very close to getting a K31 but not close enough. Missed out on a cherry K31 in the early 2000's but I was 60 secs too late.

Thought about again but then the Swiss 7.5 ammo dried up, so I moved on.

 

[USMC6094]

I'd say the Marine Corps 1903A1/Unertl.....

Early in the war we used nearly the same set up, but with a Winchester A5 telescopic sight.

The 03A4 was considered a crude, substitute standard. It was used, but comparing the two is like comparing apples to oranges.

The 03A1/Unertl fought in Korea as well.