[m91/30]

I saw that the Military channel chose AK-47. One retired Marine and a bunch of history buffs. Sorry, but I have shot the AK-47, and the M-16 (which I prefer over the 47/74 series), the M-14, the Springfield, the Brit Lee-Enfield, and the M-1. For my money, if my life was on the line? No problem. . . give me the rifle that won WWII - the M-1. . . robust, easy to clear, quick to strip, quick and easy to load, a good size round, solid muzzle velocity, clean it with mud and she'll still kill the enemy, and more than enough range for a solid infantry rifle.

[squirrelblaster]

the greatest rifle ever is which ever one i am holding at the moment!

[Bravo]

Quote:       Originally Posted by m91/30

I saw that the Military channel chose AK-47. One retired Marine and a bunch of history buffs. Sorry, but I have shot the AK-47, and the M-16 (which I prefer over the 47/74 series), the M-14, the Springfield, the Brit Lee-Enfield, and the M-1. For my money, if my life was on the line? No problem. . . give me the rifle that won WWII - the M-1. . . robust, easy to clear, quick to strip, quick and easy to load, a good size round, solid muzzle velocity, clean it with mud and she'll still kill the enemy, and more than enough range for a solid infantry rifle.

It also weighs a ton and has a low ammo capacity. Great gun for WW-II, but the AK-47 beats it in everything but range and power.

Then again, the M1 came from a time where we used rifles that were way too powerful for human combat. Learn to fight within 100 yards (better yet, learn to avoid fights), and the AK will be your go to rifle.

[Mike Franklin]

Ya'll are arguing from to many different directions. I doubt that there's such a thing as The Best Rifle of All Time. A lot depends on what type of rifle you're talking about.
Military? And what time frame? Civilian? Well, Target? Hunting? Law Enforcement?
The most prolific Military, AK 47.
Cartridge Military Rifle longest in Service, Remington Rolling Block.
Best Hunting? Depends on what you're hunting? A Pre-64 in .300 Win Mag for squirrels?
There's to many variables.
For me, it's the Henry followed closely by the '73. But I think the West from 1866 to 1900 was the best time and place in History.

[RimfireSpaz]

MY personal greatest rifle, for my purposes would have to be a sporterized mauser model 98 in 308. Good for dear, bear, elk, and reduced loads dont mess up a coyote to bad, even praire dogs are fun. Its got a hogue stock, very comfortable, and weather resistant, a sporting barrel, and the legendary mauser action. Hard to beat!