advice? what to buy/where to shop

[sbpetrok]

I'm about ready to plunk down money on an Enfield or a Mauser. I'm interested in something as accurate at long range as I can get. Something about buying a "near" tack driver for the price of a dozen boxes of ammo or thereabouts just gives me a woody.

Anyway, I'd like you guys' opinions on:

1) Considering that highly-thought of Mausers (Germans and Swedes) are about 50-80% more expensive than the Enfields, are they worth the premium? (I'm seeing them for ~$125-140 for Enfields, $180-230 for Mausers)

2) If Mauser, Swedish or German? I'm leaning toward the 6.5 x 55...

3) Where would you shop for the gun you recommend? If Enfield, would you consider a Navy Arms gun?

4) Should I apply for my C&R before making this purchase (whichever gun I chose)? In the long run, I can likely see myself with both guns, as well as others of the type. Do Garands ever fall under the C&R guidelines?

I am NOT interested in sporters. Period. I'm not going to be swayed by a few dollars one way or the other, although I am sort of out to earn the ultimate bragging rights at the range - "What? THIS old thing? Well, I do get x inch groups... and I only spent $xxx, can you BELIEVE IT?!!!"

Thanks for your input, I'll post this on the Enfield and German Mauser boards, too. Interested in everyone's comments.

[clearblue]

accuracy and the feeling that you've got one of the finest weapons ever fired by man, get the best Swedish Mauser you can afford. I just got a top notch bent bolt M-96 ($229)from Samco to go with my two straight bolt M-96's($179each).

To get the hightest quality for the cheapest price, I'd have to go with the K-31 Swisses. I've got 2, they're selling for $99 now at Century and put two more on order.

But if you asked me which gun of all the C&R's I would keep to the bitter end, it would be the Swedes hands down!

I noticed you mentioned the Garand. I just got a notice from Century that they've got a very limited quantity of excellent condition M-1's going fast ($399). I shot the M-I a lot and shot it in competition but never really liked the look or the feel of the weapon. Too bulky,too heavy,too mass produced without the attention to detail I like to see.