r/canadaguns • u/CanadiansDeserveGuns • Mar 06 '26
Buy recommendations Surplus rifle in 30-06 or 6.5x55
I've been looking at intersurplus and looking at either Husqvarna 1640 or the M98 but can't choose the caliber I want. They seem to be priced around the same $40 per box pre-tax
I have a .22lr and an SKS but would like to add another surplus rifle to shoot at 100 and maybe 200 yards
50
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u/nax_91 Mar 06 '26 edited Mar 06 '26
The M96 action is not as strong as the 1640 as they lack the third safety locking lug at the rear of the bolt, while the 1640 has it, as it’s basically a small ring M98, making it a stronger action and a better choice, if you like to reload. The 1640 in 30-06 should have a 1:12 twist barrel, so you won’t be able to stabilize heavier bullets. 6.5x55 is much easier on the shoulder than 30-06, but not as widely available compared to 30-06 and will cost you about the same. If all you are looking to do is target shooting, you may wanna check the Carl Gustafs target rifles. They have diopter sights and heavy barrel and they are regarded as highly accurate, but usually they are chambered in 6.5x55 and built on M96 receivers, so the action is not as strong as the 1640. The 1640s are notorious for stock cracking at the tang. These rifles that you get from Intersurplus are a great bargain, they priced well. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or pictures about the guns, those guys are pretty good about that and their descriptions are pretty accurate.