Wku,
I'm definitely gonna buy a 762 something. I am leaning toward the 30.06 (763x63). The ammo seems to be readily available and if the SHTF I feel that there would be plenty around. I really looking at the CMP Garand (service grade $425) though if I could find one 'off the books' I would probably be willing to spend a bit more.
One reason (main reason) I'm leaning toward the Garand is 'they keep on shooting no matter what' and they have super knock down as well as 'reach out and touch you' capabilities with 8 available rounds for not much cash outlay.
I am gonna look around here some more. I know of a couple of Mosins I could get for under 100 but some how I'm just not excited about them.
ALL input is gratefully accepted and if you have more 'fire when ready'
BTW I always have a pot of coffee on!
Hehehehe...yeah, I've had one on continuously since Tuesday!
Yeah, I'm a huge fan of the Garand myself, just don't have one (yet). My Dad has a beautiful Match Grade M1, but I'm afraid he'd turn me over his knee if he even caught me looking at it...and he's 71! I've started stocking up on surplus .30-06, though. The CMP website has some Greek (I think), and you can usually find semi-corrosive Korean surplus in the 8-rd. clips in Shotgun News. Just be sure to clean your rifle immediately after shooting the corrosive stuff (always a good habit to be in anyway).
That said, even if Mosins don't excite you, they're great cache weapons, and are also great hunting rifles. A buddy of mine never fails to take a buck with his Mosin. Plus, the ammo is cheap, cheap, cheap! It's not too expensive a proposition to buy a few for the bad times to come, if/when you need to arm a few buddies or family members.
Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!