Best BAMM Rifle?

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

Apologies if this should be in the Saloon, but it is about shooting, so I figured it should be here.

I've attended more than few "big" matches, and many of them feature a BAMM, or (I assume) Bolt Action Military Match.  They are a lot of fun, even if the rules vary from shoot to shoot.  For some, it's a variant of a long range match.  For others, there is course of fire like a stage in the main match.   Some even include a pistol.  They may or may not involve reloads for more than 5 shots.   In other words, there are a lot of options, but regardless of the specifics, I find them to be fun, and it gives me a chance to shoot another, different gun at a big match.   Generally speaking, the rules allow for any bolt action rifle in use by any military force up to and including WWII.

So with that in mind, the question arises, what is the "best" rifle for a BAMM?  I have come to the conclusion that it really depends on the specifics of the course of fire.   For example, I have found that if it's a simple accuracy event with oh so many shots at a targets, then I prefer to use my Krag.  Same if there is a scenario like on a main match stage, as long as there are no reloads of the rifle.  But if there are reloads, the shortcomings of the Krag become apparent.   But that doesn't mean I switch to a 1903 Springfield.   While they can be reloaded much more quickly, I have found that, at least my 03, has a tendency to not jam, but get stuck if you try to run the bolt too quickly.  You need to sometime jiggle it, and then it's fine.  It's an annoyance, I have read that this was something that was a commonly reported "issue" during WWI.  It is also a problem that does not exist on the 03A3.  But while it can be argued that the 03A3 has better "battle" sights, for more accuracy, I personally prefer the sights of the original 03.   Of course, if there are more than 10 rounds over the course of fire, I actually prefer my SMLE.  Assuming you start with 5 rounds loaded when it comes time to reload, you can load the next ten instead of just five, but that's again highly scenario based, and may or may not be allowed.  And there are, of course, many other rifles one could use.  The M1917, "American Enfield," comes to mind, or the Winchester Hotchkiss.  To say nothing of various Mausers and things used by other nations.

Anyway, I guess for me that it comes down to this, depending on the course of fire, I prefer the Krag, or the 1903A3.   Depending on other factors, I may occasionally try something else, just for fun.

What are other peoples favorite BAMM rifle, and why?

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

Suggest asking on the WBAS forum.
current BAMM thread

[Tom Bullweed]

I shoot lots of BAMM qualified rifles in DCM/CMP matches.  The Swede Mauser would be a good option due to the quality and light recoil.

[C.N. Double]

I've shot an 03A3 and a K31. The straight pull on a K31 is very fast, and you can almost cycle it without breaking your cheek weld, but it's not quite as quick to reload as the 03A3. For lefties, the K31 appears to be an excellent choice.

Overall, I still prefer the 03A3 for the sights, the ease of reloading, and the balance of the rifle.

[DeaconKC]

I had every [major] battle rifle used in WW1 and WW2 at one time. The rifles with peep sights were easier for me to shoot well as I aged. Surprisingly, some of the best sights put on that era's rifles were the Mosin-Nagant's, big blocky and very clear. If you could find one of the Finnish rebuilt ones, they are excellent.

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

2 hours ago, C.N. Double said:

I've shot an 03A3 and a K31. The straight pull on a K31 is very fast, and you can almost cycle it without breaking your cheek weld

 

That's one thing I love about the Krag.   You can work the action without taking the gun down.  You can do it with a Mauser or an 03 Springfield, but it's not as smooth.

I find it is very difficult to keep any "cock on closing" rifle shouldered when working the bolt.

Then again, bolt actions were not designed for rapid fire to begin with, but one shot at at time, as quickly as possible.  Lever/pump guns are much easier to shoot fast, IMO.