Surplus rifles have a way of sticking around in deer season, even if hunters don’t always talk about it. These rifles were designed for battle, but after wars ended, they were sold cheap and sporterized by folks who wanted affordable, dependable hunting guns. Decades later, they’re still in the woods. Many hunters keep one tucked away in the safe, and some still use them every fall because they know the rifles shoot straight and drop deer without fuss.
They may not look flashy, and most don’t wear modern scopes or fancy stocks, but surplus rifles often carry better than you’d expect. The calibers they’re chambered in may be old military rounds, but those cartridges hit deer just fine. If you’ve ever run into a guy dragging a buck out of the woods with an old surplus rifle slung over his shoulder, you know these rifles are far from retired. Here are the ones hunters quietly keep using when deer season rolls around.
Mosin-Nagant 91/30
The Mosin-Nagant 91/30 is one of the most common surplus rifles hunters still carry in deer season. Chambered in 7.62x54R, it offers ballistics similar to the .30-06, which makes it plenty capable of dropping whitetails cleanly. The rifles were imported by the millions, often sold for under $100, so plenty of hunters picked one up as a cheap backup or first deer rifle.
Hunters who use them often cut down the barrels, add scopes, or simply carry them as-is. Even in original form, a good Mosin with decent ammo can group well enough for deer hunting ranges. While they’re heavier and rougher than modern rifles, their toughness makes them appealing. The Mosin-Nagant may not win style points, but it puts venison in the freezer. That’s why you’ll still see one in the hands of a hunter who knows performance matters more than looks.
Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I
The Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I is another surplus rifle that finds its way into deer season. Chambered in .303 British, it offers ballistics close to the .308 Winchester, more than enough for whitetail. What hunters really like is the fast action—the Enfield is one of the quickest cycling bolt-actions ever made. That makes follow-up shots faster than almost any other surplus rifle.
Hunters who use Enfields often praise their reliability and accuracy within normal hunting ranges. Many surplus Enfields were sporterized with shortened barrels and lighter stocks, turning them into handy woods rifles. Even in military trim, they carry well enough, and the .303 cartridge continues to be loaded by major ammo makers. While it’s not as common as it once was, the Enfield is still taken into the deer woods by hunters who know it delivers consistent results. It’s one of the surplus rifles that refuses to fade away.
Mauser K98k
The German Mauser K98k is one of the most copied bolt-action designs in history, and plenty of originals ended up in the hands of deer hunters after World War II. Chambered in 8mm Mauser, it has the power to handle deer and even larger game without issue. Many hunters cut down the stocks or mounted scopes, but even in full military trim, the K98k has proven accurate and dependable.
Hunters like the controlled-round feed of the Mauser action, which makes it extremely reliable. The 8mm Mauser cartridge hits hard but is still manageable for most shooters. Even today, many surplus K98ks remain in use during deer season because they still shoot straight. Ammunition is available, and the rifles are built to last. The Mauser 98 action is legendary for a reason, and plenty of hunters continue to trust it in the field, long after newer rifles have come along.
Springfield 1903
The Springfield 1903 is another rifle that slipped into hunting camps after military service. Chambered in .30-06 Springfield, it gave hunters one of the most versatile cartridges ever created, packaged in a rifle known for its accuracy. Many were sporterized after being sold as surplus, making them lighter and easier to carry in the woods.
Hunters value the ’03 for its precise sights and smooth operation. Even in its military form, it’s more accurate than most surplus rifles. When scoped, it becomes a deer rifle that rivals anything on the market today. Generations of hunters carried sporterized Springfields into the woods, and many of those rifles are still in use. If your grandfather hunted deer with a military rifle, there’s a good chance it was a 1903. Its presence in deer season is proof that some rifles never truly fade into the background.
M1 Garand
The M1 Garand isn’t the first rifle you think of for deer hunting, but plenty of hunters quietly take it into the woods. Chambered in .30-06, it delivers plenty of power for whitetail and even larger game. What sets it apart is the semi-auto action, giving hunters fast follow-up shots that bolt-actions can’t match.
While it’s heavier than most hunting rifles, some hunters like the extra weight because it tames recoil. The Garand’s iron sights are excellent, and with careful shooting, it’s accurate well within deer hunting ranges. Some hunters also fit them with scopes, but many carry them in original condition. The “ping” of an empty clip ejecting isn’t common in the deer woods, but for those who trust the M1, it’s a rifle that still performs. It may be a piece of history, but it continues to earn its keep in deer season.
SKS
The SKS became a popular surplus rifle when imports were cheap and plentiful. Chambered in 7.62×39, it shoots a cartridge that’s similar to the .30-30 Winchester in performance, making it effective on deer within moderate ranges. Hunters who carried SKS rifles found them rugged, reliable, and easy to shoot.
Many SKS rifles were left in their original configuration, while others were fitted with aftermarket stocks or optics. Despite being designed as a military carbine, the SKS is surprisingly accurate inside 200 yards, which is more than enough for most deer hunting situations. Hunters also appreciate its semi-auto action, which provides quick follow-up shots. While the AK platform gets more attention, the SKS quietly remains in the woods each fall, trusted by hunters who know it delivers where it counts.
Swiss K31
The Swiss K31 is one of the most accurate surplus rifles hunters carry into deer season. Chambered in 7.5×55 Swiss, it’s a straight-pull bolt-action that’s fast to operate and remarkably precise. Hunters who use it appreciate how well it shoots compared to other surplus rifles of its era.
Even in original military trim, the K31 has excellent barrels and machining, which translate into tight groups. With its unique straight-pull design, hunters can cycle the action faster than a traditional bolt. The 7.5×55 cartridge hits hard and performs well on deer-sized game. Ammunition isn’t as common as some other calibers, but handloaders keep it alive. Hunters who bring a K31 into the woods know they’re carrying a rifle that can outshoot most people behind it. It’s a surplus rifle that earns respect every time it takes down a deer.
Arisaka Type 99
The Japanese Arisaka Type 99 is another rifle that found its way into hunting after World War II. Chambered in 7.7x58mm, it’s roughly comparable to the .303 British in power, making it suitable for deer and similar game. While not as common as Mausers or Springfields, plenty of Arisakas were sporterized and carried by hunters in the postwar years.
Hunters who still use them often appreciate how strong the Arisaka action is—it’s one of the toughest military bolt-actions ever made. Even though it lacks the refinement of European rifles, the Type 99 is durable and reliable. In the hands of a careful shooter, it’s accurate enough to be an effective deer rifle. Ammunition availability can be a challenge, but for those who handload, the Arisaka still sees action each fall. It’s another surplus rifle that didn’t retire quietly and continues to be used by hunters who trust it.
Carcano M91
The Italian Carcano M91 doesn’t have the best reputation, but plenty of them ended up as hunting rifles. Chambered in 6.5x52mm, it offers ballistics that work well for deer, especially inside moderate ranges. Hunters who use Carcanos often do so because they were inexpensive and available when money was tight.
While accuracy varies from rifle to rifle, many hunters have had success taking deer with them. Sporterized versions were especially common, with lighter stocks and shorter barrels. Ammunition can be harder to find, but handloaders and specialty manufacturers keep it available. Despite its history and mixed reputation, the Carcano has put plenty of venison in the freezer. Hunters who carry them into the woods today often do so quietly, but they know these surplus rifles are capable of doing the job when it matters.
FN-49
The FN-49 is a semi-automatic rifle that hunters sometimes carry into the woods when they want something different. Chambered in a variety of calibers, including .30-06 and 7×57 Mauser, it delivers plenty of punch for deer hunting. Hunters who use it often appreciate its reliability and accuracy, which were ahead of its time.
While it’s heavier than a bolt-action, the FN-49 offers quick follow-up shots and a level of refinement that many surplus rifles lack. Ammunition availability depends on the chambering, but in the more common calibers, it’s not an issue. Hunters who bring the FN-49 into the woods often enjoy carrying a rifle that combines military toughness with real-world hunting performance. It’s not as widespread as the Mosin or Enfield, but it’s one of the surplus rifles that still finds a role when deer season comes around.
Yugoslavian M48 Mauser
The Yugoslavian M48 Mauser is another surplus rifle that shows up in deer season. Chambered in 8mm Mauser, it offers plenty of power for whitetail and larger game. Built after World War II, the M48 is essentially a shortened version of the classic German K98, with the same rugged reliability and accuracy.
Hunters who use them often appreciate how affordable they were compared to other surplus rifles. The action is strong, the barrels are good, and the rifles are built to last. Many hunters sporterized them with new stocks and scopes, turning them into practical deer rifles. Even in original military form, the M48 shoots straight and carries well enough for hunting. For hunters who wanted a tough, accurate rifle on a budget, the M48 fit the bill. That’s why it continues to show up in deer camps across the country.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
