The cartridge was a fair bit ahead of its' time.
It is .308-sized but, as Hobie notes below, not in performance. Not as wide a selection of bullets but you can usually find things from 150 to 180 grains.
The action is not as stout as the '98 nor are there as many aftermarket bits but there really is no need to push them hard.
I have a sporter rifle that I picked up on the cheap. It shoots better than it ought to. It was made in Berlin and has everything a hopeless gun crank would ever want...smooth action, fitted parts, panache...
My understanding is the carbines carry a bit of a premium over the rifles. It seems like anything full military and correct is spendy these days but I really don't know what they are worth.
FWIW
[edited the bit about the .308 to (hopefully) remove any confusion regarding power]
Complete thread:
- Saw an Argentine 1891 carbine today -
brionic,
2013-01-17, 21:21
- The cartridge was a fair bit ahead of its' time. - Hoot, 2013-01-17, 21:43
- One sees prices all over the place it seems. A lot depends -
Hobie,
2013-01-17, 22:43
- Thanks for the clarification Hobie - Hoot, 2013-01-18, 05:51
- Saw an Argentine 1891 carbine today - Bob Hatfield, 2013-01-18, 05:04
- Great round and great rifle - Charles, 2013-01-18, 09:28