Saw one in too hard basket repair room at my retailer recently. On first impressions it appears to be above board in terms of weight and feel, but totally put off by one rather small, bad in the ointment.
It is the very abominable excuse of a guide lug - very loosely mimicking the bolt head/extractor of the real deal. Secured to a very flimsy metal strip that gets notoriously hooked up against the guide rail housing causing it to lift off and separate. Ironically the housing features two screws to remove - something that is not featured on the real deal…foreshadowing perhaps?
Shame DB had to skimp back (no doubt part of planned obsolescence) on this. But honestly for $850 that is not even gas, features no stripper clips and doesn’t fit the full 10 rounds - NO DEAL!
Yes I held a DB SMLE recently (having owned 4 real SMLEs in days gone by). I agree TCFAN.
Overall a good repro, but:
not gas rather a springer which may be ok but it’s fairly pricey for that.
why only 6 rounds and not 10 in the mag - makes no sense as there is no C02 cartridge taking up magazine space, as with another SMLE on the market.
overall construction is a bit chunky compared to the real deal - the DB SMLE could go on a bit of a diet.
The DB Kar98 and Winchesters are pretty good/close though! In fairness to the DB SMLE, the stripper clip doesn’t work 100% reliably in the Kar98 either.
Price wise, although very subject to the market obviously, when you compare a toy to real deal it’s very insulting - esp the highlighted flaws. Furthermore, knowing full well being an ANZAC icon, trying to capture the Aussie market with a ridiculous mark-up price adds further salt to the wound.
The KAR98K is definitely the better pick - esp $265 diff despite the clip issue. Although rather conflicting seeing a chrome bolt vs the traditional sole blued finish!? Must be a bit of eye catching bling to the unsuspecting buyers.
I haven’t seen the DB KAR98K in person, but have handled and assembled the nylon version - price wise not justified at all compared to a VSR10.
The DB Kar98 is actually pretty good. Add a reproduction Kar98 sling from Ebay. Use some beeswax/stock/furniture polish on the timber and you’ve got a nice piece.
Authentic weight.
Realistic action.
Correct dimension shells (rimless 7.9 x 57mm), which the DB SMLE (incorrectly) also uses - but heh not a deal breaker. It would be too much to have rimmed (7.7 x 56mm) cartridges just for the SMLE. The Moisin Nagant also (incorrectly) uses the same Kar98 shells too …
Black, gold or silver - pretty correct dimensionally to the real deal. Although with the handgun sized/357 cartridges of the DB Winchester, it’s probably more an 1892 than an 1894.
Yeah it’s a hard toss between a 98K or 1894 - esp as I’m getting a bug for lever actions more so than bolts. Unfortunately the $250-300 extra compared to the 98 is certainly not a justified price - esp given it’s only a DB and not a Golden Eagle or more premium brand. Also I have nowhere to plink it outdoors (high density housing f@# sux that regard) - not practical at all compared to yard I had b4
I only have one DB, and that’s the P226 - which is still a great blaster (only a third of price obviously) but the mag springs are garbage - tight as a choir girl’s . I’m very reluctant spending anymore than $3-400 on any blaster of this brand, just my take.
Appreciate the in-depth info you have provided though much help brother!
in the ointment.
. I’m very reluctant spending anymore than $3-400 on any blaster of this brand, just my take.
much help brother!