I too think it depends on the situation. I like the carbine with the skinny barrel and red radium sight for close contact maps. I like the 1903 for serious distance. Supposedly it is on par with the Gewehr if a tiny bit slower on the reload and velocity. But I seem to get more kills with it.
The old rifles like the Henry and the other lever action one are a LOT of fun. But I do not judge the slower speed very well.