Newbie looking for suggestions for inexpensive first milsurp collectible

[smellie]

Prices on Number 4 Lee-Enfields have risen in recent years, especially in decent shape and with original full wood. However, there IS hope. There are just zillions of the poor things out there which have been converted into budget sporters.... and many of them have not even had the muzzles bobbed. This means that they are restorable. They can also be found second-hand, in pawnshops and like places, well within your budget. There also is a large quantity of original woodwork actually at sea as I write this, on its way to the USA from Greece. Lot of expertise right here to help you do your first restoration, too!

For a pick-it-up-and-shoot-the-thing start, the SKS and the Moisin-Nagant, as recommended above, both are good choices. Both are available at decent prices and both are seriously under-rated as to their utility. These are Soviet-era war-reserve rifles hitting the market now. They will never be better or cheaper; prices will only go up and quality will only go down. Lots of ammo available for both at this time.

A hint from experience: you WILL want to start loading your own ammunition. It is the ONLY way to get top accuracy, no matter what your choice.

Good luck, friend!
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[kenk1966]

Thanks for all the great info everyone! Hopefully will pick up a nice 91-30 at the gun show coming up...

[mausernut]

I just picked up an m44 carbine for $125 and already have a 91-30 that shoots like a dream. Lee Enfields are more common up here in Canada but the price on them has gone up here with $300 being a deal
They used to sell for $75 here. We can get refurbished russian sks's for $200 and Brand new Chinese for $190. The Nagant shoots much better though and 91-30's are $110 here

[3rd Armored]

The Russian Mosins are a great type to begin your collection. The Finnish Mosins tend to be better made and shoot great. Some of the cheap corrosive ammo shoots great too. I've had excellent results with Hungarian surplus ammo. It's clean and very accurate. Don't worry about the corrosive primers-use MPro7, Hoppe's, Ballistol, or Windex. Your rifle will be fine.