I seek the wisdom of the forum members

I would also recommend a pre-WW2 or very early WW2 1903 Springfield. Be it from Springfield Armory, Rock Island Arsenal or even Remington Arms, the quality is such that it's almost a different arm from a 1903A3.

wish I had a 1903, then my Bolt Action list will be complete (minus the Scoped versions), but the Chinese Hanyang Type 88 or Type 24 (Chiang Kai-shek Rifle) would be good additions to the Minor countries

I myself am only collecting the big 5 (US, UK, USSR, Germany, Japan) though I might add Italy into it

SMLE, SMLE, SMLE, oh, and did I mention an SMLE? Seriously, the variations and history will keep you busy til the cows come home. And those darn cows have yet to come home...at least here.

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Originally Posted by USMCKempeitai

I myself am only collecting the big 5 (US, UK, USSR, Germany, Japan) though I might add Italy into it

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Funny you should mention that...I picked up an M38 Carcano about two weeks ago. It needs some work but then thats part of the fun of collecting.

Attachment 34903

I am actively on the hunt for a Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk. 1 and a MAS 36. I guess you might call that the big 5 + 2 as I consider the French and Italians major combatants.

Sounds like me about 15 years ago. You have a really good start I would say.

Id add a M91 Mosin, a Finnish M39 Mosin, the two Enfields previously mentioned, a M91 Carcano, a P17 "American" Enfield, the 03 Springfield, an M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, maybe a 30-40 Krag, the MAS 36, a K98, any other Mausers just cus they are fun, as said the Tokerov SVT-40 just cus it looks so mean.

I recently added a Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.1 ( manufactured at Fazakerly in 1942 ) to the collection. I spotted a 1953 MAS-36 at the Orlando Gun Show but they wanted almost $500 for it which was more than I was willing to spend at the time ( and have not done my homework as to appropriate prices for a MAS ) and it was 10 years too new if you know what I mean.

Here's a picture of the No.4......
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...000_0028-1.jpg

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Originally Posted by Bionicback321

I spotted a 1953 MAS-36 at the Orlando Gun Show but they wanted almost $500 for it which was more than I was willing to spend at the time ( and have not done my homework as to appropriate prices for a MAS ) and it was 10 years too new if you know what I mean.

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Nice Enfield. Be careful with the Enfields, I concider them to be "collectors crack" very addictive with the long history and multiple incarnations. MAS36 post war around here $250 to $350 in very good condition. One found me last week.The early wartime MAS 36 would probably bring more.

$500 is pretty high for a pre war rifle unless it's in near pristine condition. $300 is about the going rate for a MAS36 in excellent condition (refurbished).