If you are just getting into the surplus rifle world :Think Books --reference materials. Some general info., then specific Classics on the type of rifles you collect. These are generally $125-200 each and hard to find books due to cost & out of print due to limited runs.
Might I suggest this post from SRF by me
Buying first surplus rifle, what to look for - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org
As a start cheep but nice books on general:
Buy a copy of Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles by Paul S Scarlata and read the introduction twice: "Caveat Emptor Let the buyer beware".
Buy a copy of Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World by Stuart Mowbray and Joe Puleo
Also :
More good books for a beginner:
A Collector's Guide to Military Rifle Disassembly and Reassembly, by Stuart Mowbray and Joe Puleo, 2007, Mowbray Publishing
Fantastic pictures on the bolt take down and special tricks for different rifles. It covers 48 common surplus rifles. Excellent step by step color pictures. Mowbray is know for his excellent photography. Just great details & steps on the many different bolts.
Shooting World War II Small Arms, by Mike Venturing, 2014, Wolfe Publishing.
This book is about shooting the rifles and reloading ammo for the odd surplus stuff. Great info and comments on reloading and what factory ammunition is made for each rifle/ pistol. Primary emphasis is WW II firearms, both rifle & pistols. He looks at the ammunition.
For prices and a general value one of the better price guides for military surplus rifles from all over the world is the STANDARD CATALOG OF MILITARY FIREARMS: The collector's price and reference guide, by Phillip Peterson now in its 8th edition, 2016-2017. A Guns Digest Publication. Well worth the 35 bucks.
Then seek out specialist books on your rifles you want to collect: I'll let Brian and others provide some Enfield references:
some food for thought:
Reference Books on Lee-Enfield Rifles www.captainstevens.com
