Collecting on the cheap.

[CRNeophyte]

Clash,
Thanks for your input. i admit to being hung up on the mosin due to its affordability. what would you think a Finnish would go for? i saw a hex receiver on AIM surplus for around 120, is that in line with your perceptions?

turns out aim was sold out at 110, JGSales however had them for 150,

Mosin-Nagant 91/30 Hex Receiver rifle, Russian, 7.62x54R caliber. Used.

THanks for your time Clash

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Right, I was referring the to enfield though rather unclearly. I saw a top shot episode while i was drifitng off to sleep while they were doing a mad minute challenge. Looks fun!

---------- Post added at 09:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:52 PM ----------

JMoore, you are correct sir : D

---------- Post added at 09:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:52 PM ----------

BigDuke6,
Thank you for your input. i am between both collecting for pride in ownership as well as enjoyment of shooting them at the range. I would like to have original set guns when i am in a place financially to support that kind of habit. Today however i would like a cheap shooter in a caliber that isnt .22. My step son and i enjoy action movies, usually based in WWII or Vietnam. and he prides himself in social studies with his weapon knowledge.

I consider the big three to be Mosin Nagant, Enfield and a Garand. all of them are awesome battle implements and deserve respect. The lowest grade Garand i can find online is around 600, which will not be possible at this time. I have not shopped for an Enfield and i have shopped a little for the Mosin (three or four online websites, no pawn shops or gun stores. Sadly they'll be closed tomorrow morning.)

Is it complicated to convert these service rifles to other calibres? i'd be interested in being able to modify an enjoyable shooter between 7.62x54r and 7.62x51/.308 winchester. depending on which was cheaper that day.

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[DICKX]

CRNeophyte,

Your on the right track, because this is the best of the forums to be on. The guys here are very knowledgeable and are very willing to share. I know because they have helped me out a lot. Just ask. One thing you mite do is to Google CMP and you will come up with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. The M1 Garand can be bought from them starting at $ 525.00 and up + $ 24.95 shipped right to your door. This is a field grade and they go up from there. I know this may be more than you want to spend but you will get a Rifle with all USGI parts and has been checked out. Best if you are close enought to go to one of their stores and just ask the guys to help you. I went with the HRA Service Grade for $ 625.00 plus shipping and WOW in 26 days I had a very very nice M1 Garand at my door. It was hard for me to come up with that much money. I know were you are coming from about the money. Check it out, get on that forum also and learn. I spend all night trying to learn all I can, so if I see a rifle some place I will know a little about what questions to ask so I don't get ripped off.
The best of luck to you.
Dick

[Patrick Chadwick]

Is it complicated to convert these service rifles to other calibres?

That would be more-or-less feasible, depending on the type, and was often done in the past, mainly because of the difficulty of obtaining the right ammo. These days, there is so much reloading gear available and ammo from suppliers such as PRVI and specialist suppliers, that the "hard-to-get ammo" argument is outdated. Conversions are still common in countries such as France, where there are restrictions on having rifles in military calibers.

But it costs money and makes the gun worthless as a collector's item. Forget it.