M1, LE to steer clear of?

[that was loud]

Hi all, I'm brand new to milsurp collecting and have an opportunity to get out to a gun show next month so the idea of perhaps acquiring a Garand or a SMLE is simmering in my brain right now. I have absolutely no knowledge of either rifle nor the various models (Mk.?) in the case of the Enfield, and am looking more for a nice historical shooter than an investment.

Any particular models/years/calibres to avoid?

Anything really obvious/dangerous that I should watch for?

Approximate price ranges for good condition or better specimens with appropriate goodies such as cleaning kits?


Thanks for any advice that will get me started.

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[Badger]

Well, I'd start with a bolt action rifle and if you're new to milsurp collecting, probably a .303 Lee-Enfield of some sort.

They are abundant at gun shows and if you bargain, you can probably still get a nice one for $350-$450, plus ammunition is still relatively easy to find.

They are steeped in history having been through almost every war in the last 100+ years. They range in manufacture dates from the late 1800's through to the 1970's and if you want to collect them, they seem to hold their value pretty well.

Because of their scope and range of models, you can always find a lot of good research material (and on-line forums) to read about them, which is really what the hobby is all about. A sense of community sharing a common interest in something that is rare.

Mosin Nagant bolt actions are less expensive, but I've heard that ammunition is becoming an issue unless you reload. Also, in my opinion, with the exception of sniper rifles, I don't think their value goes up as much, proportianate to Enfields. I also think Enfields seem to re-sell more easily and quicker than Mosins, but that's just my own opinion.

To get a sense of numbers as to how many of each type of milsurp was manufactured, here's some data out of one of my reference books. This author promotes buying Swedish mausers as a result of the low numbers made, obviously promoting the point that they will be a better investment because of the laws of supply and demand ...

Quantity Manufactured

1. ALL Swedish Mauser Production 804,000
2. M91 Russian 9,360,000
3. M91/30 Russian 17,450,000
4. US M1 Rifle 6,034,000 (approx)
5. US M1 Carbine 6,225,000
6. K98k German 11,500,000
7. No.1 MkIII British 3,000,000
8. No.4 Mk1&2 British 3,530,000

SOURCE: "Neutrality through Marksmanship"
A collector's and shooter's guide to Swedish army rifles 1867-1942 By Doug Bowser

Hope this helps...

Regards,
Badger

[that was loud]

"Because of their scope and range of models, you can always find a lot of good research material (and on-line forums) to read about them, which is really what the hobby is all about."

I'm finding that there are a lot of people on the forums (here, CGN and elsewhere) that have a very good knowledge of the service history, factories, factory rebuilds, markings etc that I am nowhere near understanding yet. The information on proof marks, armourers, manufacturers is very interesting, just a little above my head at this point.

As far as the Lee Enfields go, which models/years of manufacture have some Canadian significance? I'm off to Milarm to dig through Alan's books and hopefully find something along the lines of a "spotters guide" to help identify the various LE models.

thanks!

[Steve1973]

As far as Canadian significance, Enfield No.4 rifles that were made at the Longbranch factory here in Canada are a good place to start. You can find them sporterized and full wood, though you will obviously pay more for the full wood one. Besides this site, there are several dedicated websites and forums on the Enfield where you can do some research as well.

[sdh1911]

I got to jump in on this fella's, welcome to the sight it is truly a class act. Second, I collect milsurps pretty heavy and what these follows have told you is dead on. I have a slight prejudice for the 6.5 X 55 round shot out of the Swedish guns. It's very forgiving and "extremely" accurate. I have all the models MFG except for one (I'll Let the guys here figure it out) but if I were just getting in and didn't give much mind from which side of the pond you get your guns from, consider the Swed's they are very collectable and shootable-Just my 0.02 cents-SDH

[K31]

If you want a Lee-Enfield, buy a MkIII or III* to start your collection. They are drying up so quickly, you may not be able to afford one in a few years. Just a decade ago, you could still find the odd one for $100 or less. Look at what they sell for now! Shocking.

[bearhunter]

If I were to start collecting all over again, I think I would take the advice of an old mentor.

If you're not going to reload, buy rifles that ammunition is readily available for.

That leaves you open to the venerable 30-06Springfield, 303British and 7.62x51 (308Win)at first look.

Everything else isn't commonly available off the shelf in most smaller centers and even in the larger centers.

One of the very collectible and delightfully accurate rifles not mentioned here is the K31 Swiss, in 7.5x55. Ammunition for this rifle is almost impossible to find, so handloading is a must.

There are lots of others that are cheap and steeped in history, such as Carcanos, Arisakas, Mas36s, Krags (not cheap) etc, again unless you're lucky enough to find a shootable supply of ammunition a handloading issue only.

BE CAREFUL, It's addicting and a lot of fun as well as historically enlightening to collect milsurps.

You will also find yourself the butt of some discrimination from non milsurp shooters, that is until you take a 1908 Brazilian mauser in 7x57, with iron sights to a 100yd shoot that's open to scope sighted sporters as well and take the prises home.

I know you said you were looking for a historical shooter, I would suggest instead a representative of type shooter. Such as one of the later built Lee Enfield No4 Mk2 rifles. Usually to be found in VG to Exc condition at reasonable prices.
The above advice to try a sporterised rifle is good and a very low dollar entry point, but then again, they feel and shoot a lot differntly than a full wood rifle.

The first thing above all else, have fun, I could go on and on about directing your collecting to certain periods or types. That's totally up to you. You will make mistakes, we all have, just suck it back an learn. One thing you will find about this board and the CGN board as well, not only are the people knowledgeable but they have integrity as well. If you buy something from them, they usually stand behind their sale.
That being said, even though there are many knowledgeable people here, there are some well meaning, unknowledgeable persons here as well. Ask for a 10 day, no shoot, inspection period and money back option if you're at all unsure.

bearhunter

[Claven2]

Another option for a "first Milsurp" is to look up frontier taxidermy and order a Russian SKS. These guns are due to arrive in the next month or two, are uncharacteristically inexpensive right now, and shoot inexpensive, readily available ammunition. That way you can shoot A LOT for not much money, have a collectible rifle (DO NOT hang tacticool crap off it), and improve your shooting skills dramatically. At the end of a crate or two of ammo, you'll have a much better idea of wha you like and dislike in a rifle and where you want milsurp collecting to take you.

[happydude]

I'm going to go against the grain and advise that you get a rifle that really appeals to you.

My fist firearm was a Mosin Nagant 1891/30 that I picked up for $145 at SIR. I really wanted a Lee Enfield but I didn't want to make my first firearms purchase over the internet and the local supply of Enfields, at least at major retailers, was nil. Having nobody to guide me, I bought the Mosin because it was close enough. I like my Mosin well enough, but I like my Enfields far more for reasons that have nothing to do with the rifle's performance or ammo.

I would suggest to you that you find out what about a milsurp rifle appeals to you. Is it history, looks, country of origin, familial connection, performance, or is cost a significant factor. Giving us an idea of what you're looking for would help.

I'm not sure from what experience you come from, but I'm going to assume you own other guns. Milsurp shooting and reloading goes hand in hand out of necessity and expense. Current availability of cheap surplus ammo is limited to 7.62x39 (SKS), and 7.62x51 NATO. I highly recommend that you get involved in reloading. If this is not possible, I would suggest staying with a rifle that shoots commercially available ammo. I'm going to assume you're from Canada, at which point I'd recommend an Enfield that shoots .303, an SKS that shoots 7.62x39, a Garand that shoots 30-06, or a Mauser that shoots 6.5mm (Swedish) or 8mm (German). If you reload, and don't mind paying a premium for brass depending on the caliber, the sky's the limit.

As to buying a milsurp, CGN is pretty good but prices can vary from the obscene to steals. I have not personally bought from P&S, but Jean at P&S Militaria is very highly recommended. He's not cheap, but you'll be getting a good quality product.

Oh, and I second the 'you will make mistakes' advice. I stripped the finish on my Mosin and applied a clear coat polyurethane. Heck, when I bought Claven's NRF SMLE last fall I hadn't even heard of NRF (rumor has it they're somewhat rare).

[K31]

And don't fall for the urge to buy cheap sporterized rifles, with the hopes of restoring them. It gets expensive fast!