Collecting on the cheap.

[CRNeophyte]

JIGGA WHOA!! which one is your favorite?

[Capt Mil Coll]

All of them.

[CRNeophyte]

All of them.

alright, i can accept that. which were your first three?

[Capt Mil Coll]

These are probably my favorites.

[Clash77]

Is that a Pattern 14 or a Model 1917 before the 03?

[Patrick Chadwick]

It's an M1917 - the finger grooves are longer and further forward than on a P14.

[Capt Mil Coll]

You are correct Sir.

[Aragorn243]

Check and see if you have a Dunhams near you. There are some other similar stores out there that are still selling the Nagants for under $100. If you get lucky, they will get a hex receiver in for the same price. I paid $89 for a hex at Dunhams earlier this year. Prices are going up, they aren't running the sales they had been but I think they are still selling at $99 each. The 91/30's are probably at present the best bang for the buck. Ammo is still available in large quantities and is cheap. It's corrosive but with proper cleaning that isn't an issue. As for references, I wouldn't recommend the 2012 Standard Catalog of Firearms for Milsurps. These big catalogs usually don't cover them in depth if at all and with the large number of variations, it's just not going to give you accurate values. I carry around a copy of Peterson's military firearms and it is a much better book for a beginning collector. It also covers the bayonets. It doesn't get into the variations completely but does tell you a few things to look for. It does break things down into MAJOR variations, like types, year changes, etc. Just not the very fine differences like different manufacturers, etc, except with the Garands and M1's they are broken down by year of manufacture and company of manufacture. I've made a point of collecting on the cheap. I hit a lot of different type of venues from auctions to shows, go gun shops to box stores to the huge mega stores like Cabela's. I have a Cabela's credit card and in using it I get points, similar to airline miles, which I can use to purchase rifles. While the milsurps seem to have almost dried up there, I snagged an M48 in like new condition free on points and a Romanian AK-47 just last Sunday for $12.51 (the rest was points). I picked up both of these in the last three months I believe. I also don't go for top of the line firearms unless the price is right. I usually go for good working rifles that have been beat up or are dirty, missing a few minor parts, etc. I put some elbow grease into them to make them presentable and have a lot of fun doing that. I don't shoot them much because I was raised in a family that typically shot no more than three shots to sight them in and the rest were being aimed at a deer. A box of 20 shells would typically last us 4 or 5 years. (I'm not kidding) Old habit I'm trying to break but I still usually only shoot a five shot group anytime I go to the range. Exceptions being the AR's and now AK's whose ammo is still relatively inexpensive.

I bought my first milsurp over 20 years ago and second shortly after that but then we had kids and I took about a 20 year break from it. Since have kind of gone on a rampage the past 3 years and you can see most of my purchases on one or the other of the various threads. I concentrate on WWI and WWII rifles but have a couple later and earlier examples that I just couldn't pass up.

[Midmichigun]

CRN,
I think you got some real good advice from these fellas.
I collected what I could afford, and don't regret it. And I am a sucker for rescue cases.
I picked up a few Mosins when they were cheap.... and have watched the prices go up on GOOD variations. When it comes to the Mosins, I am trying to pick up 1 of each "variety"... including the M38's and M44's.

Before you leapt into Nazi Mausers and M1 Garands/ Carbines, know the guns. Worn examples of an M1 can be had, which are costly to restore.... regardless of selling price to you. If you are looking for your first M1 Garand purchase, I would recommend the CMP. There you know you have a legit rifle that wasn't "bubba'd" or welded back together. As a side story, I had a friend lay down some good money for Commercial copy of a Garand, and didn't know it. Some basic research would have helped him.

Same thing with K98's. Millions were made, and stamped codes make the difference on value.

The interesting thought on the Garands and K98's, is that many people feel they are OVER collected... but that also helps with being able to access good documentation on what is correct, vs. price escalation. The Priority I place on guns:
1. Variety
2. rarity
3. Condition
4. Shooting

[westkraut]

I'm new. i have yet to make my first collection purchase and will need to do so relatively inexpensively. What are your recent less then expensive firearm acquisitions? I'm just looking for ideas for when i have the resources to chase into my gun safe. I've got a filled out FFL type 03 license waiting for an upcoming move before i file it. Right now the money seems to go farthest in a Mosin Nagant, Which seems to be a great rifle.


I handled one at a local shop where they insisted what they had was a 600 item. after finding some for inside of 100 i looked a little sideways and kept moving.

Also, is there any way to get a heads up on upcoming milsurp availability? i'm not finding any clues on line, but i honestly dont know what i'm looking for yet.

Thanks! hope ya'll are having a good week.

This may bring scoffs and laughter but I would, for good value and possible future gains in value, look at what are very inexpensive rifles (Carcanos in two calibers), Norwegian Krags and Swedish Mausers for superb quality and smooth actions, and the Lee Enfields. Older and often higher quality rifles like some already mentioned can also be found at unbelievably low prices for such high quality. All can be found in original condition for under $200 if you do a lot of searching and parts guns and bubba'd sporters often sell for pocket change to provide a source of replacement parts. Search for and join popular milsurp and collector forums to get info and best of all advice from seasoned collectors. The Mosin Nagants are readily available even in new, unfired condition and they may become more pricey with time....there are just so many, like the SKSs, available. Start with something you like and enjoy and can afford and gradually expand your interests and take some risks (knowledge paid for is invaluable), and you will soon get hooked on your favorites. Good luck!