Reflections on 43 years of "Milsurps" ownership.

[rum_runner]

This thread may not go far.
Having found this sight, and seeing all of the great threads/info, I have began to wax "nostalgia"
My interest in military weapons began with an interest in history...and the weekly TV episodes of "Combat" as a child in the '60's. First introduction to Mausers.
I thought they were "cool" looking.

I was being taken Whitetail hunting as young as 6 yrs old by my Gramps. He carried a Belgium Browning Auto 5 20 Gauge...let me carry a Stevens Side-by-Side 20 gauge.

When I turned 16, 1974, I was offered a .303 Jungle rifle by a friend of my Dad. It was a nice pre '68 mail order gun that he had added a scope on with a rear sight removable scope mount. $75.
People in my hunting club looked at me like I was "off in the head". Remingtons, Rugers, Winchesters were their "Go To" guns".
Next up was a Spanish M43, that looked brand new. 2 Whitetails with this one.

From 1981 (marriage) onward, I managed to acquire...and sell/trade/pawn...

2 Longbranch Enfields. One I gave to a friend. One sold. Paid $75 EACH.
1 Reworked Like new Argentine 1891 (sold)
1 Argentine Carbine (sold
1 Columbian .30.06 (sold)
3 Norinco SKS (on the cheap in the early '90's) (sold all)
1 VERY NICE Finn M39. Hard as hell to cock. (Before the solution to the "sticky bolt" syndrome fix) gave it to a Friend Son)
Russian rework 98K sold for (Christmas money)
Carcano T38 gave to Brother-in-Law
Carcano 7.35...like new, with Finn markings...more Christmas money.
2 Jap 38's
2 JAP 99's
Another Spanish m43 Christmas Money.
Siamese Mauser...traded for car parts.
1934 Bereta. 32 cal.
Norinco MAC 90. Thumbhole. When I found out I couldnot swap stocks...I sold it.
KRAG that had the stock cut down, and Willams peep sight added. Traded.
and a few more I can't remember...

Started back in 2014...after retirement
So far:



1 CETME with correct un-ground bolt. Eats anything I run through it.
3 like new Yugo M48. One is a Cherrys Import. All #s match.
2 K31's like new. #s match. Troop tags.
1 Enfield #4 #s Match
2 Spanish 1916...7mm
1 Mosin ex sniper re-arsenal. #s match
1 Nodac Spud / Maadi parts kit built AKM-47
3 Makarovs...1 East German. 1 Viet Nam bringback. 1 still in the box "never fired" IJ 70 bought in the '90's still in the box with all paperwork and sales receipt.
Last one was the Serbian 1924 in perfect condition, no import makings,#s match "keeper".


What is your story?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

I've sure had my share. For instance over time...I collected US military from the Krag rifle onward...Krag rifle and carbine, school rifle, 1903 Springfield, M1917 (3), M1 rifles(12), Johnston rifles(2), M1 Carbines(25), M1A1 w/repro stock, M2, .50 Cal M2 HMG, BAR(3), M3A1 SMG, 1928 Thompson, M1 Thompson, Colt test rifle marked AR 15 with the full selector and no serial number, except test # 002 scratched in the left side of the mag well...colt SMG, Heavy Barrel A2, M4...all the pistols from the 1917 revolvers onward...

That was just the US issue. I also had the UK, Canadian, and a few of the German service pieces through time.

This doesn't even touch the civilian guns...

[Sarge]

I started with a Mod 94 Win n 1952. Traded it for a K98k bring back (an uncle) in 1953. Got interested in WW 2 German and from there on it was Kattie Bar the Door! By 1955/56 I had several K98ks and a couple of G/K 43s. I also had an MP 40. Got my first MP 44 in about 1957 and my fist MG 42 in 1960.
I currently have about 50 K98ks, 15+ G/K 43s, 70 P.38s, 9MP 40s, 5 MP 43/44s and 1 MG 42 (have sold a couple of others) and then there is all the US, Brit and ruskie stuff that I have expanded into because I couldn't find German gunz I was looking for.
There is No cure for this malady, nor would i subscribe to it if there were!
Sarge

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Sarge
Alas I fear you may be correct. No cure available though a lack of funds can result in remission.
In my view the internet (specifically this site) enables one to research & learn about arms in an efficient & enjoyable manner
while sharing the interest with likeminded others.
Nothing like scoring something new and diving into researching and or looking for missing bits to bring one back to life.