I already have a K98 Mauser but I am starting to get into older guns. I have a couple modern guns but I like firearms with a 'history' to them and am looking to pick up a couple more.
2007-01-20 17:44:38 · 9 answers · asked by jared d 1 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
You're in luck. Russian Mosin-Nagant rifles (cal. 7.62x54 Russian) are cheap and plentiful right now in "re-arsenaled condition", which means they were restored after the war and stored for possible later use that never came. They are strong actions which are still safe to fire, are avalible as rifles and carbines, and often come with ascessories such as bayonets, original slings, and ammo pouches in like new condition. The 7.62x54R ammo is also avalible cheaply and in great quantities.
These are the rifles that drove the Nazis back out of the Mother Russia and sealed their doom. The best part, is these rifles are retailing for little more than 100.00$. Get a current copy of Shotgun news at a newsstand and check 'em out. Your local dealer can order you one and have it in a few days. For 300$ to 500$ you can even get a PU or PE sniper version with an excellent condition scope. These were used as sniper rifles by the Soviets until replaced by the Dragunova SVD semi-automatic sniper rifle.
Genuine affordable history, ...there you go!
2007-01-20 18:03:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Be careful, collecting and shooting those old greasy war rifles can be addictive!
My first was a Turk Mauser bought for $50 with 200 rounds of ammo. I now own nearly every rifle used in WWII by most every country involved and in some cases multiple examples of each.
The "King" of WWII rifles is of course the rifle that won the war, the U.S. M1 Garand. But don't start here, as you probably can't find a decent one for under $750 unless you get one from the CMP (BTW, do put that on your plans though!)
I agree with the other poster that recommended the Russian Mosin Nagant. These are simple yet elegant rifles, stout and functional and capable of accuracy better than the shooter. Buy surplus ammo just like you should be doing for your 8mm, by the case via internet order. The M38 Carbines are the sexiest, but these are often very well used and counterbored because they have been 'shot out'. Also the M44 with that monster folding bayonet are cool, but impracticle for real target shooting. The best is the 91/30 long rifle. Get several!
Also, if you can get another k98 before they run out. These will climb in value in the next few years and can finance other buys.
I also love my Swiss K31 (It is NOT a 'Schmit-Rubin', despite being sold as being called that). I have shot it with great success at vintage rifle matches. The ammo is more expensive so you need to remember that.
Also, available these days are affordable Enfields, the SMLE and the No 4 Mk 1. This is a fine rifle with huge history and a damn fine shooter. Note that ammo is going to cost, you really need to reload to shoot .303 British a lot.
Since you have a 8mm, you may want to stick with that one ammo and get a Czech VZ-24, Yugo M48, Turk, etc.
Besides the Garand, you will also want a U.S. M1 Carbine ($900 up) and a 1903 Springfield (used in WWI and WWII....around $500 to start)
Go to this website I'm giving the link for, join the forums and read every article and look in the forum sections. It's like the encyclopedia of old guns and the folks there are very helpful and nice to new collectors and shooters. Good luck and happy shooting!
Look up these suppliers on Yahoo search:
AIM Surplus
Southern Ohio Gun
Interordnance
Empire Arms
Classic Arms
2007-01-20 20:06:39 · answer #2 · answered by DJ 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Just about everything that was said so far is correct. But don't overlook the British Webley revolvers, the Colt & Smith M1917s (they both shared an issue designator, revolvers chambered for .45 ACP w/half moon clips), the American M1917 Lee-Enfield (still issued in WWII, although it was a WWI rifle), "Shooter" quality P-38 german pistols, and a host of others, including the 1911A1.
2007-01-21 00:30:34 · answer #3 · answered by Daryl E 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Mosin-Nagant 7.62x54Rs are the only economic guns to shoot anymore.
US miltary guns are not cost-effective. If they are too nice they are collectors items that are not shot. Watch your wallet.
2007-01-21 01:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by david m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Define your "expensive"
2. 1903A3 Springfield, I have 2 and they are fun
3. M1 garand or M1 carbine
4. 1921A1 Thompson with 100 rd drum.
5. M2HB 50 BMG
I have all the above, taxes and ammo are stiff, but it's my hobby.
2007-01-21 01:45:15 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
a 1897 trench gun don't cost to much the M1 Garand is fun to shoot you might be able to find one at a gun show for $600 but most are around 1,200-1,400the one i like the most that i have would be the Sten MK2 sub machine gun that will cost you around $4,000 by the time you pay the feds $200 and other fees
2007-01-20 19:30:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
M1903 Springfield .30 Cal or the U.S. M1 Garand.
Good luck and have fun............
2007-01-21 04:19:17 · answer #7 · answered by Barbo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gerand. Colt .45.
2007-01-20 17:51:32 · answer #8 · answered by robert m 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
try to pick up a used ww2 mauser german
2007-01-20 19:08:42 · answer #9 · answered by miller4000 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋