Looking for next rifle

C

crane550

New member
I am expanding my collection and switching more to collection value then function...although both would be nice. Can spend about $400. Would like something with good historic value, not molested, and most importantly a killer good deal. It's an investment.

Thinking of the following...

Schmidt-Rubin k31 (AIM Surplus for ~400 right now)
Mauser
SKS (Several Chinese here local ~$350)
Arisaka (I know I spelled that wrong) ~250-400.
Enfield (spelled that wrong too...)...$?

Any ideas or good leads? Anything in particular to look for in these? Any to avoid? Something that fires would be good, don't want it molested or modified, and want something with lasting value even if it isn't a high end gun. Gotta fill that safe up.

Cheers!
Alex
 
I would pick up an SKS as a fun range gun but wouldn't expect the value to go up.

Not sure about Arisakas. I own one and finding ammo can be a pain so that might hurt someone eventually wanting to shoot it.

Enfields might be a good idea. I like my #1 mark 3.

I would probably lean toward a Mauser or K31.
 
A good Mauser has an excellent and reliable action. However, most/many surplus Mauser rifles are chambered for uncommon cartridges that can be problematic. That may not be an issue if you intend to rebarrel the action; but then you're getting into serious $. An Enfield may be a reasonable compromise, but don't count on surplus ammo. Moreover, most have found Enfields to be less accurate than their Mauser counterparts.
 
Been looking at all kinds of rifles today. Here are some I have considered:

Late 40's M1 carbine .30. $600.
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Yugo Mauser 8x57. $300. I think the numbers match, but not sure, that was yesterday. Bore looks good.
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There are more I just ran out of time. I will post them in an hour or so. These two were not my favorite. If anyone notices anything or can educate me on what I'm looking at I would be grateful. My goal isn't to just own these but know a lot about them and the history involved as well.

Funny, but in school I hated history. But when I hold an old rifle all the sudden it comes to life.

Alex
 
Another one I looked at. Made in Berlin for Spain. Mismatched numbers, no cleaning rod. Good shape tho. $290. Do these have any value? 1893 I think...

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This way my favorite, but at $600 was steep. He said I could snag it for $550. By far the best shape, all matching numbers. 94. Swiss. Carl Gustav. Prob more then I want to spend, though.

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A few more to come.
 
Here is the other one I looked at the and the one think I like the most... Numbers match except the bolt. All other numbers match. I can probably get it for $400 out the door. I google the name on it and I keep getting pistols.

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Different sight system then I have seen before.
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No cleaning rod.
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Any idea of what this is, and if its any good? Bore looks great.
 
Finally settled on this.

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According to the S/N it seems to be made around '87. Excellent bore, good overall shape, plus, if the need shall arise, I can launch grenades. ;)

I will promptly get back with a range report.

The Mauser isn't off the talbe- I will probably start looking again next month.
 
You decided too quickly

I was going to recommend a Persian Mauser. Many are still in great shape and they are a rare enough variant to be collectable.
 
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