Looking for bargains
 

I visit a number of local gun shops and look for surplus arms in decent shape at a reasonable price. The pickings are usually slim. There are more used sporting arms around, but they do not appeal to me like military arms. Sometimes lightning does strike, but not lately. What deals are you folks finding out there in the market? All the best...
Gil

Gil

I believe we are going to have to rethink the meaning of a bargain when it comes to milsurp. We are not finding anything worth owning in the price range that was the standard for milsurp.
Last purchase was a 1909 Argentine for $175.00 at a Flea Market. Have bought them in the not too distant past for under $ 90.00.

jplonghunter

Good catch on the 1909
 

You raise an excellent point, military surplus arms prices are all over the board. What I am seeing are surplus arms in NRA good, fair and poor condition with high hang tag prices. I did luck into a Finnish Model 1928 in mint condition with matching numbers for $85.00. The shop owner took in the rifle in a trade and had it listed as a Moison Nagant 91/30. Oh, well. All the best...
Gil

I've seen the same things happening with milsurps in the oklahoma/texas area as well.


With the recesson going as it is, I am seeing alot of the less seen milsurps being soldoff and coming back into the market at premium prices.

Ljungmans, rasheeds, Mas 36, 49's and 49/56's, artillery lugers both repro and originals, broomhandles, linda pistols, really wide selection of stuff.

I doubt we will ever see the prices we used too, but if someone has extra cash to spare right now, you can fill empty slots in your collections.

Gil,

Occasionally I do come across nice military surplus arms. The prices are higher than some old collectors remember paying in the 1960s and 1970s. I just paid $450 for an excellent M1898 Krag rifle. I consider that a bargain in today's market. "Seek and ye shall find".....

Adam

I just purchased a 1903 Remington Springfield action at $148.00. Like I said,we are going to have rethink the meaning of bargain.

jplonghunter

jplonghunter,

I agree with you completely; we need to rethink the meaning of bargain. I remember 90cent haircuts and 25-cents per gallon of gasoline, BUT that was long ago and FAR away in 2009. A few hundred dollars for a nice military arm is par for the course today. I advise folks to pay the going price and go shoot and enjoy their chosen arm. After all, I never saw a hearse with a luggage rack, so pay the going rate while you can.

Adam

Kmart use to sell the Cosmlean Jap WW2 rifle, some other Russian one and SKS's for 89.00 and a 10-22 could be had for 109.00 and when on sale once a year 89.00.

Maybe the best bargin lik surp deal is to qualify in the Civilan marksman program and purchase a M1 garand rifle from them maybe even one of the select models (If they still sell them now). I have not check out the CMp web page in a while.

Civilian Marksmanship Program Rifles
 

A brief scan of the CMP website at www.odcmp.com will disclose that things have changed. A lot of rifles are sold out. Prices have climbed quite a bit and the CMP is now holding gun auctions. I have always done better at various gun shops. All the best...
Gil

Figures that these fine old rifles are becoming an Item of the past like 89 dollar 10-22's .

Could you still get the new Kimber 84's and 22 lr or the bushmaster's with them or are just the garands selling out.

I agree with Gil
 

The CMP has rifles and the prices and availability are certainly not what they used to be. I also go the gun shop route and have found some real gems. Take care...
Joe

Today's find was a 1910 Mexican Mauser action in excellent condition dated 1931. I think I feel a 7mm-08 in the works.
Found a barrel( Remington chambered 7mm-08 ),will turn down from .850 at muzzle to .750 and thread for SR Mauser.
Received myrtlewood blank yesterday and will cut from pattern in the near future,I hope.
Will add pics soon.

jplonghunter

Good find
 

Let us know how your project turns out. All the best...
Gil

my father in law has been looking for a spanish 7mm for a while so i had been looking for him ever thing i find i wouldnt trust shooting and they are unreal in price.
I gave him the one i have that i have fealt it was not worth much that has a real dark bore and he wont do much with it other then clean it up and shoot it thow i think he might want to have the head spae checked and i have never shot it.

1895 Winchester .30-06
 

I saw one sitting in a gun shop. It is new and has been there for three years. It started out at $1,299.00 and is now on sale for $999.00. I asked when it would go on sell some more. I saw one like it on Auction Arms a few days ago that sold for $1,350.00. We shall see. Take care...
Joe