What is the best surplus buy today?
 

I would be curious what you good folks think is the best military surplus buy available today. The thought came to me as I was roaming the racks of a surplus arms dealer. He had 1944 Russian carbines for a low as $50. Then there were Russian 91/30 rifles with bayonet, sling and ammo pouch for $100. He did not have any Yugoslav Model 48 or 48As. I did see some rough '98 Mausers that were Russian capture guns, but they were over $200. Even the Yugoslav '98 Mauser reworks were pretty well beat and about the same price. I kept walking until I found an Italian Model 1938 in 7.35mm for $80 bucks, but ammo is hard to find. The sole Swedish 1896 rifle was in nice shape and had a hang tag of $250, remember when they were about $75?

The market keeps changing. One of these days the well has to run dry and has on certain military surplus rifles and handguns. Let's hear your thoughts. All the best...
Gil

Hi Gil;

I think the CZ52's in 7.62X25 are a pretty solid buy right now.

I'll Second that. Cheap and reliable but I am going to have to get off my Arse and get one as I have noticed they are getting harder to find at the shows

CZ-52
 

I agree these are robust and interesting handguns. A few years ago I picked up a 7.62 CZ-52. On my next visit to the gun shop, they had a 9mm CZ-52 in what looked like an original box. It uses the same magazines as the 7.62 and is fun to shoot. All the best...
Gil

There is a 9 MM drop in barrel available for the CZ52. Reeds Ammo should also, by now, have a drop in barrel in the .22 Reed Express. This is a 7.62X25 case necked to .224. Ammo of their manufacture is available. Velocities are said to rival Hornet, from the semi-auto CZ52. Had an unissued from Century, feeds, functions and shoots great. Recieved another unissued from Military Gun Supply yesterday. Appears to have a chrome lined bore. Very nice throughout. I really like shooting and reloading for these pistols.

Maybe I just don't understand or maybe the old Swedish mausers have suddenly disappeared. Remington, Ruger, Winchester and others are all chambering rifles currently for the 6.5x55 cartridge. It's finally getting its day in the sun, and I'm quite glad since I've enj0yrf the old M96s for years now.

Although I'm not a great fan a lot of deer and moose are taken in Canada with the venerable old .303SMLE. Some have been sporterized but many are in their original configuration, and quite popular even today.

Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Cal
 

You are correct, the venerable old Swedes are getting harder to find. I recall when they were $69 in excellent condition not so long ago. The last one I saw in decent shape had a hang tag of $250.

It seems the best buys may be things that we just happen upon. I picked up a lovely U.S. 1917 Winchester with a bobbed stock for $125. When I got home I dropped it into an original Winchester surplus stock. Same bargains shoe up as sporterized '98 Mausers and Springfields. As long as the metal is in tact they are candidates for remilitarization. The sporterized military rifles that show up around here are usually reasonably priced. All the best...
Gil

cz52
 

Ear,

reeds had a problem with the heattreating on the cz-52 barrel for .22 reed express, and the new lot hasent come in yet :/

been waiting for abit, want to try it out.

not sure if he's sticking with the same peopelthat did the first batch or not.

Finnish M39.

$175 in excellent condition, just shy of the '06 in performance, very accurate. Butt ugly. Mosin cartridge, same as M44, etc.