Owning the newest rifles gets expensive fast.
But what if I told you that there was an entire group of firearms that are fun to shoot, interesting to look at, and, best of all, generally much more affordable than the latest AR-15?
Sound too good to be true?
It turns out that you can add to your gun collection fairly cheaply by looking somewhere most people never bother…military surplus rifles.
These guns are battle-tested and make a great addition to any shooter’s collection.
Products of a bygone era, but they still hit the target just as well as any modern gun…and they do it at rock-bottom retail prices.
If you are new to the idea of owning military surplus rifles or just interested in the topic in general, this article will cover a few of the best surplus rifles to own, and what it is that makes them worth owning.
So keep reading to learn more!
Summary of Our Top Picks
These rifles can still be had for under $400 if you shop around. They also benefit from shooting a still-common and relatively affordable caliber.
Editor's PickIf you are willing to spend a few hours jumping through the hoops to become CMP eligible, the M1 Garand will reward you with an amazing shooting experience and that oh-so-satisfying ping.
Most Affordable Bolt-Action MilsurpItalian M91 Carcano Cavalry Rifles
These rifles are about as cheap as milsurp rifles get these days. They make great conversation pieces, but be warned, ammo is harder to come by than most other calibers out there.
Best Milsurp Bolt-Action RifleThese rifles are well-built and that is reflected in the accuracy you can still get from them today. If you are looking for a milsurp rifle that is a great shooter, this is it.
Table of Contents
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Why Shop Military Surplus?
For new and old gun owners alike, the world of military surplus firearms is sometimes overlooked — often considered to be for collectors only.
However, milsurp rifles and firearms tick a lot of boxes relevant to anyone looking for a new rifle.
Fun to shoot? Check. Handsome to look at and display? Check. Budget-friendly? Check; well, sometimes.
Full of interesting history? Double-check.
Accurate? Well, you can see where I’m going with this.
The bottom line is that military surplus rifles are worth researching for aspiring or experienced gun collectors and make for excellent rifles for shooters of all levels of experience.
Price
It isn’t unusual for an owner of a single gun to quickly find their collection growing as their budget allows.
Owning guns is sort of like saying that you are just going to take one bite of your favorite food and then winding up eating the entire thing. One taste is just not enough.
However, the prices of guns can make it a challenge for a budget-minded gun owner to grow their collection at a fast enough rate to satisfy the itchy trigger fingers that are hungry for new triggers to pull.
Sure, a brand-spanking new AR-15 with a full array of rails, accessories, grips, and optics is a sight to behold and a joy to take to the range.
However, that same AR-15 can quickly soak up even an ample gun budget.
Not to mention all the ammunition a semi-automatic rifle chews through at the range.
Milsurp rifles offer a slightly more budget-minded approach.
Where to Find Milsurp Guns
Searching for military surplus rifles and accessories can turn into a sort of treasure hunt.
I enjoy finding out of the way gun stores and military surplus stores and stopping by to check out what they have. I have come across some great deals using this method.
Gun shows are pretty much a one-stop shop for most common military rifles as well. And some online dealers also offer milsurp too.
In short, shop around and keep your eyes peeled.
With that said, let’s talk about some of the must-have milsurp models.
Best Military Surplus Rifles
1. SKS Rifles
The venerable SKS served in the military forces of dozens of countries across the Eastern Bloc and Asia.
As such, you have tons of SKS rifles slipping into the United States from various countries.
Perfect for shooters to grab up and go!
There are so many SKS rifles in the states that Bubba has gotten his hands on them, and a ‘tactical’ SKS market has popped up.
The SKS provides a semi-auto rifle that’s actually quite handy.
It’s more than just a surplus rifle and can be used as a working gun, a hunting rifle, and even a defensive weapon.
The fixed 10-round magazines make them AWB ban-proof, which is rather nice.
SKS rifles utilize a short-stroke gas piston system that has been proven quite reliable.
Like the AK, it eats when it’s filthy dirty, when it’s hot or cold, and when it’s not even hungry.
It fires the 7.63x39mm round — an abundant caliber in the United States and rather cheap.
Cheap and available ammo makes the SKS one of the best choices if you are less of a collector and more of a shooter.
It’s no sniper rifle, but it puts lead where you need it. The open iron sights aren’t great, but please don’t butcher it with an optic mount.
SKS rifles come from Russia originally, but those tend to be tougher to find.
Yugoslavian and Chinese SKS rifles seem to be a fair bit more common than the Russian models, and Yugos are often the most affordable option.
Finish off the rifle with an old-school Chinese chest rig and a pile of stripper clips to get the complete experience.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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You can read more on the SKS at our [Review] SKS: Norinco & Yugoslavian Variants or see our review of the Chinese Type 56 SKS. You can also see the video below.
2. M1 Garand
The world’s finest battle implement, the M1 Garand, is also one of the best semi-auto rifles on the milsurp market.
It’s also one of the more expensive models and can be somewhat tough to find.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program sells U.S. surplus M1 Garand models, but that requires a membership.
Sadly, lots of folks are members who buy these M1s and resell them at astronomical prices. So, it’s worth the admission into the CMP and a better option than buying from a flipper.
The semi-auto action and rapidly reloading design made the American soldier a force to be reckoned with in a field of bolt-action rifles as we entered World War II.
It fires the .30 Service cartridge, aka the .30-06. This ammo is common and available but not exactly cheap.
These gas-operated rifles are wonderful and truly a mechanical sight to behold. Not to mention, surprisingly accurate for the time. They would still make a very effective hunting rifle.
If you are a member of the CMP, then you owe it to yourself to take an M1 out to a high-power competition and have some fun.
The M1 utilized an en-bloc clip and internal magazine. Those en-bloc clips are still widely available today and easy to find.
A cartridge belt replica and a belt full of clips will make you well-equipped to kill Nazis. Don’t forget the bayonet either!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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What do you think of the M1 Garand? Let us know by giving it a rating below.
3. Chinese Type 53
Mosin Nagants have always been the go-to surplus rifle for those new to the world of milsurp.
In the last few years, the price of the Mosin has risen drastically. They’re still affordable, but the days of $89 Mosins are gone.
However, if you want the Mosin rifle, and aren’t too picky about its general condition, then the Chinese Type 53 might be for you.
China likes to copy Soviet-era rifles, and the Type 53 was their take on the Mosin M44 carbine.
Type 53 carbines use the same 7.62x54R rounds, action, and overall design of the Mosin Nagant.
Its barrel is trimmed to a short fireball creating 20.25-inches, and the bayonet is the old-school side folding spike style.
The Type 53 seems to be a much more affordable option than an actual M44.
While some may decry that the Type 53 is of lesser quality than the M44, they are wrong. These are well-made rifles; they just weren’t well-stored.
Some beat-up models go for very little and tend to be solid shooters.
Check the bore for pitting and rust. But other than that, you can likely get a T53 in shooter’s grade for a couple hundred bucks depending on where you shop.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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4. Yugo M48 Mauser
The Yugoslavian M48, or the Zastava M48 as it’s also known, provides a cheap, generally high-quality Mauser action to a cheap rifle.
Like any Mauser action, you can expect a very robust design, a reliable action, and a relatively refined action for a mass-produced battle rifle.
It’s no pre-64 Winchester, but it’s impressive.
Predictably the Yugo Mauser is just a copy of the Kar98k. That’s completely fine with me because the Kar98k was a damn fine rifle.
Even though it’s a clone of the Kar98k, most parts are compatible between the two guns.
The rifle came to be after World War II and provided a rather poor, war-torn country with a rifle with easily available ammunition.
Getting your hands on a German 8mm Mauser wasn’t a big deal for these Eastern Bloc countries.
Yugoslavia forces carried the gun until 1964 when it was replaced by the Yugo copy of the SKS.
The M48 fires the powerful German 8mm Mauser cartridge.
This hard-hitting round carries a fair bit of energy, and don’t approach it without readying yourself for its recoil.
It’s not going to beat you up, but it’s no poodle shooter.
Speaking of…the ammo is reproduced but not very cheaply. It’s expensive but could be a very effective hunting rifle.
5. Ohio National Guard Wingmaster 870s
I’m a lucky guy. I have a wonderful wife, three awesome kids, and I was able to get my hands on one of the Ohio National Guard 870s when they were going for $229 online.
These are rare U.S. surplus shotguns released from the National Guard to the Ohio Department of Corrections and then to us.
These 870s are Wingmasters from the 1970s and are limited to 1,200 pieces.
They are unique in the fact they carry the famed and very rare bayonet lug that also acts as a sling keeper and barrel to magazine extension attachment.
The Wingmasters only chamber 2.75-inch shells, but they are beautiful.
Their wood stocks, wood pumps, and beautiful blued finish make it a shotgun that stands out.
However, an even limited number of models featured the Remington 870 steel folding stock.
It’s also interesting because shotguns rarely come up in the vein of military surplus guns.
As we all know, 12-gauge is remarkably common, and you can find any load you want in the 2.75-inch variety.
These shotguns sold out almost instantly, and as such, you can only find them on the aftermarket.
Sadly, the price skyrocketed and is going for well over $1,000 on the secondary market.
6. Italian M91 Carcano Cavalry Rifles
Carcanos have come and gone from the surplus market over the years, and various models pop up whenever some guy in Naples opens the wrong crate.
The most recent hotness is the M91 Cavalry variant…91 as in 1891, and cavalry as in the dudes actually on horses.
These are not new rifles by any means – they’ve been kicking around for decades.
Serving in both World Wars, these bolt-action rifles were used in limited numbers all the way up to 1981.
As per the usual cavalry designation, they measure shorter than the standard configuration.
Well, to be honest, the Italians never used the cavalry designation. But the rifles were intended for horse-bound troops, as well as paratroopers and special troops who might need a shorter rifle.
The shorter 17.9-inch barrels make the rifles quite handy.
The lack of a full-length handguard also reduces the weight and simplifies construction.
A 6-round magazine could be charged with an en-bloc clip and reloaded rapidly.
Now, the biggest problem with this rifle was the round-nose projectile.
It’s a 6.5x52mm round — an interesting choice in an age where the standard was .30 caliber and larger.
Original military rounds didn’t help the rifle’s performance in those great wars.
However, modern hunting loads exist and have refined the projectile into a more spitzer-type projectile.
This improves ballistics and makes it quite capable for modern hunting. The round can take most North American game with the proper projectile.
These rifles are a cheap means to get into the milsurp market, but the ammo can be somewhat tough to find.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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7. Hakim & Rasheed Rifles
A favorite of the PPT team…the Egyptian-made Hakim & Rasheed rifles.
The Hakim is largely based on the Swedish Automatgevär m/42 (Ag m/42), while the Rasheed is more or less a copy of the Hakim…just smaller and chambered in 7.62x39mm. (The Hakim sports an 8mm Mauser chambering.)
Using a direct impingement gas system, a tilting bolt design, and a semi-auto rate of fire, the Hakim and Rasheed feel very modern despite their age.
These are fun rifles to shoot, but the manual of arms is weird. Though the magazine is detachable, it was never intended for mag reloads.
Instead, the Hakim and the Rasheed reload via a stripper clip.
And only one magazine per rifle was issued.
That said, the Hakim and Rasheed are beautifully made. And they are prime examples of a Swedish design…even if they were actually made by Egyptian hands and in Egyptian deserts.
We took a deep dive into both of these rifles, so make sure to read the review or check out the full video review below.
8. K31
So regardless of whether you’re really into milsurp or not…you’re going to dig this one.
Known for the straight-pull bolt, the beer keg charging handle, and a gorgeous Swiss shield, the Karabiner 31 is a sweet model for shooters and collectors.
Built on a reputation for excellent machining and craftsmanship, the K31 doesn’t disappoint. It offers legendary accuracy firing the 7.5x55mm Swiss round.
Many military rifles murder your shoulder, but the felt recoil on the K31 isn’t too bad. I’ll call it medium and certainly manageable.
Be wary that it feels a bit heavy, and ammo is expensive. But with a unique cartridge like that, it’s to be expected.
But aside from that, the K31 is a fun gun to shoot…and even better to show off.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Be sure to read up on our review of the K31 or watch the video below!
Final Thoughts
This article doesn’t even begin to cover the huge variety of surplus firearms available to collectors and firearm enthusiasts.
Bottom line: military surplus rifles are a great way to enhance the hobbies of shooting, gun collecting, military history, hobby-level gunsmithing, and hunting.
Just don’t be surprised if you set out to add one rifle to your collection and wind up with a new interest that quickly has you stalking gun show floors for more pieces to add to your collection.
What models do you own? Let us know in the comment below. Also, be sure to check out our round-up of the Best Military Surplus Handguns.
84 Leave a Reply
Great...now I have to try to find the Egyptian ones. I have all the rest...
I have two sks’s one is a Chinese and the other is Russian and also a mosie nagant
Unless you can get three rounds off in only six seconds and score two hits on a moving target 250 feet away, don't bother with the Carcano.
Hehe, I see shat you did there…
The K31 is definitely a favorite. If I'm not mistakes it also holds the world record for unaltered, iron sight, long distance hits (partially also due to the ammo).
I have no problem hitting small watermelons at 600m with Open sights.
Although heavy, it's a great quality firearm few can match.
Swedish Mausers M96 and M38
Springfield 1903A? Best deer rifle I ever had. Bought it in a KMart for $19.95 in 1970. Wish I still had it. Traded it for a 1953 Pontiac with a straight eight.
I have a Mosin nagant I picked up around 2013 for $115 in NC. Manufactured in 1933, hexagonal receiver. Came with cleaning kit and rod, tool kit, oil tin, shoulder strap, and a few mag pouches. Looked like it hadn't been fired. It shoots fantastic.
How about Chilean Mausers? hello?
Pew Pew I enjoy many of your articles and I really appreciate your work I do have a suggestion.
You give honest reviews and post prices but more often then not the prices you post are not accurate...even on the links literally just posted like the SKS.
For example on the SKS in this article you said they can be had for 499 and provided a GunBroker link. I clicked on the link and it's 699.
Old articles old links I get it. Prices change. No harm no foul.
However if you're posting a new or updated article please do the research and update the price.
I didn't look beyond the SKS but you listed the price as 499. I clicked on the link it's 699.
Please update the price when you are posting a new or updated article. This is not the first time actually it's just about every time I read a PP article.
I know it's a lot of work and you already have a lot on your plate. But please update your prices when you update your articles.
Anyone else with me or am I alone on this?
This could be an example of what might be called bait and switch lite. The dealer quotes a price to PP and then lists a higher price on his sight. You don't have to pay it, but the hype is planted in the article and if you want the goody, then you pay the higher price.
David maybe it wasn't intentional, but I can't believe you left out the M-1 carbine. That is a great shooting little military weapon.
SKS @ $645. Wow. I wish I'd have bought a couple of crates worth when they were $75 pick o the barrel in the 80's
Looking for 7.65 Argentina carbine, price rifle and ammo
Looking for a Swiss K31 to add to collection.
Have a K31 for sale. Owned by a good friend who lived in Switzerland, and whose father was part of militia, where he acquired the gun as part of that duty. Serious offers only please.
I’ve got a 30-40 krag made in 94 and still haven’t seen another one like it yet I’ve had it since I was 14 I’d smoke everyone at the range but now I can’t find much ammo sadly I don’t shoot much anymore, awesome article btw thank you!.
I collect Arisaka rifles both calibers and also Carcano 6.5 x52 rifles. And like you said it’s very hard to stop once you get your first one. By the way I also have a few Steyr m-95 carbines.
hey david im a david too ive been looking for an arisaka type 99 safety knob for the early models do you have one you might sell
Bro I’m having the most problems getting ammunition for my 7.7 Arisaka any suggestions & trusted suppliers.so expensive.Help
Ammoseek.
I am more than a little interested in a few of these rifles, but I couldn't find a price and I was wondering how I could.
there are still Gun auction sites, such as gunbroker, and gun auction. Some milsurps are getting harder to find in decent shape, and the prices are always on the rise. Also Classic Firearms offers milsurp rifles. Good to do your own research to decide what is a fair price, for the firearm you choose.
word in here, if you think you would like to get into collecting, get a Curio and relic license. It will save yo $25-$35 on every purchase
One I didn't see mentioned is the arisaka type 99, great and accurate military surplus rifles I owned one. The barrel had been reamed out for .30-06 by the Americans in WWII. Pretty neat, had to quit firing it though because the barrel's structural integrity had been weakened from age and the reaming. Probably the most accurate rifle I have ever shot.
Had I known that the SVT-40 Tokarev was such a great rifle with the correct (steel cased) ammo, I never would have sold it. Unfortunately, it destroys the brass ammo which works so well in the Mosin. Live and learn.
My brother and I began collecting milsurps about 20 years ago; mostly due to our childhood being spent shooting military bring backs that both grandfathers owned. We have an armory but here are a few of my favorites.
1. M1 Carbine: Lightweight, no recoil, deadly accurate, must have in the bug-out bag
2. Vzor52 or CZ52 pistol: arguably one of the greatest pistols ever made. Power+accuracy+durability+cool factor. The Czech 7.62 round is designed 25% “hotter” than the standard 7.62 round. This pistol can put a round through some level 2 body armor (I’m not allowed to specify) and into the wall behind the target with minimal deformation to the bullet.
3. Swiss 96/11: the most accurate rifle of WWII, the Schmidt-Rubin Model 1896/11. Being over 4ft long and firing the Swiss 7.5x55mm round; the 96/11 is not really a rifle but miniature artillery for your shoulder. If the guys at your range are not rubbernecking yet then the straight pull bolt action will get their attention. Especially when you rechamber a round and the casing shoots up vertically and busts the light above your booth.
My favorite is the M1 Carbine. Easy to shoot, 15 round mag. I don't know where my dad got it but he had me shoot it as a kid. When he passed, it was the one weapon that I made sure to keep from his collection.
I have several military surplus rifles. My prized possessions are a Garand, post World War II production by International Harvester and a 1903 A 3 by Smith Corona in 1943. My second tier is a Yugo Mauser, a 24/47 and what appears to be a very late production K 98.
Boy! my wife got me hooked on Mauser when she bought me a surplus 24/38 Czech for about $90 in 1997. This gun was in rough shape with missing and damaged parts.(Nothing serious!) But you knew that it had been abused a bit!
Back then I was too busy making a living to really go out ad shop for parts. But now that the kids are gone,(And the wife) I have been finally able to start in on it after doing a lot of homework on this arm, and it's brothers. It has been an enjoyable experience! My boys an I have taken it out on many occasions into the woods and hunted with it, or done target shooting.
My boys still recall those days!
when Pass on, this rifle, and my others, will be passed down along the memories that my boys have now, and will create with their kids!
I found an awesome website that had all of the old Russian military weapons around 6-7 years back. I bought my Mosin Nagant from them but they had them by the crate for cheap and lots of other pistols, rifles etc. I cannot for the life of me remember the site or find them. Does anyone have any ideas? I purchased my Mosin for around $150-200 if u remember correctly. Any info of a site similar would be appreciated. Thanks.
I found that militarysurplususa.com has good overall prices for Mosin Nagant parts as well as the rifle itself.
Try Empire Arms in Florida
Does anyone know where I could purchase an old Turkish Mauser? I’m trying to buy my first old rifle so I don’t really know how to search for one.
I highly recommend Guns.com. I've used them a few times now and it's great, very good prices too on older rifles.
Thank ya sir, I assume I’ll have to check in regularly with the store for one in stock?
Probably, things like that are hit and miss.
Oh ok thank you! Have a good one
I bought my Mauser 96 around 20 years ago for $100. it's dated 1904 and has a bright bore. I sporterized it with new sights, turned down bolt. completely dismantled polished and hot tank blued the entire gun. It is very accurate and a lot of fun to shoot, one I will never sell.
North of the border collection
SVT-42($225 US)
long branch Lee Enfield 1942 ($55 US)
Russian sks ($230 US)
I got the milsurp sickness in 2016. My first rifle was a Mosin 91/30, that looked like new, with bayo, oiler, ammo pouch and tools for $180. After that, I bought a Lee Enfield No1 MKIII. Three years later, my collection includes:
1. Mosin 91/30
2. Enfield No1 MKIII
3. Arisaka Type 38 carbine with MUM cover
4. Arisaka Type 99
5. K98 BYF43
6. Gewehr 98 Waffenfabrik Oberndorf
7. Springfield M1 Garand
8. Inland M1 carbine
9. Smith Corona 1903A3
10. Winchester M1917
11. SKS
And, the bayos of all the previous rifles. WWI bayos are closer to swords than to a knife! I just love to see my 1917 with the bayo. Scary!
Although the following shotguns aren't milsurp, the models were used in WWI/WW2 and later. Mine are commercial models, but I bought them because they were used by the military:
1. Winchester 1897
2. Winchester Model 12
3. Ithaca 37
4. Savage 775A (Browning Auto 5 clone)
Someday, I would like to have:
1. Gewehr 43
2. SVT 40
3. 1903
4. Enfield No4 MKI
5. Enfield P14
6. Henry Martini in .303
7. K31
8. Carcano
9. Johnson rifle
10. Ross .303 rifle
11. MAS bolt and semi rifles
There are many guns that Id like to have, but I'll never have the $ to own one. Like:
1. STG44
2. MP40
3. Thompson SMG
4. Grease gun
5. Sten gun
6. FG42
7. PPSH 43
8. M14 full auto
9. M2 carbine
10. MP18
11. BAR
And of course, ammo to fire all those guns!
What rifle is in the second picture under the "Why Buy Military Surplus?" category?
Soviet SKS
That is not an sks but a Svt-40 I'm afraid, although both are quite similar.
Yep, you're right. Thanks for correcting me!
Also, the photo of the Mosin Nagant 91/30 is not a 91/30. I believe it’s an M38. The M44, although similar to the 38, has a side folding bayonet.
I have a 1917 Eddystone 30/06 (based on the Springfield Armory model), it was part of a crate load my local dealer lucked into and it was still packed in grease! Once cleaned and given a once-over by their smith it was all mine and I LOVE shooting this rifle. It still has a smooth bolt action, competent iron sights and easy top loading internal magazine which has all taught me to be a better shooter. And the ammunition cost can be so low that I can EASILY go from one bulk sale buy to the next without dropping more than $250 (at the most) and I can multi-task the ammo between the range and hunting; and I don't lose any integrity hunting with this ammo so don't judge because it's low-cost.
I've recently become partially disabled and NEED to get out of the house, so I'm looking into Competitive Rifle Shooting for a new hobby and plan on using my trusty Army Surplus rifle. It's just so fun and easy to fire, it's become a passion. Good luck finding YOUR new/old passion ! ! !
Wow! If you don’t mind how much did that set you back and where is this dealer? Would love it get a surplus rifle, especially a US rifle!
The picture of the mosin is a 91/44 not 91/30
JUST A FEW=Mosin; Enfield(1mk3and 4mk1);spring03;spring 1898 Krag;M1;swiss1911;k98 last my favorite .52 Sharps rifle
I can't find anywhere where you can get a rifle for these prices. Can someone help?
They are getting to be higher than a cat's ass.
Canada ;)
I've got a 1943 Mosin Nagant with all matching numbers from the Izhevsk factory. Love the thing..though I do question why they decided to put metal on the buttstock..hurts the shoulder a bit.
The metal plate and, if you've noticed, short length of pull is due to the very thick coats worn by the soldiers who carried those rifles. Replace (keep) the metal plate with a rubber one and you'll notice a big difference.
Its for beating the pulp out of people
I don’t know which gun shows and shops he’s going to, but a $250 Mosin is about as rare as hen’s teeth. This seems a bit out of touch with reality.
Believe it or not, I recently purchased my first one (all matching numbers, with all the accessories except for the sling) for just around 200 bucks! Only been able to fire it a few times, and seems to be in great firing shape. I recently finished refinishing the stock and came out great.
That's pretty common, actually. I'm finding them all over for $150 to $250
I got one last weekend at the Dallas Gun & Knife show. Pristine barrel & action. $200. Shoots Great!
Have to say around 10 years ago picked up an excellent. mosin for the unbelievable price of 80 dollars still covered in cosmolean an excellent shooter when taken to range. Wish I had picked up an additional. 1 or 2 others .
I am a mil surplus enthusiast. I have about every rifle, swedisht mauser, Italian Carcono.. grerman k98,enfield and (Ishapore), arisaka (and last ditch with full "Mum"), 1873 mauser (deauteau) 1882 trapdoor mosin nagan t,91/30 (Tula star hex) and mosin M44 K31 and and 1911. Turkish Brazilian GEW, chilian ,columbian,And spanish. SKS. ,30cal Carbine. M-1 Garand, WW1 30-06 M1917 (Eddystone), 1908 manlicker P38 Byf 43 w/swastika P01 (manhurin) spanish ruby, , one I am missing is the French Mas, I'm sure I am missing a few with this post., and I am sorry if my spelling is bad It has taken many years of searching to find what I have.. oh and I am not a collector, I'm a shooter they are are in 100% working order w/ about a 2 to 3 inch at a 100 yards
I personally have stopped buying modern firearms, as they will be around for plenty long enough to amass a larger collection.However, I was able tot get my hands on 3 of the finest rifles I have ever shot. First being my Mosin Nagant 91/30 with matching numbers, made in 1943 in the Tula Factory. Second, My Fathers M14 service rifle from his time in Vietnam, also in pristine condition. Lastly is my Spanish Model 1893 Mauser, Unblemished, with matching numbers and no import markings.
Nice, Patrick!
Can you send me the website where I can buy all rifles
what I have seen I realy like .what do i have to do to buy your guns?
Hi Warren, we do not sell firearms.
I own a Lee Enfield .303, and a SKS, which I modded beautifully with after market pieces, and the FAL, plus a bolt-action .22 by Savage.
The LE is an awesome piece of history but my ammo was so bad that I didn't hit anything, and I had a hard time finding ammo. I have to try again this Summer. My SKS is awesome; it is a all black gun now and works great and looks modern. The FAL, although not surplus, is a fantastic rifle, not a small thing for sure, but it is credible and powerful.
I really want to add a K31 and a Mauser to my collection.
Thanks for the article
Great article and very timely in my case. I learned to shoot with a Mossberg .22 rifle given to me by an uncle almost 50 years ago. After a 25+ year absence I'm looking to get back into shooting rifles but wasn't sure where to start. I'm going to start looking into the ones you mentioned. Thanks!
Glad we could help you out, Alan!
You forgot the Carcano.
It was the Italy rifle that was made or design around same time as others you mention.
I'm a new shooter. And the information you guys provide really hit the mark. I love reading and learning and shooting. Thanks keep up the great work. TC NJ
Awesome, glad we could help! Be sure to let us know if there's something you'd like to see us write about.
This guy said it for me. Totally on the same track man.
Great... now I want a Swiss K31... and a Mosin... and a... damnit...
At least these are all relatively cheap!
There are many others that can be mentioned and probably should be such as the SKS, BM-59, and the Swedish Carl Gustav Mauser. SKS's, in excellent condition, can be found from the former Yugoslavian countries for $350, through good condition Russian or very rare Albanian manufactured rifles can run to $650 or more.
The SKS only barely got cut because we wanted to keep these on a pretty strict budget.
We'll be going into depth on more milsurp rifles soon and we'll definitely be including the SKS, Arisaka, and the Garand. The Carl Gustav Mauser and the BM-59 are excellent choices too for anyone interested in this kind of thing.
I got hooked on milsurp rifles after inheriting my father's German K98 Mauser. The most accurate gun I own and beautiful to boot! When it comes to reliability and ease of maintenance the old milsurp rifles can't be beat.
what kind of " local sporting goods store in 2017, carries a rifle manufactured in the 1800s? we have a specialty gun shop and big guns-how's as our ONLY means t to find these great tools !
I got hooked on Milsurp rifles after buying my first Mosin at a local sporting goods store. Now it seems everyone is on this bandwagon. I cannot find a Mosin for under $270. That's only $150 less than a brand new starter AR.
Dave, I was thinking the same. Eric, you and your team have a great thing going here! Best wishes. Look forward to the next post!
Great article. The main problem with surplus rifles is that you can't have just one, trust me! It's easy to get hooked and you'll be surprised with the accuracy you can attain if you practice. On another note I wanted to compliment you guys on a great site. I've instructed weapons and tactics for 35+ years, retired but still contract training. I recommend this site to many shooters. Thanks for leaving egos out and sticking to the enjoyment of shooting. Best of luck!
Thanks so much for the kind words Dave, we really appreciate it!