Good jumping off point

tokguy said:
Nothing wrong with Safe Queens; I'm just not the type of guy to have one. I tend to play with my treasures.
If you gave me a 100 mile 1970 Hemi charger; the 1st thing I'd do is out to the strip and flog it hard.
I don't flog my milsurps hard; but I don't buy above my station. Because I'd never be able to leave it in the safe; I'm pushing through the willows with it, fording logs across the creek with it slung across my back, putting it in the gun rack and going for a drive.
One does not do that with pristine pieces...that's why I buy pieces that are already sporting a few marks and some wear.
If you handed me the most prized rifle from your collection to look at; I'd smile, admire it ( because I likely really would ) and hand it carefully back. Then say "Wow, I couldn't have this...it would not be the thing for me"
No offence intended ( I offend regularly enough, don't need to add unintentional to the pile)
Click to expand...

Well we're basically on the same page. I have no problem shooting m/m or worn milsurps and agree that pristine examples should be left alone. I find enjoyment from both aspects of milsurp collecting, both the shooting and preservation. I get just as much enjoyment out of my safe queens as I do my shooters.

To the OP, don't turn down a nice safe queen in the future. I wouldn't suggest starting out with one if you want to shoot and have a limited budget but pristine unfired examples are a thing to behold, especially some of the South American contract Mausers. The craftsmanship and fit and finish is unbelievable. Unfired or minty examples are also a good investment in my opinion (as are most milsurps really) and usually command a premium.
 
I picked up a really nice 1891 Argentinian > Peruvian mauser ( in addition to Lil Mulita) for 400 $ a few weeks back. Good deal but the ammo is pretty scarce.
Beautiful gun though
 
Starting in on buying milsurps can lead you on a wonderful, surprising journey back in time. Always have money readily available to scoop the rifles that just pop up out of nowhere. I've been buying milsurps for nearly 50 years, and wish now I would have bought more. As a good example of having the $$ at hand, last summer, at a gun show, a fellow walked up to me and asked if I was interested in buying a Ross. It was an all matching, full wood but somewhat sanded and revarnished(?). A beautiful old rifle. We agreed on his price, bingo! Mine! I had a Ross collector look at it, and the verdict was that other than the refinish job, it was original and undicked with.

Whatever you do, please don't "refinish" a milsurp until or unless you are sure it won't bugger the value. I know, someone will tune in and say it is your rifle, do what you want with it. But, please, be careful about any alterations.

Most of all, enjoy your collection, whatever it may contain! :)
 
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