Most collectible?
- Thread starter Spokerider
- Start date
don't start arguing about K98 vs Enfields for god's sake...
theyre both wonderful.
the fact is that K98 is the nazi bad guy gun, and that's the only reason that enfields are better
(kidding, for stupid people..)
theyre both wonderful.
the fact is that K98 is the nazi bad guy gun, and that's the only reason that enfields are better
(kidding, for stupid people..)
enfield
I'm honestly quite suprised that some say the Mauser action is smoother than the enfield. I own both, (both have matching bolts), they are in very good condition and the Enfield has a smoother action by far. In my circle of fellow collectors, The Enfield is well known to have the smoothest action, and is also the fastest cycling bolt action you will ever use.
I should specify,... I'm comparing an K98k to a No4 Mk1*
I'm honestly quite suprised that some say the Mauser action is smoother than the enfield. I own both, (both have matching bolts), they are in very good condition and the Enfield has a smoother action by far. In my circle of fellow collectors, The Enfield is well known to have the smoothest action, and is also the fastest cycling bolt action you will ever use.
I should specify,... I'm comparing an K98k to a No4 Mk1*
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I think this thread started off in regards to MIlsurp collectables, not which had the smoothest action.....and i believe the best route to go for collectability is in the 1890-1930years of European semi-auto handguns(Military) as this field is full of bargains and all will go up in value because they are not being copied or watered down like many of the rifles are. Some are inexpensive and bound to appreciate eg: Ortgies, Dreyse, Mann, etc. Others are rare and exp. but still will go up in value due to rarety. E
any Bergmanns, mannlichers, Mausers, Lugers, most are works of art and not at all clumsy like most battle rifles. Some were not issue but Officers favored the obscure for their personal carry and were considered a sign of prestige or rank.
any Bergmanns, mannlichers, Mausers, Lugers, most are works of art and not at all clumsy like most battle rifles. Some were not issue but Officers favored the obscure for their personal carry and were considered a sign of prestige or rank.
I'm not sure about an M1. Is it Canadian? Does it come in .303?
As for most collectable military surplus don't forget the pre WW 1, the older the better. Investment wise I don't think you can beat the Brown Bess, Brunswick or Baker. Snider Enfield conversions are selling in the $600 to $800 (CDN) range for very good full military long guns. Get into the short rifles and carbines and it adds a premium. On any Snider with Canadian markings, nipple protector, ramrod, bayonet & scabbard add even more. And a bad bore doesn’t greatly affect the collect ability or price. So for a gun you could easily buy for $100 to $200 (CDN) fifteen years ago that's a nice increase. You'll never make that kind of interest at the bank. As for the post 1914 weapons I'm not a real fan and can't comment on prices other than I see a steady increase in the asking price at shows.
When it comes to military surplus the pre 1885 are a blast to shoot but for accuracy the Lee Enfield is the best. I have used for 20+ years a full military Lee-Enfield No.1 MKIII for hunting and it has never let me down no matter what the conditions. The best modern gun I own for smoothness of use and accuracy...junkman
As for most collectable military surplus don't forget the pre WW 1, the older the better. Investment wise I don't think you can beat the Brown Bess, Brunswick or Baker. Snider Enfield conversions are selling in the $600 to $800 (CDN) range for very good full military long guns. Get into the short rifles and carbines and it adds a premium. On any Snider with Canadian markings, nipple protector, ramrod, bayonet & scabbard add even more. And a bad bore doesn’t greatly affect the collect ability or price. So for a gun you could easily buy for $100 to $200 (CDN) fifteen years ago that's a nice increase. You'll never make that kind of interest at the bank. As for the post 1914 weapons I'm not a real fan and can't comment on prices other than I see a steady increase in the asking price at shows.
When it comes to military surplus the pre 1885 are a blast to shoot but for accuracy the Lee Enfield is the best. I have used for 20+ years a full military Lee-Enfield No.1 MKIII for hunting and it has never let me down no matter what the conditions. The best modern gun I own for smoothness of use and accuracy...junkman
majormarine
CGN Regular
- Location
- Lower Mainland, BC
i am wondering why mauser action is widely copied? i mean i have seen mauser action rifles from europe, as well as from south america. even some mordern US bolt guns are based on mauser action...just curious, that's all.
- Location
- West coast of Vancouver Island
Mas 36 has a nice action, I love the No1 and I need a No.iMk.V I recommend the Gew 88, M95 Steyr or a MN 91/30.
I recommend the Gew 88, M95 Steyr or a MN 91/30.
Most collectible?
Here is the original question; "In your opinion, which of the currently available milsurps is destined to become highly desirable / collectible, as has the M1? and why?"
If you mean plentiful and not too expensive, then Mosins and various Russian capture at the moment, as they are the new in-quantity item released onto the surplus market. If India decides to dump a hundred thousand or so Ishapore Enfields, then they will be cheaply collectible. However, with all of the current UN attempts to limit the small arms trade, there may not be many further large releases of military surplus! That will make what is now available, even more valuable, especially the good ones!
If you mean as an investment, then thats different; you probably want to look for mint specimens and rarities that are not too outrageously priced. For a long term investment I'd stick with non-semis, as they may end up confiscated someday. Look at the current market, a very-good to mint WWI or WWII example of standard infantry issue will fetch $300.00 to $800.00, an old mismatched beater will go for maybe $100.00 to $300.00.
Forty years ago I bought a mint Lithgow bayonet for eight dollars; the surplus store had a barrel full, all new! Now that same mint bayonet will fetch $50.00 +; but you can buy an old beat up one at the next gun show for $20.00, maybe less. Should have bought the whole barrel full.
Gun owners will always find a way to create more old beaters; factories long since closed will never make more un-issued specimens.
Here is the original question; "In your opinion, which of the currently available milsurps is destined to become highly desirable / collectible, as has the M1? and why?"
If you mean plentiful and not too expensive, then Mosins and various Russian capture at the moment, as they are the new in-quantity item released onto the surplus market. If India decides to dump a hundred thousand or so Ishapore Enfields, then they will be cheaply collectible. However, with all of the current UN attempts to limit the small arms trade, there may not be many further large releases of military surplus! That will make what is now available, even more valuable, especially the good ones!
If you mean as an investment, then thats different; you probably want to look for mint specimens and rarities that are not too outrageously priced. For a long term investment I'd stick with non-semis, as they may end up confiscated someday. Look at the current market, a very-good to mint WWI or WWII example of standard infantry issue will fetch $300.00 to $800.00, an old mismatched beater will go for maybe $100.00 to $300.00.
Forty years ago I bought a mint Lithgow bayonet for eight dollars; the surplus store had a barrel full, all new! Now that same mint bayonet will fetch $50.00 +; but you can buy an old beat up one at the next gun show for $20.00, maybe less. Should have bought the whole barrel full.
Gun owners will always find a way to create more old beaters; factories long since closed will never make more un-issued specimens.
- Location
- Tucson, Arizona
shortandlong said:
No, I was referring to the No1Mk5 which was a trials rifle that preceeded the No1Mk6 trials rifle which preceeded the No4 MK1.
The No1Mk5 is closer to the SMLE, while the No1Mk6 is almost a No4. As a matter of fact, after Dunkirk many No1Mk6' actions were drawn out of stores and fitted with No4 timber.
Hard to find, and unfortunately a lot of them were bubba'd. The rear sight is unlike any other enfield and the forend is also rather unique.
By the way, Skennerton's third edition on the Lee-Enfield has been at the printers ans should be available soon, IN COLOUR!
This is the BIBLE for Enfield collectors.
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When it comes to milsurps , you have to keep in mind that some many have been heavily used . It dosen't matter what one we're talking about.
I've seen fellas get turned completely off Enfields because they've had a bad example and now they feel all Enfields are junk. Same said of Mausers , Mosins ect ..and yes even M1 Garands.
It all depends on what you want , all milsurps hold collector values to somebody .
Check out as many as you can and choose one in VG condition.
Personally , I'm an Enfield nut . I learned to shoot a No4 Longbranch at a fairly early age. The handsome No4 rifle is one of the most versitile for shooting , hunting and are very collectable.
A real "sweetheart" and the most accurate milsurp I have is a 1905 Swede M96 Mauser.
The "prettiest" milsurp ( IMHO ) is my 98K '44byf , but any one of my Enfields will dance circles around this on the range.
The "clunkiest" would be my Mosin 91/30 , but by no means the uglyest and I'm not going to part with it anytime soon. The M44 Mosin carbine is likely the best buy these days . In VG , nearly new condition , with sling , cleaning kit and ammo pouches and a no-guff heavy hitter , these are a pretty good bang for the buck.
"Ugly" to the point of being downright "fugly" would fall on my M95 Styers which I'll likely be letting go soon .
After all has been said as to which is the best...
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's up to you to which is the most collectable and the best buy ...and it's up to you to find yours.
It's a mixed up , crazy world we live in . Milsurps / milsurp collectors fall into that catagory well.
I've seen fellas get turned completely off Enfields because they've had a bad example and now they feel all Enfields are junk. Same said of Mausers , Mosins ect ..and yes even M1 Garands.
It all depends on what you want , all milsurps hold collector values to somebody .
Check out as many as you can and choose one in VG condition.
Personally , I'm an Enfield nut . I learned to shoot a No4 Longbranch at a fairly early age. The handsome No4 rifle is one of the most versitile for shooting , hunting and are very collectable.
A real "sweetheart" and the most accurate milsurp I have is a 1905 Swede M96 Mauser.
The "prettiest" milsurp ( IMHO ) is my 98K '44byf , but any one of my Enfields will dance circles around this on the range.
The "clunkiest" would be my Mosin 91/30 , but by no means the uglyest and I'm not going to part with it anytime soon. The M44 Mosin carbine is likely the best buy these days . In VG , nearly new condition , with sling , cleaning kit and ammo pouches and a no-guff heavy hitter , these are a pretty good bang for the buck.
"Ugly" to the point of being downright "fugly" would fall on my M95 Styers which I'll likely be letting go soon .
After all has been said as to which is the best...
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's up to you to which is the most collectable and the best buy ...and it's up to you to find yours.
It's a mixed up , crazy world we live in . Milsurps / milsurp collectors fall into that catagory well.
