Most collectible?

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Having never really delved into the milsurp aspect before, I have been thinking of making a purchase or two.......

A couple of questions please. In your opinion, which of the currently available milsurps is destined to become highly desireable / collectible, as has the M1? and why? Now, you don't have to own one to vote for it :D.

Secondly, I'm looking for an accurate shooter, one that is a pleasure to shoot, has a smooth slick action, and reeks of quality and craftsmanship? I have a 1919 Lee Enfield that I just can't seem to warm up to, it just feels so unweildly and clunky. I have an old L57 Sako and man is that a smooth action! That's what I'm after.
 
If you think a SMLE is "unweildy and clunky" you're not likely to be happy with any milsurp rifle. You will not find a smoother, faster bolt action milsurp than the Lee Enfield.
 
The 1903 and 1903A3 springfields are also known for smooth actions, FWIW. As are the Mannlicher type rifles.

Your best bet might be to attend a milsurp shoot at your local club, and ask to cycle a few of the actions. See what you like.
 
Stevo said:
If you think a SMLE is "unweildy and clunky" you're not likely to be happy with any milsurp rifle. You will not find a smoother, faster bolt action milsurp than the Lee Enfield.
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swiss K31 is a MUCH faster bolt action rifle and its a milsurp rifle
 
Obviously you havent seen many enfields if you think there is no craftsmanship involved. Highly desireable? Long Lee's, Lee carbines, (and no I don't mean No5Mk1's but they are getting up there as well), No1 Mk5, No1Mk6, L39A1, L42A1, No4Mk2 and of course No4Mk1T's.

Almost forgot to add, commercial Lee Enfields and "factory" sporters in various calibres.
 
contact148 said:
swiss K31 is a MUCH faster bolt action rifle and its a milsurp rifle
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You can't compare straight pull and turnbolts, they're apples and oranges. Which wars were the K31's used in again?;)
 
i have one Mk1No3 and two Mk4No2.

i don't know if i will like shooting them, as i have not shot them yet, but i can tell you that i find the bolt operation is a hassle. i use my left hand to operate the bolt handle, and upon pushing in the bolt, i feel a rather stong compression force, and upon closing the bolt, it usually snap my palm, and it hurts! :(

having said all this, i do like the look! :D
 
majormarine said:
i have one Mk1No3 and two Mk4No2.

i don't know if i will like shooting them, as i have not shot them yet, but i can tell you that i find the bolt operation is a hassle. i use my left hand to operate the bolt handle, and upon pushing in the bolt, i feel a rather stong compression force, and upon closing the bolt, it usually snap my palm, and it hurts! :(

having said all this, i do like the look! :D
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Unlike the Mauser, the LE cocks on closing. Why are you operating the bolt with your left hand, are you a lefty?
 
Thanks for the replies fellas, I'll do a search on the said rifles to learn more about them.

John Sukey; please read my post again. I didn't say or imply this: "you havent seen many enfields if you think there is no craftsmanship involved." Thanks for the list of collectible Lee's, it's good info.
 
chupac said:
I tend to disagree..... I dislike enfields of all models. On the other hand; I like most other milsurps. What works for one doesn't work for someone else.

Find the one that is right for you - it is out there. Try pre/early war m98 style rifles... ie. south american or even portuguese contract k98s - One of nicest crafted rifles out there with actions smooth as silk. Puts every enfield I have seen to shame for craftsmanship and functionality.
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I feel like I've been puched in the chest!!:D
 
Yeah, just to add to what the other guy's said, a lot of milsurps are clunky and 'thick' as they are battle rifles, made to stand up to abuse and harsh conditions and still be reasonably accurate (minute of man). For sleek and well built you might want to look at a Swedish Mauser, like an M38.

I have owed a bunch of milsurps and prefer the Mauser action to any others for ease of use. Like someone mentioned, go to a Milsurp shoot at your local range and get your hands dirty on all the different persuasions to see what works for you.

The collectibility of milsurps seems to be based on two things as far as I can see. Condition of the firearm (matching serials, bore, metal, wood) and rarity of the firearm. Matching K98's are not common, hence pricey and appreciating regularily. SKS's are plentiful so are cheap and not appreciating (not yet anyway).
 
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Enfields of all flavors are about to take a major price hike IMO, closely followed by K98's, as long as the Russians don't dump their (reportedly massive) captured stocks on the market.
 
RobSmith said:
Enfields of all flavors are about to take a major price hike IMO, closely followed by K98's, as long as the Russians don't dump their (reportedly massive) captured stocks on the market.
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Lrts hope that they do and that we can get some real buy's!!
 
Stevo said:
If you think a SMLE is "unweildy and clunky" you're not likely to be happy with any milsurp rifle. You will not find a smoother, faster bolt action milsurp than the Lee Enfield.
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You're actually wrong for once.

The smoothest action is of course the Kar 98k.
But the SMLE is definitely the fastest. But not the smoothest at all.
 
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