I have heard from some people that they collect as an investment. So when they buy a surplus rifle, they hold on to it, sell it later for more = a profit. They mark that down to inflation. Saying that, here’s what I have observed from my own experience & in my own opinion.
1) Supply & demand.
Pure numbers and it’s popularity, I mention the M14S as an example,. Not restricted, and thanks to Marstar the price was brought down…
2) Geographical availability (US vs. Canadian market and who gets the rifles)
Let’s face it, you get more money in the US for rifles. Our market is smaller, etc.
3) Collectability (Condition and rarity)…Says it all.
4) Shootability (refer to available ammo as mentioned).
If you shoot military surplus, you’re going to have to reload to keep the costs down. If you don’t reload, then it becomes an expensive hobby. This applies to the desirability of the rifle. i.e. French 7.5x54 ammo or 6.5x55 Swed, etc.. You basically have to reload @ a cost of approx $100 per caliber + your time.
5) Legal (banned or prohibs etc…)
I miss the FAL……
6) Along with the market & what drives the sale of guns “in general” is Hollywood.
Now tell me you didn’t want a M91/30 Sniper or a K98 sniper after seeing “Enemy at the Gates”. Perhaps an M1 Garand after seeing “Band of Brothers” or “Saving Private Ryan” It’s the exposure, Hollywood showing us all what our troops did with those rifles. Perhaps showing us a little bit info on what our family members did in war.
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If a Ross rifle was recently imported now, it would be the cost of the rifle + importing / export / shipping / Duty/ fees / Misc + profit = price. Does this mean all Ross rifles are now worth the cost of the newly imported rifle?
I saw some Lee Enfields for sale. $300 for a SMLE in good shape, some would consider that good, $500 for one in excellent shape? $600 for a Canadian marked SMLE in VG shape. How about the price differences on a M1 Garand, Lowest price I saw was $600 highest was $2000, wow!
I think what is driving the costs of surplus rifles is all of above + the market conditions = what the market will bare.
What it has come to now, is you better learn your surplus firearm specs / conditions/ history /markings, etc.. Because the days of the $100 special has long sailed and now it’s not hard to get burned by say: buying an M1 Garand made from parts from WWII & the Korean war /ex Danish service / Italian manuf, being sold on a June 1944 receiver, tagged as WWII US vintage battle rifle, Mint bore, stamped VAR 8/66 Price $1500.
Just a few thoughts roughed out.
Pete
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